Fret Cutting Jig - Guitar Building Tricks and Tips

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

darrenking — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:33:39 +0000

Ok folks,

Here are the final scale length templates. The only other one is going to be a completely universal template for fretless bass models.

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Please don't say 'Oh you've missed off the one for xxxxxx'! I'm sure I have, I just don't want to know yet!

I am going to assemble the first couple of batches of jigs just to keep an eye on QC but after that the plan would be to supply them in kit form to keeps costs down. I shall post a reminder of the prices for the jig, saw and templates later today.

Cheers

Darren

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

darrenking — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 14:45:57 +0000

Hi Boo,

Thanks for the glowing review and for taking the time to post the video. It was really great and I'm pleased that you found the jig easy to use and robust enough for the job. I like the occasional bit of 'over engineering' but there is a very real difference between adding value and simply adding production cost. Hopefully with this jig I have managed to maximise the first aspect and minimise the second.

I am now laser engraving the range of templates and the rest of the batch of saws has arrived (don't you just love traditional English companies that still box everything in 12's!) so everything is very nearly ready to go. Without wanting to make things tooooo complicated I have ended with 5 different templates which, I hope, cover most popular acoustic, electric, baritone and bass scale lengths and they certainly give a much wider range than is available from our favourite North American outlet. I will post pictures showing what's on each once I have finished the lasering. How many of us/you have been longing to make a Fender Jaguar copy with the historically correct scale length is a question that I can't answer other than to say, you have no excuse now!

I'll also post a set off to Mark to get his feed back.

Thanks again and see you in class sometime soon!

Cheers
Darren

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Boo — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 18:47:28 +0000

Excellent video

@tv101 Thanks Tony, I just thought it would be easier for everyone if I made a video rather than type everything out.

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

tv1 — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 18:45:14 +0000

Excellent video @boo 👍

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Bill Flude — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 17:29:57 +0000

Looks brilliant.......

Will have to order one.

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Boo — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 15:52:28 +0000

I hope this video review helps other people make their mind up about this jig, it’s very good and worth the investment.

https://youtu.be/Cg30OIVBQjQ

RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Boo — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 15:34:29 +0000

The scale length template that you insert into the jig, houses the fretboard blank, using NEC tape (not the masking tape trick!) 🤣

The scale length is determined by a pin that is located in the base of the jig in the right hole that corresponds to the correct scale length on the template. The template has six different common scale lengths accurately marked out.

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RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Boo — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 15:28:36 +0000

Next was to check the saw (Crimson Guitars fret saw) for square. I used a small engineers’ square on all four sides.

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RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Boo — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 15:25:42 +0000

I took a measurement from the fret tang length with my callipers, I then transferred it to the adjustable parts for the saw height. These are easy to loosen/tighten with a #3 Alan key. I lowered each piece by the amount measured with my callipers.

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RE: Fret Cutting Jig

Boo — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 15:17:57 +0000

The fret slot jig from @darrenking that @tv101 sent me is an excellent prototype. My first impression was that it is an intuitive design so leaves little for the user to figure out. I say if you can get something out of the box and use it without any major issues, it’s a winner!

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I ran my fretboard blanks through the planer to get them to 6mm. Now they are ready to go into the jig.