Fret work

Hi there! This’ll be a shorter post because I didn’t take enough pictures for a longer one. I am getting close to the final steps (wait I just remembered the stringholders, crikey) and tonight it was time to shape the fret ends and check that they’re all level. 

First pic is my wee array of files. From the top:

- Hosco crowning file for smaller fret wire sizes. This one is ok but it has regular file grooves and can produce some ”chatter”. Then the file jumps a bit and gives me grooves in the top of the fret. I can reduce the risk by holding the neck in a vise, and lubricating the file by rubbing a piece from a candle in the the scallop. 

- New fancy pants Z-file from Stewmac. I bought this used and would maybe have preferred the offset one. This is centered. It has a diamond coating in the scallop and that makes it much less prone to chatter. I haven’t used it much yet but I like it. 

- The fret end dressing file, also from Stewmac. This is a great tool and fairly easy to use. I haven’t messed up the edge of a fingerboard in a long time. 

- Three corner file with smooth ground corners. Also from Stewmac. This is akin to a traditional tool, the ad said and I reached for my wallet. I really like it because I can use it on different sizes of fret wire. And it’s based on a traditional tool. Like, an old one. When luthiers - sorry, I’ll get on with it. 

I dress the sharp fret ends with a few strokes. The trick is to start with the file in the corner between the fret and the fingerboard, then pushing it forward and rolling it over towards the top at the same time. You don’t want to push it in the corner, you run the risk of marring the wood even though the edge of the file is ground smooth. The other edge of the file is flat, also smooth but you get two sharp corners. I use these for the final, very careful stroke right where the wire meets the wood. 



I rub the ends with a fine grit emery cloth and finish by rubbing that cloth along the frets to polish them.