Installing frets on a bound fingerboard

[Charlie]

Hi, I'm looking for information on how to fret a new fingerboard/neck that will be bound with maple. This is the first fingerboard/neck that I have done that will have a binding, and I'm sure how to go about it. I'm not sure if the frets should be installed first and then put the binding on, or if the binding should be installed and then install the frets.
Thanks
Charlie

[John Parchem]

The frets go on after the fret board is bound. As the fret will go over the bindings the tang needs to be cut back on both sides to allow the fret to go in the slot. I use a Stewmac Fret Tang Snipper. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Speci ... ipper.html. There are other ways using a file, making you own fret snipper out of a snipper you can probably buy at harbor freight. I will let other chime in on those methods.

[Kevin in California]

I just typed a whole long detailed explanation of how to do this Charlie, and I hit send, and John hit send on his post at the exact same time, and my post got lost..........I hate it when this happens. Arg!
Anyway, don't have time to retype it now, but I'm sure the other guys will tell how to do it.
Good luck.

Kevin

[Beau J]

i bought a set of nibblers at radio shack

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2289712

used my dremel to cut a groove for the fret worked like a champ

if you google "fret tang nipper on the cheap" you will find pics to help

[dave d]

I couldn't find the nibbler at Radio Shack so I ordered the Klein Tools version from Amazon for about $25.

I cut a slot into it with a dremel and a cutting disc.

The fretwire lays on its side in the slot so that the tang is under the blade. And voila.

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[ken cierp]

Or --- look in the specialized tools section of the Acoustic Guitar Construction Forum!

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=84

[Charlie]

Hi, Thanks everyone for all the information. Looks like I get to buy another tool !! This trade never seems to get boring, always something new to learn, and look at all the tools we have to make or buy.
Thanks again
Charlie