fret installation - StewMac fret press

[peter havriluk]

Ken,

Sounds reasonable enough. 1/16" is about .063", the fret slots are .025" or a bit less, I'm assuming that the fret itself covers the guide pin hole so long as the guide pin hole is centered in the slot.

Thanks for the clarification.

[Robert Hosmer]

Ken,

Sounds reasonable enough. 1/16" is about .063", the fret slots are .025" or a bit less, I'm assuming that the fret itself covers the guide pin hole so long as the guide pin hole is centered in the slot.

Thanks for the clarification.

Yeah, what Tony said.

The crown width covers the hole.
Using a micrometer on a piece of "medium" fretwire, I read a width of .0795 across the crown. I think this may also be called "standard" wire.
There is both wider and narrower fretwire available. Obviously you don't have to worry about wider, and it's my understanding that the narrow wire is used primarily on smaller instruments.

As to centering the guide pin hole in the slot, don't worry about it. The point of the drill bit does that for you.
If you center the drill on the slot and go straight down, the only thing that should cause an off-center hole is a defective bit, meaning the chisel edge is not central to diameter. But you don't have to worry much about that either, because a 1/16" drill usually snaps on you if that's the case.

Nothing to worry about here; drill away.

[ken cierp]

Actually as explained here:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/ne ... embly.html

I do not recommend a 1/16" drill but rather a #54 size which is .055" diameter

Those who purchased the KMG Bridge Setter have that drill in the package. Also a #18 brad works nicely for the pins, make sure to put wax or soap on them to make for easy removal.