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flattening FB after fret installation

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2014 7:06 pm
by peter havriluk
So...after installing the frets, it's time to trim the fret ends and prepare the fingerboard for installation, but it's got a backbow in it. How to remove? Clamp with reverse curve until it flattens? If there were comments in the KMG instruction manual, I didn't manage to find them.

Thanks!

Re: flattening fingerboard after fret installation

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2014 10:03 pm
by peter havriluk
I think my question was misleading and premature. My fingerboard right now is slotted, no frets, and it's got a bit of an arch to it (higher in the center than the ends when laid on a flat surface). I cut the fret slots six months ago and stored the fretboard in my office area. The fretboard is not attached to the neck. I was anticipating that the arch would be exaggerated when the frets were installed and I was trying to anticipate the need to straighten the fretboard back to flat before attaching it to the neck.

Re: flattening fingerboard after fret installation

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2014 10:49 pm
by Tim Benware
Same process in reverse, shims the thickness of the bend 0n either end. You may have to do the same thing again if you fret with the board off the neck. I fret of the neck and often have a little too much bow so I do this before gluing to the neck.

Re: flattening FB after fret installation

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2014 10:55 pm
by ken cierp
Start over ---it's only going to get worse! Screwy FB now ---- bigger problem, screwy neck later!

Re: flattening FB after fret installation

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 12:17 am
by peter havriluk
Thanks, folks. Thanks for the advice. Lord knows I need it.