A fret slot cutting jig, an alternative to a miterbox

[Herman]

Fret slots need to be cut spot on. You can buy cheap ones and expensive ones. For fanned frets they are useless, 'cause the boxes are too narrow for exepting the fretboard at an angle.
Therfore I made a very simple, but very effective jig.







Take two pieces of hardwood (Here Wengé) 170/50/4 mm (6.7"/2"/0.16"). Make the sides straight!
Take two perpendicular bars 8mm/0.32"high.

Put your fret saw snug between the two plates and glue the bars to the underside with CA glue. Let it set for a moment.

Drill two holes 12.5mm/0.5" . For a better visibility of the pencil marks on the fretboard.

So if you draw the fret positions on the fingerboard exactly on the right spot, thin and clear, you are ready to go. Put a bright light over the fretboard and clamp the jig with two clamps right over the pencil marks.
Saw!
Works for fanned frets as well as just staight frets.

Do it precise and you will see you make cuts within 0.2mm/0.008".

Good luck.
Herman

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks H!!