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Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:36 pm
by Dave Bagwill
Looks like I'm facing some expense in setting up for slotting a fretboard.
I'm not willing to pay for the slick Stewmac table saw system - blade, stiffeners, template etc $200+
For someone who builds 4-6 instruments a year, what is a good basic tool that works and won't break my small piggy bank?
Re: Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 1:29 pm
by Dave Bagwill
Such as this Zona saw, maybe?
35-350 Woodcraft Saw 14TPI
35-350 Woodcraft Saw 14TPI
Item# 35-350
$10.50
Thick Kerf Woodcraft Saw has a blade with .020in. kerf, 14TPI, 6-1/2in. length, 1-3/4in. depth, and steel back for stability. Excellent for pull stroke cuts in hard or soft wood. MADE IN USA Right here in our Connecticut factory!
Re: Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 2:12 pm
by ken cierp
Buy a real "fret saw" don't mess around -- it will have a spine and will also be the correct kerf size .023. Use a metrc ruler/scale to layout the slots (easy as counting to 100!!!) The Fret slotting miter box in Teeter's book works great -- screw it to the bench. Also add a small toggle clamp so that the fret board does not move while cutting the slot --- this is a quantum improvement and is a must!! when hand cutting slots.
Re: Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 2:32 pm
by TonyinNYC
I have to agree with Ken. What if you finish the guitar only to find out the frets are off? Not good.
Re: Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 2:43 pm
by Dave Bagwill
I'm thinking about this guy's approach. Low-tech, accurate, does need a hold-down as Ken suggests. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... CKR75uJ-ug
And also this guy's approach - don't know where I got the pic exactly - screwed down miter box, LMI frt saw, and a template with indexing. Double tape fb to the template, move it along till the template engages the index pin, cut, do another. Course the template costs $40, maybe it's worth it.
Re: Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 3:26 pm
by ken cierp
Add the clamp and it will work just fine -- I don't advertise them but I do have the FBS templates tempered Masonite one scale per template (as it should be) I'll just say you'll save $10 over your stated price
Re: Suggestion for a fret slot saw?
Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 8:02 pm
by Kevin in California
Dave,
That guy is ME!
It works great, and I don't need a hold down, although, come to think of it, it might help.
That is a saw from LMI and the fret slot template also from LMI. Miter box is from Lowes on sale for $3. The box is screwed to the bench.
I use some spruce to space the template at the back so it slides, but has no play. Only takes about 20 minutes to cut the slots.....
Go for it Dave. Works for ME.
Kevin