Attn luthier dudes - need fret files

[MDV]

I've developed quite the technique with a sharpening stone, padded boots nailfile and steel wool but had to make some serious reductions to some frets (epiphones chimp-assembled line of gutiars with necks set in at the wrong angle are to blame) with that the other day and crowning, tricky with that ad-hoc setup at the best of times, was a nightmare

I figure its time to invest in some fret files.

Recommendations please!

[Adam.M]

A sign as how tired i am at the moment

I read the forum topic as 'Another luthier dies - need freds flies'

Carry on...

[PhilKing]

Go for the Stewart McDonald ones (www.stewmac.com, they have 2 different sizes per file.  I have them and they are very good.  You don't need all of them, figure out the size frets you are using and how you want the crown to be, then find the one that will do it for you.

[MDV]

Do you mean the diamond ones?

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Fretting.html

First option

Thems some pricey files. Are they really that good?

[PhilKing]

No - the double sided fret files I meant.  I have the diamond one that looks like a first world war tank from the side and it is really good though!

[Ratrod]

Get the complete fretting tool kit.



Well worth the investment. I did my first fret dressing with this kit last week. I didn't even do a half assed job. Good tools is half the work.

I also got the setup kit and the nut making kit.

I had an old Japanese D-35 clone and made it come back to life with these tools.

Dressed the frets, cut the nut slots a little deeper for proper string height at the first fret, it now plays like a dream.

The 'under the string' radius gauges in the setup kit are the greatest invention ever, especially when setting up a Fender.

[MDV]

Thanks ratrod, but I have many tools that cover most of whats there. Perhaps not as optimised, but no matter, with due care and attention and a bit of resourcefulness I get by just fine with more conventional gear for the most part (other parts, where I dont, would include that bloody epiphone I just did! Result was good, customer happy, me; not so bloody happy!).

So, I'm looking at the double fret files that Phil suggested.

Then, more pricily but various aspects of its design make a lot of sense to me, the http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_supplies/Shaping_and_crowning/2/Diamond_Fret_Files.html offset diamond fret file.

And the other main thing is the leveling stone. The one I currently use leaves fine grooves in the fret that have to be filed out. This one http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_supplies/Leveling/1/Fret_Fingerboard_Leveling_Files.html claims to leave a smooth surface. Really? REALLY? That doesnt seem terribly likely to me - I dont think a frets smooth until its mirror-reflective. But if it does, then cool, I'll bite.

So, my questions

- is the conventional sharpening stone I have good enough, or does the stewmac one live up to its claim of leaving a smooth surface (which is a bit irrelevent seeing as they get crowned ayway, but it may be handy)

- Is diamond really much better than normal steel files? Is it true that it doesnt leave chatter marks and gives a smoother result? How long till it wears out and I have to buy another anyway?

The choice is currently use the dozens of more conventional files and sharpening stones I have (I have a few actually, just one good one and a couple of really cr@p ones), dont fall for diamond file hype (if hype it be) and just get one normal double side file

Or

If diamonds better (or better enough) get one of them.

Or

If diamond isnt better, but those levelling stones are better than normal sharpening stones get the normal file and the leveling file

Or

If diamonds better and the levelling files are better than normal sharpening stones then a diamond file and levelling file (to the tune of about £100, but thats just 1.5 fret dresses (and setups) really so if it is good stuff, I'll go for it)

[MDV]

Screw it, ordered the offset diamond file and some mircomeshes.

[PhilKing]

You won't regret it.  I have the offset file and use it a lot, it is very smooth but takes down the frets really quickly.  One pass over the end and you have a nice smooth finish, 2 passes and it looks like you spent hours with them.

[MDV]

Good to hear!

[Ratrod]

I know some guys who have the diamond fret files and they swear by it.

The leveling file leaves a very smooth surface. I was surprised by that.

After the levelling and crowning you still need to smoothen it up with fine grit sandpaper and steel wool.

After that, a bit of polish and they look like new.

[MDV]

Well, I didnt get the levelling files, but I think I'll test the rest with a refret of one of my more expendable guitars. The sharpening stone leaves a pretty rough surface, but on reflection, I want that, because I use it (when some frets arent showing wear, they're stilll too low, continue till they do).

[WezV]

get yourself a sharpie - mark all the tops of the frets with it before levelling

its easier to spot any low frets this way

[MDV]

get yourself a sharpie - mark all the tops of the frets with it before levelling

its easier to spot any low frets this way

Good idea!

Wish I thought of that. Thanks!

[Ratrod]

I use a marker for every step of the process. It shows the low spots and it also shows how evenly you file things down.