Attn luthier dudes - need fret files

[ToneMonkey]

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

its easier to spot any low frets this way

I do this when I'm sanding too.  I hatch the area up with a pencil and run over it with some sandpaper.  Depending on what I'm doing then I stop using whichever tool I'm using and have a quick whip over it with this method to check the progress.

I'm 99% sure that if you're using stainless frets then you really need the diamond files.

I also figure that it's only a matter of time until you can get tungsten carbide frets.  My prediction for 2009  :D

[MDV]

If you have tungsten carbide frets then we'll have to have carbon nano-tube files for our fret dresses.

Which will be needed at least once every 600 years.

[ToneMonkey]

 :D

You could definatley do it with the dimaond files (well maybe not definately).  My wedding ring is tungsten carbide and still isn't scratched after two years.  It's be nice to have some fit and forget about frets.

Carbon nonotube strings would last nearly as long as the frets.  All we need now is a depleted uranium fretboard and I think we may be onto something  :lol:

[MDV]

Well, diamond is harder, but its not harder enough. 9 mohs to 10. You need the aggregate diamond nanotube files, or it'll be like doing stainless steel with hardened steel. And that just wouldnt do. Plus, I want fancy super-material tools!

I dont think carbon nanotube strings would vibrate very freely. Now, a nanotube through neck, where the nanotubes are normal buckyball width, but each one runs the full length of the guitar: that would be a hell of a neck. Certainly wouldnt drift. Or need a truss rod. Or need to be more than 0.0001mm thick.

[ToneMonkey]

They milled my ring (ohh er, missus) using a diamond on the end of a normal lathe bit, so I should imagine it will work (or rip the diamonds off your file  :( )

[FELINEGUITARS]

If you have tungsten carbide frets then we'll have to have carbon nano-tube files for our fret dresses.

Which will be needed at least once every 600 years.

Sadly not the case
Most fret dresses are made necessary because the wood shrinks and deforms rather than just fret wear
Super hard frets would become more of a nuisance than you might believe

[MDV]

Interesting. thanks.