Fret level - a new experience

RVA said:
Yes, it will not be much. I saw the video regarding those teflon dams and Dan E said that he has used many things over the years, so I was thinking a credit card maybe? I will also do it before I re-saw the slots so I can clean it if that does not work.

As for the dust, internet advice is fill with dust and add a drop of superglue over it. I can do some light sanding afterward if it is not flush when dry. I a only planning to do 2 larger spots. The rest will be "character marks" if they show at all.
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Work looks most excellent....I have a 1970 Hohner 400N that I pulled the frets out of years ago, and I am wondering if I should try to fret it...I don't even have a single old fret to gauge by....
 
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RVA,

How deep are the chips? The main thing is that there is enough "meat" left for the fret tang to be set securely in the slot. If the chips are shallow enough, they may not really be much of a concern. Like I said earlier, and as Don also said, once the frets are installed the chips may be hidden.

I'd be careful of starting a fight with the guitar that you don't need to wage.
 
smitty_p said:
RVA,

How deep are the chips? The main thing is that there is enough "meat" left for the fret tang to be set securely in the slot. If the chips are shallow enough, they may not really be much of a concern. Like I said earlier, and as Don also said, once the frets are installed the chips may be hidden.

I'd be careful of starting a fight with the guitar that you don't need to wage.
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The chips are not bad and I think that I will leave them alone. Thank you for the input. I am excited for the install!
 
RVA - where would you recommend I start on my Hohner 400N??? I pulled the frets in 2010 to do a refret and never finished it. I have no old frets either...
 
Robert Herndon said:
RVA - where would you recommend I start on my Hohner 400N??? I pulled the frets in 2010 to do a refret and never finished it. I have no old frets either...
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This is only my first re-fret, but I would say to order frets that match the depth of your current fret board slots. Then clear those slots of any glue or gunk with a small file or fret saw if you have one or wish to purchase one.
 
So I do not think I will be using my new fret slotting saw this time around. The depth of the slot in multiple locations meets or exceeds 2mm. The depth of the Jescar wire I bought has a tang depth of 1.27mm and according to a quick search, no tang exceeds a 2mm depth. On the bright side, I found some rosewood duck when I cleaned out the slots!!!

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I been gassing for one of them Hadeans for a few years now------send it to me when you done.................please :)
 
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RVA said:
So I do not think I will be using my new fret slotting saw this time around. The depth of the slot in multiple locations meets or exceeds 2mm. The depth of the Jescar wire I bought has a tang depth of 1.27mm and according to a quick search, no tang exceeds a 2mm depth. On the bright side, I found some rosewood duck when I cleaned out the slots!!!

20170322_214645_zpsqpkcppvl.jpg


20170322_214604_zps0tby9bhn.jpg


20170322_214623_zps1iqwdqah.jpg
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Impressive attention to detail!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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RVA said:
Anything I should know before using it? I have never used one before, I have just watchdd a fee videos. It seems straight forward. Thanks.
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Don't use it if you don't need it!

Seriously, if your slots are deep enough, that's fine. I'm a little reluctant to run a saw through for fear of inadvertantly widening the slot. Make sure your slots are free of all dust and debris.

But, of course, if your slots aren't deep enough, set the depth stop, and run the saw smoothly through the slot one time and check your depth before making another pass. Make sure you're not putting pressure on one side or the other and try to keep it perfectly vertical.
 
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smitty_p said:
Don't use it if you don't need it!

Seriously, if your slots are deep enough, that's fine. I'm a little reluctant to run a saw through for fear of inadvertantly widening the slot. Make sure your slots are free of all dust and debris.

But, of course, if your slots aren't deep enough, set the depth stop, and run the saw smoothly through the slot one time and check your depth before making another pass. Make sure you're not putting pressure on one side or the other and try to keep it perfectly vertical.
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And saw from side to middle, then turn the guitar round and do the same from the other side. That prevents any chance of tearing wood out from the edge of the fretboard. An old toothbrush and a can of compressed air are good for making sure the slots are clear of crap.
 
smitty_p said:
Don't use it if you don't need it!

Seriously, if your slots are deep enough, that's fine. I'm a little reluctant to run a saw through for fear of inadvertantly widening the slot. Make sure your slots are free of all dust and debris.

But, of course, if your slots aren't deep enough, set the depth stop, and run the saw smoothly through the slot one time and check your depth before making another pass. Make sure you're not putting pressure on one side or the other and try to keep it perfectly vertical.
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In the videos I saw, they make a motion with their hand as if they are trying to follow the radius.
 
RVA said:
In the videos I saw, they make a motion with their hand as if they are trying to follow the radius.
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True. But, even at that, @DonP makes a great point about coming at the middle from both sides. Actually, if you have the depth stop set, it will pretty much force you to follow the fret board radius.
 
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