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hi again just wanted to describe the fret press
i got the idea from here but wanted to make one that frets an entire
guitar not just the neck
and was wondering if anyones done something similar
it just needs a tiny wee bit more work

basically it works like jaws 1 perfectly but does more
heres the materials
WELDING CLAMP the extra long kind I think its about 8"
STU MAC CAUL +insert and a block of wood that rides along
the top arm of the clamp with a bolt to tighten it .
i should mention that the tool is used upside down
bottom arm cut to fit under the f/b and ( heres the question )
SOME KIND OF SUPPORT THAT THE F/B RESTS ON ?


the block o wood has a hole on the bottom
that the stu mac caul is tightly wedged into (so its parrell to the arm when fretting
down the neck ) works just like jaws
then on to fretting the heel and body
twist the caul 90 degrees insert lower arm that fits under the fb
and adjust your lump o wood with bolt to desired fret position

the lower arm plate needs some work i was using a bit of 90 metal with soft rubber
to support the fretboard /top but the crocadile mouth action of the tool
makes the insert slip off the fret, or seats it in fret to one side
anyone make a press like this with the plate made adjustable ?
ill send a pic when its finished
PS it doubles up as a handy bridge and brace clamp
thanks guys tomas

Sounds interesting. I want a jaws but just cant justify the price. Could you post some pics?

What other part gets frets besides the neck?
I know, stupid question... I'll wait for pics.

What's the building scene like in Ireland, Tomas?

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I think he means the frets above the neck block and above the soundboard.

I figured that is what Tomas was getting at, Edward, but I have no problem asking a dumb-sounding questions.

I was more interested in hearing about building guitars in Ireland, but didn't want to hijack.

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I have no problem with giving blatantly obvious answers, those are the only ones I am qualified for .

Oh, Ed, no reasoning necessary for slappin' me down!

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hey tomas here sorry i couldnt upload the picture it was too big but
hopefully youll get the idea feel free to ask any questions
or if you really want to see real pics you could try to
tell me what im doing wrong .....
do i need a programme to compress pics ?

trying to further describe this tool that black lump on the blue 90 angle iron
is a lump of really soft rubber it works good for cupping the neck and moulding around the x braces
but its not the answer for under the neck block

anyway replying to the irish lutherie question
i know of 2 courses ones miles away and the others way too expensive
never heard of any conventions or anything like that
theirs one fellow that makes guitars but mostly hes into building mandolins
theirs also a blind fiddle maker aswell
and one person thats on this forum thats all the people i know of really
hopefully be talking to the first guy i mentioned when i get fully kitted out
buy or trade for some jigs off him and stuff

would love to hear some ideas on a pivoting support for the neck block theory
instead of the 90 bit of metal
thats if you can understand my drawing
thanks again