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Choosing a Fret File
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=28767		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Nate Swanger [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Choosing a Fret File
So I've been looking for a 10-14" smooth mill file, as the book I'm following suggests for leveling frets, however the Nicolson I ordered isn’t very flat, and subsequent hunting hasn’t turned up any thing in local hardware stores. Any one have a good source for a very flat mill file?

I know there are methods using planes/square tubes and sand paper to level frets but i think id like to use a file if possible.

my only other idea was to epoxy my 14" i have now to a piece of hard word that i plane, helping to coax the file I have flat.

Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated!

Nate
Author:  Darryl Young [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Choosing a Fret File
Sorry I don't have a file recommnedation for you.

One thing to keep in mind is that a file should be hardened......so that it doesn't bend. Not bending is one reason it works nice to level frets. With that in mind, you shouldn't be able to flex the file to correct any un-levelness without breaking the file. If it's not hardened and allows you to flex it, it probably isn't a good candidate to use for fret leveling.
Author:  Jeffrey L. Suits [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  but i think id like to use a file if possible.
Why?

I've found stick-on sandpaper and leveling beams to be less problematic.
Author:  Nate Swanger [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Choosing a Fret File
Todd Stock wrote:
Most files are not flat, so take a precision straight edge with you when you pick one out. I've used a 12" mill bastard and an 11-1/2" diamond stone for the job, but the most accurate thing I've found is a 16" fret leveler from SM with 150 and 220 Stickit Gold.

Why not a file? I fret after the neck is on, so the board gets precision leveled just prior to fretting...much easier to do with 16" x 1" of 150 grit than with a mill bastard that does not want to clear ebony or rosewood. Almost every refret job requires the same work - some leveling of the board - so this one tool gets used on every new build and refrets.


A strong argument. My fret board was leveled on the guitar prior too as well, actually used sand paper on the other side of my clamping support (oak that i ran through a planer). Perhaps ill just take the plung and order one. On the other hand there is the DIY route of picking up extruded aluminum rectangle pipe from speedymetals for 10 bucks and flatten it my self on my surface plate, only thing i'm concerned with this way is that it may flex more than the SM one.
Author:  Colin North [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Choosing a Fret File
I used to use a 12" file glued to a block of wood, but moved over to an $15 600 mm aluminium spirit level (about 3/4 x 3" box section) with an milled edge (took my straightenge to the hardware store and tried all of them to find the flattest) and sandpaper stuck to it.
Don't flex if you let the sandpaper do the work.

Last fretboard (compound radius) was a breeze to level with it in comparison.
Author:  TonyKarol [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Choosing a Fret File
3/8 glass plate (about 3x7 inches) with 400 or 600 grit wet/dry .. doesnt get much flatter than that ... and no file marks to remove.
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Choosing a Fret File
I've been using a pair of 10" Nicholson mill files (one bastard, one smooth) for a long time. I've never seen a Nicholson mill file that was not flat (I have seen it in other brands). You sure you didn't get a "flat" file (which is not supposed to be flat)? If you did get an off one, return it and get another.
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