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Hi All,

I've read in references and seen on Dan E's fretting DVD about using thin CA to secure frets. I did do this on my first build. Just wanted to see what some of you do....to glue or not to glue? I have no problem with it -certainly don't want fret ends popping, but I'm assuming it makes re-frets more dangerous for the fretboard. Thanks as always for the input! Happy New Year, Beth

I install my frets with hide glue. They aren't really glued in, but kinda grouted in. I put some hot hide glue in the slot, hammer the fret in then wipe it with a cloth with hot water from my glue pot. They're easy enough to remove with a little heat. Heat works with frets that have been CA'd in too. IME the most important step to help with a future re fret is to bevel the top of the slots. This also helps the frets go in flush too.

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I press mine in with hhg in the slot. Clean up is dead easy.

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Allen R. McFarlen
Barron River Guitars & Ukuleles
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Cairns, Australia

I use titebond to glue mine in.

I've tried CA on a fret or two in the past. Perhaps the problem was that I used thin CA, but it wicked all along the fret length and made a darker witness line on the ebony which was not possible to remove.

I like HHG or titebond. Both easy to clean. Also, I have the feeling that, as much as guing the frets in, they provide some lubrication while hammering in.

I use white glue. Tried CA once & made a mess. As Todd said, CA is great for repairs but, IMHO, overkill for a new fingerboard.
A quick wipe with a moist cloth cleans up the squeeze out if you do it before installing the next fret.

If you're going to use cyano, hammer the frets in, clip the ends, then wipe a bit of floor wax over the ebony ... hit the frets with thin CA and just wipe the excess glue off with a paper towel (the wax keeps it from penetrating or staining the ebony) ... then OOOO steel wool off the wax. If for any reason you want a fret out, just touch a soldering iron to the metal to break the bond.

David Wren http://www.wrenguitarworks.com

I've done both glue and no glue. Now gluing....!!! Mr. Stock makes an excellant point re sound transfer that I concur with.
Tom

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I don't use glue if it's a new finger board and the first time fretting. To date I've had no complains so I likely won't change the process. I have used glue (HHG) for refretting.

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Michael Lloyd

“I was born to ignorance, yes, and lesser poverties ...
I was born to privilege that I did not see ... I didn’t know it, but my way was paved” – John Gorka

Glue is a backup and reinforcement. The fret should stay put without it.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

I have heard many say glue improves tone.

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"Preoccupation with an effect gives it power and enhances the error"
from "Your Owner's Manual" by Burt Hotchkiss.

fish glue

I do use tite bond not so much for gluing as for filling voids and lubricating the tang as it goes into the slot. CF Martin glues in the frets the same way . On the older through slot I would touch up the ends with dust and CA for that clean look. Does it make a tonal difference ? I can't hear it but anything that can lessen a dampening effect won't hurt.
At the very least you should be using some moisture to help the tang seat and barb grab.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I have tried CA as well , and have found , like everyone else, that its is impossible to clean and make look good .

I will be trying tite bond if necess in the future . I try not to use glue but have had reason to need it .

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Just in the middle of fretting a new guitar. Not using glue, frets are stying put just fine. First time I've not used glue, thought I'd give it a try. So nice with nothing to clean up.

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In an article Brune said that he smears the entire fingerboard with CA, then later rubs it down. I do not recall if with abrasive paper or steel wool. There is no witness line this way. As I recall, after the frets are installed, he wicks in CA from the end.