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Hello, all. With the winter heating season in full swing, the ends of my high "E" fret seem to have lifted ever so slightly, but enough to cause problems. I've been advised to put a drop of CA glue on the offending fret ends, let it set, and then re-dress the fret (or all of them). Let me review these facts: Offending fret ends are high E and a couple of others above that I just discovered this week. I seated the frets in yellow glue when I built the guitar--ala Benedetto. I have an ebony fingerboard. It is bound with walnut, so I have very short unglued sections of overhanging fret ends all over the guitar. Okay...I've used CA glue before, but not for this purpose. I have a few honest questions that will seem painfully obvious to you experienced builders and repair persons. First, if I use CA glue, then I assume it should be the very thin stuff that wicks down into gaps and voids--correct? Do I protect my fingerboard with anything, such as tape? Or will I just glue the tape down if I try? Okay...if I can get the frets stabilized and locked against further lifting, I am confident about my fret dressing. I am seeking your input about the glue and how to use it. OR...if you think it's a bad idea, then I would REALLY like to hear your recommendation, instead. Thanks to all.
Patrick

CA - Thats how I would do it - maybe a bit of wax next to the fret, then using a toothpick or similiar (I like small pieces of laminated purfling carved to a point) put a small drop of CA at the fret end, while having a flat head screwdriver ready to push the fret end down while the glue sets. Once all is well, take a fresh razor blade and scrape any excess glue off the FB. redress if required (check the frets for level with a straight edge)

I have done this a hundred times at least to fix problem frets.

_________________
Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Hi Patrick - when I fret a bound neck prior to cutting the excess fret ends off I tonk them, the ends, with the fretting hammer at a slight angle so as to bend the fret end ever so slightly down toward the edge of the fret board. This way at least the fret is shaped to sit on the edge of the fret board and then the glue will be a bonus.

Use paraffin (wax) to protect the fret board and you can scrape that off when the glue has set. Also you are correct, use the thin CA for the wicking action. If you have something like the Stew-Mac "Jaws" tool use it to clamp the fret and ends down first and then wick in the thin CA.

Coach Tony beat me to the punch!

Patrick,
If you don't want to put wax on your fretboard you might try using black electrical tape. Thin CA glue has a hard time getting underneath it like it would masking tape. Also, be careful that you protect the whole area of your neck too and not just the fretboard. CA glue as you know dries real fast and will ruin your finish .

_________________
"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

Okay, guys. I'll get the glue, tape, wax, etc., and I'll probably even cut a slot in an ebony scrap and practice the routine with a spare piece of fret wire. I'll figure out a way to improvise the clamp, too. Thanks to each of you. I am continually amazed by the generosity of the people on this forum....and I'm grateful.
Pat