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Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
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Author:  Blain [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
I'm working on making a Fret Slotting Jig for the Table Saw and am wondering what materials most of you use for the runners?

From LMI they say UHMW is recomended, but I can't find this anywhere. I believe it's some sort of Nylon/plastic...

Any hardwood recomendations?

Also, how are you attaching the runners to the sled? Screwing from the top, screwing from the bottom, etc.? Any problems with these coming lose over time?
Author:  Wes McMillian [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
I believe UHMW would be the material of choice here, but it doesn't have to be. Any stable hardwood you have laying around should do the trick. Main thing is to have a good fit that slides easily without racking and binding.

In fact, I just ripped plywood for mine wow7-eyes . Just because it was there. And it works fine, just as long as it is a good fit, doesn't bind at all.

It's not pretty, but I tend to shoot for function over form on my jigs. I just have an old stand alone benchtop saw stuck in the corner for this operation.


Image
Author:  Blain [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
Thanks Wes.

Thanks for the picture too.

Looks like I'm off to see what kind of spare wood I have to use.
Author:  Heath Blair [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
woodcraft sells UHMW here http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=897 .

there are a ton more places im sure, but this is the first place that came to mind.
Author:  Chris Oliver [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
Blain,
Check out this tutorial:
http://www.infinityluthiers.com/tutFretSled.php
chris
Author:  Blain [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
Thanks for all the tips and links everyone.

I've been working on this all day (Taking lots of breaks because it's hot out in the garage today).

I'm actually just about done. Just making the last few adjustments now.

I used Oak for the runners for now, but I think I'm going to swing by Woodcraft and check on the UHMW. The Oak seems to be doing great right now, just not sure how it will be months or years down the road.

I'll post some picture when it's all done.
Author:  Blain [ Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
Alright, here it is about 95% complete.

I still want to put a support across the front where the saw cut is and add one more support on the far right side behind the fence.

Oh, and I'm also thinking about adding some toggle clamps to hold down the fret board and template. Has anyone else done this? Just seems easier than taping down the fret board or holding it with your hand...

Here's a couple of pictures of what I have right now.
Author:  Dan Minard [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 3:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
You really don't need to toggle clamp the fretboard down as you make your cuts. Firm pressure with fingers is sufficient.
Not only would the clamps slow you down, I think they'd cause more problems than they'd fix.
On my sled, I built up the cut line area behind the fence with plywood... To keep the sled rigid & to make sure the bade would be "buried" & never come close to my hands.
I also put a stop in one track so I wouldn't cut further than necessary into the sled.
A little candle wax on the runners will keep them sliding smoothly. (I used maple scrap for my runners)
Author:  JRE Productions [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
any problems with pulling the fretboard back thru the blade in the other direction? I often wonder if this would widen out the slots too much. Even the best saws seem to tend to have a little movement in the shaft/bearings etc. I was thinking of pushing it thru and lifting it off before pulling back the sled.

Thoughts?

joe
Author:  Bob Garrish [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 3:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
UHMW is polyethylene, which might help with finding people who sell it. They have it at [url]OnlineMetals.com[/url]. It's a decent place to pick up small chunks of metal and plastic.
Author:  Dennis Leahy [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
Some discount department stores (like Target) sell white plastic cutting boards, which are typically made from UHMW.

I have always used wood for the sled runners for woodworking jigs. Because those skinny strips are hard to even pin nail in place without splitting. I usually just glue them on. What I usually do is cut the strips, place them in the saw slots with glue on the top surface, then lay a sheet of plywood or MDF over the top, and put a bit of weight on it. Once the glue dries, you can lift the sled off and the runners come with it. Then hand sand them very lightly and wax them. I doubt that you'll ever need to make a new sled, and predict that you won't bother with the UHMW, which is much more difficult to attach to the sled.

Dennis
Author:  Blain [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret Slotting Jig-Runners Material?
Joe,

According to the LMI instructions, you should lift the fretboard once the saw blade passes through it.

I was planning to go that route, but would also be interested to hear if anyone just leaves it down and what their results are.
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