FRET PRESSING FOR GUITARS AND NECKS
FRET PRESS FOR GUITAR NECKS
~Guitar Neck Fret Press - No extra tools required.
~Compact in size and ideal for use where space / workshop access is limited.
CONCEPT
The Guitar Neck Fret Press is designed for standard bolt-on guitar necks only. The press opening height will accommodate the thickest part of a standard heel/neck join. It is a self-contained solution that does not require any additional equipment. The press is not designed for bass guitar necks.
The photos illustrate the typical use when fretting a detached neck. Please note that the neck must be detached from the instrument as the unit will not span the full width of a guitar body.
INCLUDED:
~Press Mechanism.
~Press Frame.
~9 Press Inserts - 62mm wide.
~Extended Neck Support.
~Cork Mat.
The press is intended for smaller volume guitar building and repair work. It is compact in size and ideal for use where space / workshop access is limited. It can even be used on a desktop and is fitted with rubber skids for worktop surface protection.
PRESS INSERTS
The press is supplied with a full set of inserts. The inserts have a flat cross section/fret contact face. This affords easy seating on the fret and allows a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the tool and guitar. The press inserts are 62mm wide and suitable for standard guitar necks.
SUMMARY
9 Press Inserts - 62mm wide:
7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
~Includes extended guitar neck support platform.
~Precise pressing control obtained via easy to turn screw thread.
~Rubber edged strips provide stability and allow the press to be used on any surface.
OPTIONAL
Grooved Inserts are also available from the webstore and these will mount onto the press through the addition of an insert holder/caul. The grooved inserts can be purchased in singles.
GUITAR FRET PRESS SYSTEMS
FOR SET NECK & SOLID BODY INSTRUMENTS
The Guitar Fret Press utilises the main press components from the Guitar Workstation and is available in 2-versions.
​
1) Basic Guitar Fret Press.
2) Solid Body Guitar Fret Press.
A stainless steel beam fitted with the press mechanism is mounted on 40 x 40mm aluminium pillars. The beam height is adjustable allowing low setting for use on detached necks or raised for fretting complete guitars. The pillars are fixed to a solid oak bottom cross member.
The inside measurement of the pillars is 360mm permitting upper bouts and horns to pass through.
The supply includes a 600mm long x 305 wide x 18 thick marine plywood sub-base with adjustable corner feet. The position of the sub-base can be offset (as per photo), or central. The sub-base is secured to the bottom member via 2 countersunk allen screws.
​
SCREW PRESS FEATURE
The fret press is operated by turning the top mounted handle which is connected to the press screw assembly. As the handle is rotated, the screw pushes the press insert downwards which applies pressure on the fret. The caul/press insert is held vertical and kept in alignment with the fret by side guides. The screw pitch is 1.5mm - approximately the same as the fret depth - thus a single turn of the handle will press the fret in position after initial fret contact.
In comparison to a lever operated press, the high mechanical advantage of the screw thread (20:1 - circumference of shaft / thread pitch) with the additional torque of the handle arm means that a substantial force is delivered with a small amount of effort and high degree of control.
FLAT SECTION PRESS INSERTS
The press is supplied with stainless steel inserts 75mm wide
(9 piece set)
7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
​
​
GENERAL GUIDELINE - FRET SLOTS & PREPARATION
1) The fret should be pre-bent for the radius of the fretboard.
2) When viewed from above, the fret should be straight and not twisted.
3) Ensure correct tang/slot fit.
4) Ensure the fret slots are free of any dust or obstructions that would prevent the fret from seating.
​
The press utilises a manual lever and screw mechanism. If the frets do not seat fully or excessive force is required then the fret tang width and slot condition should be checked and remedied. This is a useful check/control of fret insertion force (and helps to guard against subsequent wood compression which can accumulate along the board and cause back bow).
With the above satisfied, the frets will be pushed perfectly home.