FRET SLOTTING JIGS & TEMPLATES
GMC Luthier Tools Fret Slotting Jigs & Templates provide a complete solution and the jig includes a precision fixed depth fretsaw.
​JIG VERSIONS
Two basic versions of the jig are available:
GUITAR JIG - Scales up to 27.5"
Standard Jig Dimensions: 525mm long x 70mm wide.
BARITONE / BASS JIG - Scales from 27" to 37"
Baritone / Bass Jig Dimensions: 715mm long x 78mm wide.
The template fixing screw positions are common allowing guitar scale templates to be fitted to the Baritone/Bass jig also.
INCLUDED - FRET SCALE TEMPLATES
​Cutting the fret slots is carried out in two stages:
1) MARKING OUT THE FRET POSITIONS
The outside templates are used to mark out the fret positions parallel across the fretboard. Marking is achieved with a few return strokes (using the rear of teeth) across the board at each fret position. The blade guide is at the exact surface plane of the fretboard ensuring maximum positional accuracy of the marking groove. This stage leaves a precise shallow groove at each fret position for the fretsaw to locate into for cutting to correct depth.
2) CUTTING THE SLOTS TO DEPTH
The saw is located onto the previously marked fretboard grooves. After cutting the 1st slot to depth, the datum fret slot locator is fitted and retained on the jig whilst the remainder of the fret slots are then cut. The saw body guides have a working clearance of approx 0.05 - 0.1mm. This does not reduce the accuracy of the jig, as the blade is located in the previously marked slot on the board, but ensures that the saw is kept upright when cutting the slots and the board is protected from damage through misplacement of the saw.
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Please note the fretboard blank must be flat and the jig is not suitable for boards with a radius.
​​​INCLUDED - 2.5mm FIXED DEPTH LUTHIERS FRETSAW
​The jig is supplied with a 2.5mm fixed depth fretsaw. The fret slot depth will be reduced at the edge of the board after sanding the radius and the 2.5mm saw generally provides sufficient remaining depth for the majority of fretwire and board radii. The slots can be revisited with the saw if required. The saw can be substituted for an alternative depth if preferred.