FRET SLOTTING JIGS

Our fret slotting jig provides a complete solution that includes a luthiers fretsaw & fret scale templates.

Many scale sizes are available from stock for guitar, baritone & bass.

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Includes:

• Fret Slotting Jig Base.

• Luthiers Fretsaw.

• Fret Scale Templates.

Features:

• Precise positioning of the fretsaw at the cutting plane.

• Precise depth control of the fret slots.

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JIG CONSTRUCTION

The jig base is made from Ash and can be clamped in a bench vice during sawing.

The template fixing positions allow interchangeability of different scales.

The base has a rubber covering on the top face which provides support & grip for the fretboard.

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JIG VERSIONS

Two versions of the jig are available as detailed below:

GUITAR JIG - Guitar Scales Up to 27.5"

Guitar Jig Dimensions: 525mm long x 70mm wide.

(78mm wide optional)

BARITONE / BASS JIG - 27" to 37" Scales

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Baritone / Bass Jig Dimensions: 715mm long x 78mm wide.

The bass jig has an extra pitch of template fixing holes. The fixing screw positions are common allowing guitar scale & small scale templates to be fitted. 

INCLUDED - FRET SCALE TEMPLATES

​The Fret Scale Templates ensure the precise position and relationship of each fret slot.

Cutting the fret slots is carried out in two stages:

1) Marking all the positions.

2) Cutting the slots to depth.

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1) MARKING THE FRET POSITIONS

The templates are used to mark out the precise positions of the fret slots along the board. This is achieved with a few return strokes of the fretsaw at each fret position. The location of the fretsaw for each fret slot is at the exact surface plane of the fretboard thus ensuring maximum positional accuracy. After marking the slots, the blade templates are lowered on their fixings so as not to interfere with the  saw when cutting the slots.

2) CUTTING THE SLOTS TO DEPTH

The saw is located into a pre-marked slot and a single fret slot is initially cut to depth. The datum fret slot locator is fitted to this slot.

The remaining slots are cut to depth. 

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The saw guides prevent accidental damage to the fretboard from misplacing or slipping with the saw. (It is not possible to contact the board with the saw at any point other than the pre-marked positions).

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"I love the slot locator as I can remove the fingerboard and place it accurately straight back in the jig". S.L., Bristol, UK.

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​The depth of cut is fixed and is determined by the saw body which makes contact with the fretboard. The saw body is 3mm wide and any marking of the wood is minimal and hidden beneath the fret when fitted. The saw can be used for cleaning / re-working the slots after sanding the fretboard.

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The jig is supplied with a 2.5mm depth fretsaw. (The fret slot depth will be reduced at the edge of the board after sanding the radius and the 2.5mm saw allows for this). This can be substituted for an alternative depth if preferred - see below.

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Please see Luthiers Fretsaw for details of alternative saw depths available.

Spare Blades are available from the webstore.

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Saw Features:

• Precise control of saw cut depth.

• Blade can be fitted for push or pull sawing.

• Supplied with 5x 32TPI hardened & tempered blades.

• Kerf Width 0.6mm / 0.023”.

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FRET SLOTTING JIG BUNDLES

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Fret Slotting Jig Bundles can be supplied to  specific requirements. 

Please see the webstore for details.

ONE-PIECE NECK JIG ADAPTATION

Adaptations for 1-piece necks are available in both guitar and bass sizes.

The adaptor plates create the additional jig depth necessary for the neck and headstock. The headstock support height is adjustable. The two rectangular packers are used to centralise the neck. They provide a soft wedge clamp against the sides of the neck and their position along the jig is determined by the taper and width of the neck.

The adaptation can also be used to convert the slotting jig into a full length neck support jig for sanding the fretboard radius.

(See Fretboard Radius Sander Page)