FRET SLOTTING SYSTEM
GMC Luthier Tools Fret Slotting Jigs & Templates offer a complete solution with a fretsaw included and an extensive range of fret scale templates available for guitar, baritone and bass guitar.
JIG CONSTRUCTION
The jig base is made from 20mm thick beech and is strong enough to be clamped in a bench vice during use.
The template fixing hole positions allow interchangeability of different scales.
The base has a rubber covering on the top face which provides support & grip for the fretboard.
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.
Wide Jig Dimensions: 525mm x 78mm 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 (See Fret Slotting Jig Bundles below).
INCLUDED - FRET SCALE TEMPLATES
The Fret Scale Templates ensure the precise position of each fret slot. Cutting the fret slots is carried out in two stages:
1) MARKING THE FRET POSITION GROOVES
The outside templates are used to locate the fretsaw blade and mark out the precise positions of the fret slots parallel accross the fretboard. This is achieved with a few return strokes (non cutting stroke) of the fretsaw at each fret position. The location of the fretsaw is at the surface plane of the fretboard ensuring positional accuracy. After marking the grooves, the blade templates are lowered on their fixings so as not to clash with the saw when cutting the slots.
2) CUTTING THE SLOTS TO DEPTH
With the blade templates lowered, the saw can be located onto the previously marked grooves and the fret slots cut to depth. It is recommended that a single fret slot is initially cut to depth. The datum fret slot locator can be fitted to this slot and retained whilst the remainder of the fret slots are then cut to depth.
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).
Please note the jig is designed for slotting fretboards prior to radiussing and is not suitable for pre-radiussed boards.
INCLUDED - 2.5mm DEPTH LUTHIERS FRETSAW
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 generally provides sufficient depth for the majority of needs. The saw can be substituted for an alternative depth if preferred.
The saw can also be used for cleaning / re-working the slots after sanding the fretboard.
The saw body is 3mm wide, any marking of the wood is minimal and hidden when the fret is fitted.
Please see Precision Luthiers Fretsaw Options for details of alternative saw depths available. Please message us with your order if an alternative depth of saw is required.
FRET SLOTTING JIG BUNDLES
Fret Slotting Jig Bundles are available from the webstore. These can be supplied in any configuration. The most commonly requested option is 34", 25.5" & 24.75"- see photo opposite.
ONE PIECE GUITAR NECK - JIG ADAPTATION
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)