Fret Caul Alignment & Even Pressure

KINEMATIC DESIGN

Our luthier tool designs are grounded in the principles of kinematics & mechanics.

BASIC PRESS METHODOLOGY

1) Pre-Bent Fret :- Tang constrained within the radiused fretboard slot.

2) Guided Caul :- Constrained within parallel forks.

3) Radius Caul :- Centralises over the fret length for even pressure distribution.

Full Systems Including Press, Neck Support & 10 Cauls - From 125.35 GBP

TYPE OF CAUL

Choice of caul depends on individual preference although it is worth noting that a simple radiused caul allows for a small amount of misalignment whereas a grooved caul requires more precise alignment and a precision groove. To achieve the high quality and precision necessary, our grooved cauls are machined in house ensuring the radius is accurate and the groove is uniform along its length. The machining setup can be viewed here.

GENERAL REFERENCES - (ANSWERS PROVIDED BY AI)

Q. Will the fretboard wood bend the fret into the right radius?.

A. No, the fretboard wood itself doesn't typically bend the fret into the desired radius. Instead, the fretboard is shaped with a specific radius, and then the frets are installed to match that curvature. Fret bending tools or manual techniques should be used to pre-bend the frets to the correct radius before installation. 

Q.. Should the fret caul be the full length of the fret?.

A. Yes, a fret caul should ideally be the full length of the fret. This ensures even pressure distribution along the entire fret, preventing uneven seating and potential damage during installation. A full-length caul allows the pressure to be distributed evenly across the fret crown, resulting in a consistent and secure fret installation. 

Q. Can a grooved caul tip a fret over?.

A. Yes, a grooved caul can potentially tip or lift the fret over on one side if the groove isn't perfectly aligned or if excessive force is applied. Proper technique and tool selection are crucial to avoid this issue.   

Q. Is a simple radiused fret caul the simplest solution?.

A. Yes, a simple radiused fret caul is generally considered a simple and effective solution for pressing frets into a radiused fretboard. It provides a consistent radius for even fret seating and can be a more efficient alternative to hammering, especially when dealing with multiple frets.    

Simple Radiused Fret Caul

Grooved Caul With Holder