Fret Slotting Jig Guidance For Use

TWO VERSIONS OF FRET SLOTTING JIG ARE AVAILABLE:

GUITAR JIG

Fret scale lengths up to 27.5"

Jig Dimensions: 525mm long x 70mm wide.

BASS JIG

Fret scale lengths from 27" TO 37"

Jig Dimensions: 715mm long x 78mm wide.

INCLUDED

Luthiers Fretsaw 2.5mm Fixed Depth. Supplied with 5-blades.

INCLUDED

Fret Scale Templates.

INCLUDED

Hardwood jig base made from solid ash so as to enable use in a bench vice without crushing the jig sides.

The set up provides excellent stability for fret slotting. The rubber grip covering provides resistance against board movement from the cutting action and flexibility for the fretboard blank seating. The working height is increased thus improving posture and comfort. 

FRETBOARD PREPARATION

The board should be a close fit between the side guides to prevent any lateral movement. If the board is narrower than the jig then packers should be fitted to restrict any side to side movement during sawing.

Please note the fretboard blank must be flat as the jig is not suitable for slotting boards with a radius.

PUSH SAWING RECOMMENDED

As the saw is guided, the user will find that push sawing on the jig will be the most efficient method. (The saw blade can be mounted in either direction).

1) MARKING OUT THE FRET POSITIONS

The outer templates can be raised or lowered via the fixing slots. They are set to their upper position for marking out the fret positions across the fretboard.

Place the fretboard in the jig and adjust the height of the outer templates so that the top edges are 2mm above the fretboard.

The fret scale marking templates ensure precise position and relationship of each fret slot.

Marking is achieved using the saw in the the non cutting direction - (using the rear of saw teeth and not the cutting edges) - by running the blade through the narrow slots at each fret position with 3-4 strokes.

This leaves a shallow groove at each fret position for the fretsaw to locate into when cutting the slots to depth at the next stage.​

The outer templates are then moved to their lower position, (clear of the fretboard and teeth of the fretsaw), for cutting the slots to depth.

2) CUTTING FRET SLOTS TO DEPTH

The fretsaw is located into one of the previously marked fretboard grooves and a single slot is cut.

After cutting the initial fret slot to depth, the datum fret slot locator is fitted to this particular slot and remains on the jig whilst all of the fret slots are cut.

SAW BODY GUIDES

The saw body guides have a nominal working clearance to enable the jig to function. The guides also ensure that the fretboard is protected from potential damage from misplacement of the fretsaw between fret positions.​

TECHNIQUE

Allow the saw to pass freely through the guide slot and ensure it is not skewed to one side or bearing against one edge.

DO NOT LUBRICATE

Differences in material compositions between the softer guides and harder fretsaw ensure smooth sawing action without binding or wear. Lubrication is not required and should be avoided.

NUT SLOT WIDTH

The jig can also be used to cut the nut slot width.

The 1st slot on the jig is the front of the guitar nut. After cutting this slot, reposition the fretboard so that the saw blade can be used to cut a parallel groove for the rear of the nut slot. (This will require manual setting & measurement). The material between can be removed with a suitable chisel working from each side.

REVISITING FRET SLOTS

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.

After radiusing, the slots can be revisited with the saw if necessary.

(An alternative depth fretsaw can be supplied with the jig if preferred - Illustration shows 2.0mm depth fretsaw)

JIG ADAPTATION FOR GUITAR NECKS

The adaptation fastens directly onto the fret slotting jig and enables neck blanks or finished shaped necks to be slotted. The increased depth of the jig will allow a maximum neck thickness - including fretboard - up to 35mm.

The adaptation is available in 2 different options:-

Jig Adaptation With Side Plates, Neck Support & Neck Centralising Packers.

Jig Side Plates Only (Excludes Neck Support & Packers).