Guitar Workstation & Fret Press

DESIGN

The Guitar Workstation & Fret Press is a modular guitar press system with an integrated guitar support stand. The workstation is constructed from high quality materials including oak, stainless steel and aluminium.

In addition to the functions of the press, the design considerations include comfortable working height, maximum guitar support and stability in use. The construction is robust and the assembled system weighs approximately 18kg / 40lbs.

The system is capable of pressing all fret positions on solid body guitars and the majority of frets on acoustic guitars. *(When used for acoustic guitars, additional measures will be necessary for fretting over the soundboard – see option 2)*.

2-OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

1) STANDARD WORKSTATION FPR 168S

This option is designed for pressing all fret positions on solid body guitars and can also be utilised for frets on acoustic guitars along the supported section of the neck and heel - typically up to the 12th-15th frets.

2) UNIVERSAL WORKSTATION FPR 168U

*The system includes additional features for pressing all frets over the soundboard on acoustic guitars.

MAIN FEATURES

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT FRET PRESS

The fret press comprises of 2 aluminium posts fitted with an adjustable height press beam. The distance between the posts is 360mm for spanning the upper bout or horns.

The screw press mechanism is mounted at the centre of the beam. The press screw pitch is 1.5mm and typically a single turn of the handle is required to press the fret into position after initial fret contact.

The maximum opening height to the underside of the caul is 210mm. The beam height is adjustable and secured by tightening the thumb screws and adjacent locking screws. Extra locking plates and bottom stop plates are also provided.

MAIN SUPPORT BOARD

The main support board is 600mm long x 300mm wide. The board is made from 18mm thick marine plywood and fitted with adjustable feet at each corner. The board can be positioned centrally about the press, towards one end, or at an intermediate position. The board is secured to the bottom member of the press frame with 8mm allen head screws. The board features clamps for locking the workstand.

EXTENSION SUPPORT BOARD

The extension support is made from 18mm marine plywood and tucks underneath the end of the main board. The extension support dimensions are 300mm x 200mm.

The extension increases the overall length of the base to 900mm.

FULL SET OF PRESS CAULS

The system is supplied with 75mm wide stainless steel cauls (10 piece set) - 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 20" & Flat. The cauls have a flat cross sectional contact face. This affords easy seating on the fret and allows a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the press caul and fret.

CHANGING CAULS

The caul is located onto the press screw using a spring retained collar.

To remove: pull the collar downwards or prise the collar away from the end of the screw using a small screwdriver or similar tool.

To re-fit: push the insert and collar up until it engages on the end of the screw.

The press caul is attached to the screw via a spring retained collar.

SETTING UP THE CAUL TRAVEL & PRESS HEIGHT FOR INITIAL USE

1) SETTING THE CAUL TRAVEL

Before adjusting the press beam height, turn the press handle anti-clockwise returning the caul to its highest position on the screw. Then wind clockwise by 1-2 turns lowering the caul by approximately 3mm.

2) SETTING THE BEAM HEIGHT

The protective rubber pad should be placed on the fretboard and the cross beam lowered until the caul rests on top of the rubber. Ensure the cross beam is horizontal then lock in position using the thumb screws. Unwind the caul to maximum height and remove the rubber. Adjust all the locking plates and bottom stop plates and tighten the fixing screws.

INTEGRATED GUITAR WORKSTAND

The included guitar workstand is comprises of a solid oak base fitted with a fixed neck support caul and universal guitar body support. The supply includes support pads at each end for free standing use (these are removed when the stand is used in the press).

FIXED HEIGHT NECK SUPPORT CAUL

The design features a fixed height neck caul with adjustment of the guitar body height to suit. This provides a uniform support height for the guitar neck whether working on acoustic or electric guitars.

The neck caul is 250mm (10") long, made from oak and covered with soft cork. The caul features a ‘C shape profile for locating the guitar neck. The shallow profile centralises and steadies the neck whilst providing good access at the sides of the fretboard for filing the fret ends. The caul profile features rounded shoulders and cork extending to the outsides which provides cushioning for the neck and adaptability for different neck shapes.

UNIVERSAL GUITAR BODY SUPPORT

Made from oak and cushioned with firm neoprene foam, the guitar body support is curved providing stability for the guitar back on acoustics or solid bodies.

Guitar body depths from dreadnought to slim solid bodies are accommodated by utilising the oak spacing blocks and stacking these underneath the screw block assembly as required. Fine adjustment of the guitar body height is made by rotating the support on the central screw. The guitar body support is secured firmly in position via a manually adjusted locking ring with spanner connection.

HEEL SUPPORT SCREW JACK

The jack is moved horizontally for best position underneath the heel. The screw height is adjusted until the heel is contacted under light pressure. Packing blocks are provided to cater for different body thicknesses.

*UNIVERSAL WORKSTATION FPR 168U - ADDITIONAL ITEMS

FRETBOARD TONGUE SUPPORT

The tongue support is mounted off the cross beam. Height adjustment is made via the top knurled thumb nut and the support is clamped using the lower thumb wheel.

FRETBOARD CLAMP STRAP

The strap is secured by two swing bolts and provides extra stability when setting up the tongue support and fretting over the soundboard.