Fret Benders Compared

CONCEPT

Schematic layout illustrating GMC Single Length Fret Bender (A) versus generic fret bender (B).

In addition to full length fret bending the unique feature of the tool is the ability to accurately bend single frets. This is made possible by the close pitch spacing of the bending rollers.

BENDING FUNCTION

The close spacing of the bending rollers (A) ensures that the lead in (L1) is minimal. The effect of this is the bend radius starts from the fret end and is consistent along the fret length.

The generic tool has a longer lead in and will result in a straight section at the start and finish of each length of fretwire.

VISUAL IMPROVEMENT

The tool is designed with the fretwire feeding over the top of the wheel. Being in the orientation for fretting, rather than inverted, it is also easier to visually assess.

ROBUST ROLLER DESIGN

The close spacing (A) increases the force exerted on the bending rollers. The rollers are cam follower type bearings with an integral spindle as opposed to standard bearings with a separate fixing screw being the most likely on generic tools.

DUAL FEED WHEEL

The dual groove feed wheel (A) is designed to provide control of the feed whilst catering for different tang widths. The grooves are created from round plates fastened together at the hub. This construction provides a small amount of flex at the circumference that will serve to grip the barbs in most cases. The nominal groove widths are 0.7mm and 0.9mm and will cover the majority of fret sizes although some fretwires may fall outside this range.

FRET BENDING USE

The fret wire tang is located into one of the feed wheel grooves - narrow or wide depending on fret wire gauge.

The handle is turned to feed the wire through the rollers.

Pressure is applied to the bending rollers via the top thumb screw in order to achieve the required radius.

MOUNTING BLOCK

The mounting block allows for clamping in a vice in any orientation required.

STRAIGHTENING WHEELS

The straightening wheels comprise of a separate dual wheel and unbending roller.

The wire is fed through the underside of the feed wheel and the thumb nut tightened to apply unbending pressure on the wire. The straightening wheels are fixed permanently on the tool in a position that doesn't interfere with bending. This avoids removal and replacement of rollers ensuring continuity between bending and unbending use.

Q. "What radii can it be set up for and how?"

A. As there are numerous fret wire options with respect to gauge and material composition, it is not possible to 'dial up' a previous setting - e.g. small differences in cross section of the crown and barbs will cause the radii to differ between similar gauges. Once the radius has been setup for a particular fret wire type, the tool will maintain this for consistent fret bending.