Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey folks,

I've searched this out and didn't find an all-encompassing answer so I thought I'd throw the question out there. How do you folks install frets over the upper bout? I'm gathering tools and accessories to begin to set up my shop and I just don't see myself shelling out $300 for the Taylor Fret Buck. I've heard of people using hunks of lead but I'm not sure where I'd locate one of those. I've also read about birdshot or sandbags, but I'm not really sure how those ideas work.

What approach do you folk take?


Dustin

I use a small bucking bar wrapped in leather. You can use a small bag filled with shot.

Filippo, I wish my guitars looked as good as your jigs

Steve

I use a small bag filled with birdshot. Works very well. I prefer it over steel because it absorbs the hammer shock and prevents the vibrations from going into your bones, which can be very annoying if you fret a lot.

You can Steve, its easy !!!!! Just start building with only padauk and birch ply ... and attach your bridges with a big 1/4-20 knob !!!!

_________________
Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

I cut those slots a bit wider and glue them in. They still require a tap or two but it's much more gentle and I back it up with a hunk of metal.

I really appreciate all the input.

Fillipo, that really IS one pretty jig. Is a wooden fret buck really massive enough to absorb/dissipate the blows? I guess if you're using it, it is but I would not have expected that it would be.

One option is to not pound frets on the fingerboard extension. Obviously one way to do this is to install the frets before the fretboard is glued to the neck. Another way is to open up the fret slots and press the frets in with a Stew-Mac Jaws 2 or 3, or an equivalent. I converted a large C-clamp to accept my fret press caul and it works well.

I used to use a chuck of lead, but someone told me lead was toxic..........so I looked for another relatively heavy, relatively soft metal. I know use a chunk of gold.


Seriously, I hold a bag of shot under there.

_________________
I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

If you're going to hammer with something like lead shot or a piece of steel, I think a good thing to do is actually pick up the guitar with whatever backup you're using. That insures that the hammering can't transmit any significant loads to the structure. Not sure if this is a common thing to do, but it's always made sense to me. I wonder how others do it.