View Full Version : cutting the fret slots
buckhorn
Aug-26-2004, 7:43pm
i got a piece of ebony inlayed with floral MOB from a dealer in asia . it is a great looking fingerboard but it is not sloted . i got a sloting saw from stew-mack for the job, but is there any problems cutting throu the MOB ? i would hate to mess up such a nice board . anyone with any ideas on how-to , or someone that might slot it for me ?
Luthier Vandross
Aug-26-2004, 11:25pm
Hmmm... handsaw?
What is the tooth count?I would consider using a jewlers saw to start the cuts, use a triangle file to bevel the very shallow slots that are started in the pearl, then complete the cut with the saw.
This is touchy, and I have no experience in slotting a completely unslotted, inlaid board, but that should do it.. it's all about getting it started, then beveling to keep from toothing out big chunks..
G'luck!
If anything seems unclear, ask specifics. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Miles
I liked the part of your subject that states "advice or direction to go". I'd suggest you cut the direction of the slots perpendicular to the direction of the string. ;-)
Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'll go away now.
sunburst
Aug-27-2004, 5:54am
With enough patience, a dust mask, and a Dremel tool in a router base with a small bit, you can lay out and cut the pearl at the fret slot positions. It's like routing for inlay, but it might help to run the router base against a straight edge.
I wouldn't try cutting with a .022" bit because you probably can't get one, and if you did, it would be too fragile. Just cut with a carbide .030" or so bit, only through the pearl, then slot the board. It might take a few bits.
That will help later when the frets go in too because there will be some clearance between the pearl and the little bumps on the fret tangs to avoid chipping the pearl.
Another thing you can do (if you're not worried about the disposition of the repair person who has to re-fret this later) is cut little pieces out of the fret tangs so that the frets bridge over the inlay. I've seen it done because of a very hard gold alloy inlayed vine, but wouldn't do it myself unless I had to. You'll get a better job with the slots cut through.