inlay question

[PHANTOM]

When inlaying the finger board I cut the fret slots first then do the inlay. Now do i cut the inlay so there is a gap for each fret slot or do I glue the inlay in then re cut the slots into the inlay. I am positive this is a simple question but I have no idea thanks in advance for any answers.

[Allen]

I've not done an inlay that spans fret slots, but in Grit Laskin's "Art of Inlay" he marks out the edge of the fret, and only inlays to that edge, not spanning and recutting. He says it's too easy to destroy all the hard work up to that point.

I suppose that applies mostly to using pearl and recon-stone. Wood I think would work out alright recutting.

[J.F. Custom]

You could probably do either, depending on your set up and confidence.

Recutting slots through the pearl is risky though. I assume you use some form of fret saw to slot? These are for the most part far too aggressive to cut pearl. The risk of fracture would be high. Using say your pearl saw to trim back to the slot edges would be fiddly and possibly not very accurate. I do know of one maker who glues solid then re-cuts, but instead of the fret saw used initially to slot, he uses a fret kerf size dremel burr and the dremel of course, to grind it back to slot edges which is safer but not for everyone. There are other methods of same, but it's up to you and the tools at your disposal.

Cutting them prior will increase your work, but is safer and more easily controlled. One thing I would suggest whichever way you do this is that you bevel the edges of the fret slot/s with the pearl when finished. If you don't, the tang of the fret is likely to crack, chip or lift the pearl piece when pressed or hammered into place.

Good luck,

Jeremy.

[PHANTOM]

Thanks for that Allen and Jeremy will give it a go and see what I come up with thanks again.