Seeing the line. Fret Board Slotting

[Allen]

If your like me and are finding it more and more difficult to see what your are doing, then this might help you out.

I cut my own fret slots by hand with a back saw and mitre box. I mark out the fret slots with a scalpel by lightly scoring the board several times. On dark woods I find it really difficult to see the very fine line, so I just rub a piece of chalk over the board and the lines stand out really well. Simple and effective.

[joel]

Thats a great little tip Allen.

On a related subject, what sort of mitre box do you use? Home-brew, adapted or bought? The reason I ask is because I don't like the idea of forking out obscene amounts of money for a special 'luthiers' mitre box, but I need a little inspiration for an accurate home made one.

[Allen]

Mine is nothing special. Just a home made one that I sized for a fret board and made from MDF. I used a metal bridge next to the slot that the saw runs in that only allows the saw to cut to the correct depth for the fret tang. I also used some sticky back 80 grit sandpaper on the bottom of the mitre box to help stop the fret board from wanting to slide around when sawing.

The whole thing didn't cost more than $2. I did get the saw from Australian Luthier Supplies. It's a bit pricey, but it's cut 8 fret boards now and I expect it will last for years.

[Stu]

Nice tip there, Allan.
Will keep it in mind.