How To: Fixing a Bad Fret Slot

I was slotting some fretboards today and on my third one, I was doing fine until about the 17th fret or so. Using the StewMac miter jig, template and fret saw should make this bullet proof. But, I didn't get the template down on the pin and I cut a fret slot in the wrong place. My first thought was "Crap, I ruined another one!" But as I was working on the 4th board, I decided I wasn't going to waste it. So, here's what I did to fix it...I'm happy with the results. I wouldn't put this on a guitar other than one for myself but I doubt anyone would be the wiser if I did.

First I cut the fret slot in the correct position, then made cuts in the miter about an 1/8" apart to the fret slot depth. Then I took a 1/4" chisel and cleaned out the area between the 2 slots.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix01.jpg

Then I trimmed a piece off the end of one of the other fretboards.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix02.jpg

I matched up the grain as best I could.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix03.jpg

Then thinned it down to just a bit thicker than the fretboard.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix04.jpg

More in next post...

Next I glued the piece in place.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix05.jpg

Then leveled it out.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix06.jpg

Then recut the fret slots.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix07.jpg

Aside from a slightly different grain pattern, it blends in pretty nicely. By the time I get it fretted and finished, it should be less obvious still.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/builds/fix08.jpg

Hopefully this will be of some help to others. I'm glad I didn't toss it in the trash.

Peace,
Mark

Nice save!! Update us when it's done, if you please.

Nice recovery.

after you get the first coat of clear on ... you could draw in some grain lines...

it's been done.

:shock:

Nice one!

I used to have a friend in Detroit who worked as a furniture refinisher for a major store. He would hand draw the grain onto the wood with special pens that could match the color of the grain. After finishing, you'd never see it.

That is a great save. I've done something similar but wouldn't have had the tenacity to admit it until now. Suddenly I feel proud.