How To: Fixing a Bad Fret Slot

Guitarnut · November 7th, 2009, 05:42 PM

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.

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

I matched up the grain as best I could.

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

More in next post...

Guitarnut · November 7th, 2009, 05:46 PM

Next I glued the piece in place.

Then leveled it out.

Then recut the fret slots.

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.

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

Peace,
Mark

Parma_TeleMon · November 7th, 2009, 05:52 PM

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

shoretyus · November 7th, 2009, 06:15 PM

Nice recovery.

Buckocaster51 · November 7th, 2009, 07:04 PM

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

it's been done.

ReVintage · November 8th, 2009, 08:56 PM

Nice one!

mgdesigns · November 8th, 2009, 11:14 PM

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.

RodeoTex · November 8th, 2009, 11:28 PM

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.

November 7th, 2009, 05:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
Guitarnut Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 400	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. Then I trimmed a piece off the end of one of the other fretboards. I matched up the grain as best I could. Then thinned it down to just a bit thicker than the fretboard. More in next post... __________________ Texas Tele Project "Thought that is no longer limited brings experience that is no longer limited" Marianne Wiliamson

November 7th, 2009, 05:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Guitarnut Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 400	Continued... Next I glued the piece in place. Then leveled it out. Then recut the fret slots. 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. Hopefully this will be of some help to others. I'm glad I didn't toss it in the trash. Peace, Mark __________________ Texas Tele Project "Thought that is no longer limited brings experience that is no longer limited" Marianne Wiliamson

November 7th, 2009, 05:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
Parma_TeleMon Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Deep in the heart of Parma, oh Age: 49 Posts: 1,196	Nice save!! Update us when it's done, if you please. __________________ ================================ Packin' a Tele, lookin' fer trouble.... ================================

November 7th, 2009, 07:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
Buckocaster51 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Iowa USA Age: 58 Posts: 8,831 1 Photos	after you get the first coat of clear on ... you could draw in some grain lines... it's been done. __________________ "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all." - Thumper the Rabbit "An awfully lot of time can be wasted waiting for the right time." - Gunsmoke's Doc Adams

November 8th, 2009, 11:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
RodeoTex Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,125	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. __________________ Turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose.

November 7th, 2009, 06:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
shoretyus Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: canada Posts: 556	Nice recovery.

November 8th, 2009, 08:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
ReVintage Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK Posts: 154	Nice one!

November 8th, 2009, 11:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
mgdesigns Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Franklin, TN Age: 57 Posts: 657 4 Photos	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.

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