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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: 164	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: 164	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: parma, oh Age: 49 Posts: 1,010	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: 57 Posts: 8,395 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, 08:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
ReVintage Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK Posts: 146	Nice one! __________________

November 7th, 2009, 06:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
shoretyus Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: canada Posts: 554	Nice recovery.

November 8th, 2009, 11:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
mgdesigns Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Franklin, TN Age: 57 Posts: 514 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.

November 8th, 2009, 11:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
RodeoTex Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 2,923	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.

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