Crowning my own frets ?

[bug music]

I was going to attempt to level and crown the frets on one of my Teles and was wondering if anyone has used one of these, and which size would be best for my stock Fender "Medium Jumbo" frets ? Thanks.
- Jay
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...Fret_File.html

[Scott S]

The "Medium" face will do those nicely, so you could get either file.

[old_picker]

I have used them and they are fine. You need to mill the frets level before you attack with a crowning file. Mark the frets with a thick marker pen and crown until all you see is a very thin line on top of the fret. Finish up with fine steel wool [0000] and 2000 grit wetndry paper. These are good to use as well.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...rd_Guards.html
good luck

[bug music]

Thanks for the replies. I was looking at those fingerboard guards too. I remember seeing a post here (I couldn't find it again though). Where someone made a guard from a cut flattened aluminum can. That sounded like a good idea, but I guess I could spring for $9.25 if they work well. Thanks again guys !
- Jay

[crawdad]

That file will help you do the job--so will the stainless guard. I'd like to suggest a couple of other things.

First, get a 6" fine triangle file. Grind off the three edges and install it in a handle. Once you have leveled your frets, you will have flat tops on them. Use the triangle file to round those edges until you have a very thin high spot on the leveled fret. Then use you the crowning file. It will give you a much rounder fret shape which will be more comfortable when you slide up and down the neck.

The other thing you need is some masking tape. Double tape the fretboard between the frets. This will keep you from putting scratches and gouges in your fretboard as you crown your frets.

These two extra items won't cost you much, but you'll use them over and over.

[old_picker]

Oh and if you do use masking tape, don't do what i did 1st time and rip up the tape taking chunks of the finish up with it. It was a maple neck and I was lucky it was on an old P bass copy worth $100.00 not my prized swamp tele.

[bug music]

Thanks for the tips guys ! I was going to use masking tape too. I have that new blue painters tape that seems to pull off easily without taking much finish. It seems to work well (on painted finishes anyway).

I was going by Rob DiStephano's re-fret guide on the link below. I figured I'd use the tape for leveling, and then the metal guard over the tape when I do the crowning and dress the ends.
http://www.frettech.com/frets/index.html

crawdad, I have a couple of fine 6" triange files, which edges do you mean to grind off ? Mine has a handle already. Thanks again for all the help guys.
- Jay

[crawdad]

Originally Posted by bug music

crawdad, I have a couple of fine 6" triange files, which edges do you mean to grind off ? Mine has a handle already. Thanks again for all the help guys.
- Jay

The three "points" of the triangle. Helps to keep those edges from cutting through the tape.

[bug music]

Originally Posted by crawdad

The three "points" of the triangle. Helps to keep those edges from cutting through the tape.

DOH ! I get it now, that makes sense, Thanks.
- Jay

[eryque]

Double-taping or taping and using a guard are overkill if you have a file with a smooth edge already. One layer of tape is sufficient to keep you from scraping up your fretboard.

[crawdad]

Originally Posted by eryque

Double-taping or taping and using a guard are overkill if you have a file with a smooth edge already. One layer of tape is sufficient to keep you from scraping up your fretboard.

Unless you are me, LOL! If I'm working on somebody else's guitar, I like having that extra insurance. But--yeah--one thickness of tape is probably fine.

I use the guard only when sanding and using steel wool.