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Want to try my hand at fretwork, need tool recommendations.

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 8:10 am
by exafro
I have a couple of beaters that need some fretwork(level, crown, polish, etc) and I would like to invest in some tools and learn the process. The first place that comes to mind is Stewmac and they have a set that seems like a good starting point. http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/StewMac_Tool_Sets/Essential_Fretting_Tool_Set.html Anyone have any experience with these tools? I'm less concerned about the initial cost than I am about outgrowing these tools and then ending up buying more stuff down the road. Anyone care to point me in the right direction? Thanks guys.

Re: Want to try my hand at fretwork, need tool recommendatio

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 8:54 am
by BroSlinger
This is going to sound really dumb, but I'm just planning on buying a new $157 Warmoth neck with the frets already done.

Of course, this won't apply if you're rocking a bunch of neck thrus and set necks.

That said, I've filed and hammered a few frets in my time, but never to the extent that I need $220 worth of tools. It's like Luke Skywalker "It's such a long way from" here/ That's your uncle talking.

Re: Want to try my hand at fretwork, need tool recommendatio

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:22 am
by exafro
I've honestly given the Warmoth route a bunch of thought too, but it feels like cheating :lol: That, and I wouldn't get the satisfaction of halfassing a job that I could just pay a pro to do for less time and money. Being serious now though, I'm really just looking for guidance on buying the correct tools right from the get go rather than cheaping out and having to upgrade later on, ya know?

Re: Want to try my hand at fretwork, need tool recommendatio

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:57 am
by paul6string
I've purchased two Warmoth necks, and one needed leveling. Keep that in mind.

Re: Want to try my hand at fretwork, need tool recommendatio

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2017 3:35 pm
by Koutity07
exafro wrote:I have a couple of beaters that need some fretwork(level, crown, polish, etc) and I would like to invest in some tools and learn the process. The first place that comes to mind is Stewmac and they have a set that seems like a good starting point. http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/StewMac_Tool_Sets/Essential_Fretting_Tool_Set.htmlprĂȘt Anyone have any experience with these tools? I'm less concerned about the initial cost than I am about outgrowing these tools and then ending up buying more stuff down the road. Anyone care to point me in the right direction? Thanks guys.

How about your project?