luthier's, repair people! fret leveling/crowning ques.

[vchizzle]

I'm considering learning how to level and dress/crown frets. Mostly because there are few around here I know and trust with my guitars. I'm somewhat of a do it yourself kinda guy anyhow and I'd like to learn. I was on e-bay and ran across this store with tools involved for the process and was wondering if they were adequate for the job and priced ok....or if there is somewhere else you could point me to if they are not.

wondering mostly about:

-sanding beam

-precision fret file

-straight edge

here is a link to the store and all the items are on there:
http://stores.ebay.com/Guitar-Tools-Frets-n-Supplies-Guru

if I end up learning how to do this, I want tools that will get the job done the best and easiest.

please let me know what you think. any suggestions and help is appreciated. Thanks!

[Valtiel]

Ahh now were talkin! I made a living doing fret levels not too long ago. I would highly recommend going to Stewmac.com for your supplies. Highest quality stuff, albeit probably a little more pricey. I used both a Sanding "Beam" and a flat diamond file. Either one works fine. Heres a list of things you will need to do the best job possible, there were a few small things missing from your list:

-Sanding block and/or Flat Diamond file
-Straight Edge
-Triangular fret file
-Fret guards (little metal things that fit over the frets)
-Precision Sanding stick
-Metal polish

If you have any questions, let me know!

[vchizzle]

cool thanks for the tips.

I figured there would be other things I needed. I have repair book by Dan Erlewine that I lent someone and haven't got back. I'd probably use that as my guide.

I just kind of stumbled across this stuff by accident and thought its something I should learn.

I won't be able to buy all the neccessary tools in one shot anyway, so it might be awhile.
you might hear from me in the future.

[Scott Rosenberger]

buy the Book and Videos too. They'll pay for themselves in no time

[Bruce O'Donnell]

I'd bounce everything against the tools that Stewart-McDonald sells. You might pay more for Stew-Mac tools, but they are some of the best available. I've seen alot of crap tools lately - including a fret level beam that itself wasn't level.

www.stewmac.com (http://www.stewmac.com)

[jongitarz]

You can't go wrong with StewMac or Dan Erliwine, but be careful...They seem to reccomend a lot of tools that you really don't need. I would suggest a long leveling tool as opposed to the short files etc. A straight edge, and good crowning tool, and a Dremel for polishing the frets when you are done. Also a file made for taking down sharp fret ends is a good investment.


I find that a short straight edge is REALLY helpful too. Sort of walk it up the fretboard after you level the frets to find small high/low frets

[vchizzle]

thanks guys.

I will definitely go with Stew-Mac tools then. probably have to buy stuff piece by piece til I have everything I need.