|
Post by slidefever on Nov 14, 2020 18:18:14 GMT
Does anybody know a fairly foolproof way of softening (rounding off?) sharp fretboard edges? Thanks Chris
|
|
|
Post by Michael Messer on Nov 14, 2020 18:29:14 GMT
Chris, do you mean round the edge of sharp binding?
Shine On Michael
|
|
|
Post by slide496 on Nov 14, 2020 18:31:12 GMT
I think that's called rolling the fingerboard edges. Here's one demo of the various methods but he's demoing on a guitar neck looks like all one colour finish and it's been removed from the guitar - yours may be different and need refinishing factored in...hope this helps.
UPDATE: Don't know if methods are valid for binding - just read MM's post
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2020 18:50:57 GMT
Whether its edge of binding, unbound neck, or sharp fret ends, the use of files and/or abrasive papers in graduated grits is the usual way to do it. The foolproof way is to bring it to an experienced luthier.
|
|
|
Post by slidefever on Nov 14, 2020 19:01:34 GMT
Chris, do you mean round the edge of sharp binding? Shine On Michael Hi Michael, The fretboard is unbound ( Beard Deco-phonic model 27 roundneck) Regards Chris
|
|
|
Post by slidefever on Nov 14, 2020 19:04:44 GMT
I think that's called rolling the fingerboard edges. Here's one demo of the various methods but he's demoing on a guitar neck looks like all one colour finish and it's been removed from the guitar - yours may be different and need refinishing factored in...hope this helps. UPDATE: Don't know if methods are valid for binding - just read MM's post Thanks, that’s exactly what l mean 😁
|
|
|
Post by slidefever on Nov 14, 2020 19:06:17 GMT
Whether its edge of binding, unbound neck, or sharp fret ends, the use of files and/or abrasive papers in graduated grits is the usual way to do it. The foolproof way is to bring it to an experienced luthier. Thanks Fredcapo, l don’t want to wait for lockdowns to end. Also, l don’t want to waste money in case l have to get a new neck for it. Cheers Chris
|
|
|
Post by slide496 on Nov 14, 2020 20:40:05 GMT
I'm glad the demo was at least informative.
Just to add here may be issues with getting the correct angle for a blade, files or sandpapers on the portion where it's attached to the guitar and below, issues with nicking the guitar, with the neck off you can turn it anyway needed which may not be an option with it attached to the guitar, issues with going against the wood grain grain, besides issues with making both sides even.
|
|
|
Post by slidefever on Nov 14, 2020 22:26:45 GMT
I'm glad the demo was at least informative. Just to add here may be issues with getting the correct angle for a blade, files or sandpapers on the portion where it's attached to the guitar and below, issues with nicking the guitar, with the neck off you can turn it anyway needed which may not be an option with it attached to the guitar, issues with going against the wood grain grain, besides issues with making both sides even. It was definitely a big help, thank you. Yes, there can be many pitfalls along the way, that’s why l am treading carefully. Regards Chris
|
|
|
Post by Stevie on Nov 14, 2020 22:56:06 GMT
I imagine a few will thumb their noses at this, but when I did my Warmoth Tele neck, I run the side of a 1/4" diameter Philips screwdriver steel shaft hard down back and forth on the edges between the frets prior to lacquer. I expected it to expand out again but it didn't. I am not intending to trivialise the work of skilled "luthiers" but I have to affirm that it worked a treat *in my particular circumstances* YMMV, but there's nothing to lose in the attempt. It's difficult to imagine actually causing even any accidental damage in this way.
e&oe ...
|
|
|
Post by slidefever on Nov 15, 2020 0:51:47 GMT
Thanks Stevie, I’ve read guitar reviews where they mention using a blunt edge of some sort in the same way. I’m just looking for a quick fix which won’t ruin the neck. Cheers Chris
|
|
|
Post by leeophonic on Nov 15, 2020 7:10:08 GMT
Worth remembering is fretboards need a little lemon oil as this time of the year can cause the issues you are experiencing, so the first thing to do prior to getting the files out is to get out the rag and lemon oil.
Lee
|
|
|
Post by Michael Messer on Nov 15, 2020 10:13:13 GMT
Files sound a bit brutal to me. If you just want to round of the sharp corners, perhaps use 1000 and 2000 grit wet & dry and gently polish the corners to a better shape.
Shine On Michael
|
|
|
Post by slidefever on Nov 15, 2020 11:28:10 GMT
Worth remembering is fretboards need a little lemon oil as this time of the year can cause the issues you are experiencing, so the first thing to do prior to getting the files out is to get out the rag and lemon oil. Lee Hi leeophonic, The guitar isn’t that old, although l don’t t know how long Thomann had it in stock or how they store them 🤔 and l live in South West Scotland. I’m sure it would have rehumidified by now. No dried out fretboards here! When l take the edges off, l will treat it with a tiny bit of lemon oil, thanks for the tip. Regards Chris
|
|
|
Post by Stevie on Nov 15, 2020 13:45:02 GMT
If you use any fine grit abrasive paper like sandpaper or "wet or dry" (sic), you can get a more even result by cutting long narrow strips, holding each end and pulling back and forth *around the corner* over the edge. I hope that is clear enough to visualise? Pulling straight is no better than using a file. In addition, I would mask up parallel to the edge and between the frets to where you intend the radius to commence and keep a constant wary eye on the masking tape. This will of course make lines contrary to the grain, but it's quite easy to redress that with fine grit. There's nothing wrong with this approach, I used to do it regularly in my working years while polishing and graining aluminium and stainless-steel.
I still prefer my lucky shot with the 1/4" diameter rod (lucky in so far as I didn't read about it anywhere, I just gave it a go.) Using that specific diameter stops the radius profile short of each fret by half the diameter of the rod and this affords a natural blend-in to the frets. There would be no edge rolling next to the fret from constant playing- only along the edges between the frets. That said, my Tele neck was maple, and rosewood or its ilk might be another matter and of course it would be pointless with binding. Finally, I'm no "luthier", but instinct tells me that the whole exercise is a waste of time unless you start off with perfectly manicured fret ends.
e&oe ...
|
|