Thread: fret dressing question

Originally Posted by old_picker

i have always used a mill file for doing this job
today i tried using an oilstone but found it clogged up pretty quick
i generally hone blades using some light oil to wash the swarf free but not that intrested in having oil running all over a brand new neck

how do you guys keep that stone free of swarf??

ive used shellite/naptha to unclog the stone, but i dont know if it would be suitable for use while cutting. i think it takes a small layer off the stone. what about metho. any hydrocarbon is like oil, just some is thicker than others (and have slightly different properties)

I just use a straight beam 19mm or so wide with about 150 grit on one side 320 on the other.
Use spray adhesive on the paper only to glue it on .
A 600 mm long spirit level works well

I use a diamond sharpening stone. It does not clog and cuts very fast and will stay flat with wear unlike a normal stone because it is on a steel plate. Not cheap though.
Dom

There are many ways to do this . I personally us 320 grit sand paper on the 24 inch level. I like to be able to be over the entire fretboard at all time to assure good leveling.
File come in many styles and tooth configurations. I found pillar files to be great for fret works. They are very smooth cutting and not as aggresive so you can do finer work. Also they have a safe edge so you have less chance of marring things
If you see on grap on. On mill files i use 6 inch 2nd cut and 6 inch smooth.
john hall
blues creek guitar