Glueing the frets

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Glueing the frets

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mango

Posts: 158
Joined: Apr. 2 2019

Glueing the frets

Hey Guys!
Do you glue your frets? If yes, which glue do you prefer? PVA? Cyanacrylat? Epoxy? Any bad experiences with one of these?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 12 2020 8:55:19

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to mango)

I use a little white glue and clean it off when finished.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 12 2020 14:50:14

RobF

Posts: 1611
Joined: Aug. 24 2017

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to mango)

I brush a small amount of water into the slots to lubricate them, then do a level check after they are all in and tap down any that didn’t fully seat. Once I’m satisfied they are as level as possible, I clamp them firm with a caul and put a drop of thin CA on each end. It wicks into the slot and holds them tight.

I don’t know if you bevel the tops of your slots, but it’s a good practice, too. It helps the frets go in cleanly and minimizes chip-out both on entry and if a fret needs to be removed.

There’s no hard and fast rule that says frets must be glued, however, or which glue to use. I’ve heard of people successfully using CA, Titebond, white, epoxy, and none at all. I always dampen the area around a fret and then heat it with a soldering iron when removing, as I never know for sure how it’s been seated.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 12 2020 16:51:23

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to mango)

I do the same as Tom.

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http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 12 2020 17:06:00

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to mango)

I use Super glue too. I prefer a thicker super glue as is helps fill the fret end at the same time.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 12 2020 18:14:15

RobF

Posts: 1611
Joined: Aug. 24 2017

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to Stephen Eden)

I’ve used the thicker stuff a lot in the past, too, for the same reason. Recently, I’ve started filling the ends with melted black shellac stick. Hopefully that will stand the test of time, but if it doesn’t I might go back to the thicker CA, or maybe tinted epoxy.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 12 2020 20:11:40

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to RobF)

Rob,

I remember back many years ago when I visited Bill Collins in Austin Texas to see his little work shop when he was just getting started in the business. I don't think CA glue was available then, so he used a mixture of rosewood dust and white glue to make a putty to fill the open ends of the frets slots.

There have been so many improvements since then, that it's mind boggling, all the many ways it can be done today.

Thanks for sharing, especially for the readers who want to know the why's and wherefores of fret work.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 13 2020 15:11:42

JasonM

Posts: 2054
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Good tip: if you use thin CA only put a drop on each end! Or you’ll have CA glue run all over your nice French polish job. Don’t ask lol

I’ve seen guys use epoxy when the frets slots are cut wide so as to avoid the whole possible fret compression neck bow.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 13 2020 19:23:51

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1674
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Glueing the frets (in reply to mango)

I don't glue them. Only once did I have one rise up in the slot after the customer got the guitar.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
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I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 22 2020 21:34:02