FRET BENDING & FRETWORK
Our Fretwork Tools include a fret bender capable of accurately bending single fret lengths. This is made possible by the heavy duty construction and bending roller design which features precision cam type bearings at a minimum spacing apart.
REVISED OCT 2024
The tool has been revised to include a mounting block for orientation in a bench vise. This allows the tool be firmly held in the most suitable attitude for each task. In addition a steel cam follower bearing is utilised for the unbending feature.
VIDEO NOTE:
The video is provided for reference only and demonstrates the unique bending capability of the design. Please refer to the individual photos and description for details of construction and features.
FEATURES:
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Close pitch precision bending rollers - (permitting accurate single frets to be bent).
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Dual groove main feed wheel for wide & narrow fret tangs.
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Separate straightening roller and guide wheel.
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Robust stainless steel construction.
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Detachable mounting block for orientation in bench vice.
FRET BENDING SETUP & USE
The fret wire tang is located into one of the feed wheel grooves - narrow or wide depending on fret wire gauge.
The handle is turned to feed the wire through the rollers.
Pressure is applied to the bending rollers via the top thumb screw in order to achieve the required radius. The close proximity of the bending rollers permit single fret lengths to be bent.
UNBENDING / COILED WIRE STRAIGHTENING
The straightening wheels are fixed permanently on the tool in a position that doesn't interfere with bending. This avoids removal and replacement of rollers and ensures continuity between bending and unbending use. The wire is fed through the underside of the feed wheel and the thumb nut tightened to apply unbending pressure on the wire.
UNBENDING COILED WIRE / STRAIGHTENING FEATURE
The wire is fed through the underside of the feed wheel.
FRETWORK / FRET CUTTING JIG
The jig is designed for detail work including fret length cutting and tang removal, enabling these tasks to be carried out using basic workshop tools.
The jig incorporates profiled fret clamp plates with specific fretboard radii. The design allows for easy removal and seating of the fret and simple clamping of the fretwire tang via the allen screws.
The jig can be used in a vice or permanently fixed in a suitable position via the two mounting holes.
The jig plates also provide a useful reference for comparison when forming / bending fretwire.
Fretwire can be cut through at the centre of the jig using a fine tooth fretsaw. As the fretwire is clamped on the tang either side of the cut, distortion of the fret ends is reduced and a clean square cut is easily achieved with a saw.
The fret ends can be deburred in the jig. The tang can be removed with a needle file. The jig should be turned on its side for access.
The jig will enable frets to be cut with minimal excess for bevelling.