FRET PRESSING FOR GUITARS AND NECKS
FRET PRESS FOR GUITAR NECKS
The Guitar Neck Fret Press is designed for standard bolt-on guitar necks only. The press opening height will accommodate the thickest part of a standard heel/neck join. It is a self-contained solution that does not require any additional equipment.
The photos illustrate the typical use when fretting a detached neck. Please note that the neck must be detached from the instrument as the unit will not span the full width of a guitar body.
The press is suited for smaller volume guitar building and repair work. It is compact in size and ideal for use where space / workshop access is limited. It can be used on a desktop and is fitted with rubber skids for worktop surface protection.
The press is supplied with stainless steel cauls 62mm wide (9 piece set) - 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat. The cauls have a flat cross section/fret contact face. This affords easy seating on the fret and allows a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the tool and guitar. The cauls are 62mm wide and suitable for standard guitar necks.
GUITAR PRESS SYSTEM WITH SUPPORT JIG
The guitar fret press comprises of 2 heavy duty extruded aluminium pillars fitted with an adjustable height press beam. The distance between the pillars is 360mm with sufficient span for the width of the guitar over the upper bout or horns.
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The screw press mechanism is mounted at the centre of the beam. The press screw pitch is 1.5mm and typically a single turn of the handle is required to press the fret into position after initial fret contact.
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The beam height is adjustable and secured by tightening the thumb screws and adjacent locking screws. Extra locking plates and bottom stop plates are also provided. The beam can be raised by keeping one hand on each thumb screw after unlocking the plates. The pillars are fixed to a solid oak bottom cross member.
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The supply includes an 18mm thick marine plywood sub-base with adjustable corner feet. The sub-base can be positioned offset or central about the press. The sub-base is secured onto the bottom member via 2 countersunk allen screws.
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The press is supplied with flat cross section stainless steel cauls 75mm wide (9 piece set) - 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
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The guitar support jig features a neck caul and an adjustable body support for adjustment of the body/neck angle. The jig orientates the body at the correct angle in relation to the neck providing maximum support for the instrument.
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OPTIONAL
Grooved cauls are also available from the web store.
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GENERAL GUIDELINE - FRET SLOTS & PREPARATION
1) The fret should be pre-bent for the radius of the fretboard.
2) When viewed from above, the fret should be straight and not twisted.
3) Ensure correct tang/slot fit.
4) Ensure the fret slots are free of any dust or obstructions that would prevent the fret from seating.
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The press utilises a manual lever and screw mechanism. If the frets do not seat fully or excessive force is required then the fret tang width and slot condition should be checked and remedied. This is a useful check/control of fret insertion force (and helps to guard against subsequent wood compression which can accumulate along the board and cause back bow).
With the above satisfied, the frets will be pushed perfectly home.
PLEASE NOTE. This page is provided as a general guide and overview. Due to continuous improvements, products may differ slightly to the images shown. Please check the web-store product detail for up to date information on each item.