Need to level/crown/dress a few high spots - What do I need?

[JackB1]

Ok I am going to attempt to fix a few buzzy high frets myself. What tools will I need and any tips for a first time attempt at this?

I know I need a file or files. Can I get anything at a Home Depot or do I need to order special luthier files online?

I know I need some sandpaper for final smoothing/dressing. What grits?

I will watch a bunch of Thank you videos first and hopefully not screw up
I have a cheap guitar I can practice on first.

[mirwa]

I replied with photos on your other post

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...=507687&page=2

Steve

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by mirwa

I replied with photos on your other post

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...=507687&page=2

Steve

Thanks, but your instructions were very general. For example...

What type of file or sandpaper do I use to file down the marked spots? How?
How do I crown the frets? What tools are used and how?

[Bax Burgess]

Bought from StewMac, listed by the order in which I use them:

fret rocker, a luxury
diamond fret leveler - Coarse, 325-grit, expensive
double edge diamond fret file - 300-grit, expensive
400 and 600 grit sandpaper - not StewMac

StewMac offers much less expensive alternatives than items 2 & 3, but I choose the diamond leveler and file because they cut smoother, avoiding chattering marks and the extra effort to sand them out.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Bax Burgess

Bought from StewMac, listed by the order in which I use them:

fret rocker, a luxury
diamond fret leveler - Coarse, 325-grit, expensive
double edge diamond fret file - 300-grit, expensive
400 and 600 grit sandpaper - not StewMac

StewMac offers much less expensive alternatives than items 2 & 3, but I choose the diamond leveler and file because they cut smoother, avoiding chattering marks and the extra effort to sand them out.

Thanks. What about a crowning file?

[Bax Burgess]

After the fret leveller has flattened the top to the preferred extent, use the dbl-edge file to reduce the flat surface of the top to a thread thin line, visible when viewed at a reflective angle to a light. The rough work is done. Then sandpaper sides and top.

[Simon Fay]

Lots of ways to do this. IF you want to do it cheap, here is what I suggest.

Get some 3m adhesive sandpaper (400 grit). You need something flat that you can put the sandpaper on. If you have woodworking tools, you can make a flat sanding block out of wood. Then you simply sand the fret level. I'd get a 3 corner file to re-establish the fret's crown. You need various sanding grits to buff out the frets to a nice shine. You can go to about 600 grit and then finish up with ultra fine steel wool.

If you need help on how to do this, then maybe check youtube as I'm sure there are many instructional videos out there.

Honestly, you are probably better of taking it to a tech as even on the cheap, these materials will cost you about as much. IF you don't have woodworking tools, then purchasing specialized equipment will make this process quite expensive.

Lastly, make sure the frets are seated first. IF you can push them down any, then you will need to get them seated properly first -- hold them down and then apply thin CA. Then level.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Simon Fay

Lots of ways to do this. IF you want to do it cheap, here is what I suggest.

Get some 3m adhesive sandpaper (400 grit). You need something flat that you can put the sandpaper on. If you have woodworking tools, you can make a flat sanding block out of wood. Then you simply sand the fret level. I'd get a 3 corner file to re-establish the fret's crown. You need various sanding grits to buff out the frets to a nice shine. You can go to about 600 grit and then finish up with ultra fine steel wool.

If you need help on how to do this, then maybe check youtube as I'm sure there are many instructional videos out there.

Honestly, you are probably better of taking it to a tech as even on the cheap, these materials will cost you about as much. IF you don't have woodworking tools, then purchasing specialized equipment will make this process quite expensive.

Lastly, make sure the frets are seated first. IF you can push them down any, then you will need to get them seated properly first -- hold them down and then apply thin CA. Then level.

Thanks. Good info here.

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by Simon Fay

Lots of ways to do this. IF you want to do it cheap, here is what I suggest.

Get some 3m adhesive sandpaper (400 grit). You need something flat that you can put the sandpaper on. If you have woodworking tools, you can make a flat sanding block out of wood. Then you simply sand the fret level. I'd get a 3 corner file to re-establish the fret's crown. You need various sanding grits to buff out the frets to a nice shine. You can go to about 600 grit and then finish up with ultra fine steel wool.

If you need help on how to do this, then maybe check youtube as I'm sure there are many instructional videos out there.

Honestly, you are probably better of taking it to a tech as even on the cheap, these materials will cost you about as much. IF you don't have woodworking tools, then purchasing specialized equipment will make this process quite expensive.

Lastly, make sure the frets are seated first. IF you can push them down any, then you will need to get them seated properly first -- hold them down and then apply thin CA. Then level.

If you decide on a triangle file for crowning, understand that technique is key. Also, you MUST file down the corners and use tape on the fingerboard to avoid marring the fingerboard. I would not recommend DIY fret work without having instruction.