Fret Beveling File

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axeman
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Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Wed Aug 13, 2014 1:42 pm

Hi, does anyone know the dimensions of the 7-1/2" length stew mac Fret Beveling File and the material it's made from.
Going to build my own.

Thanks

Art

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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Fri Aug 15, 2014 6:33 am

I have the smaller length one. Ill take some measurements. Its just a hard type of white plastic. Maybe a type of teflon so it slides on the frets easier. A basic square flat file at about a 35 degree slot. Its held in with 2 screws. If I had know how simple they are I would have made my own. I think even a block of hardwood would be sufficient.

I would actually recommend a smaller length than the 7.5" one. The reason being is your neck isn't under string tension so you may have a bit of a bow or back bow. It you have something too long it will either take off too much on your end frets or too much on your middle ones before you get them all. With a smaller length it will dip down or ride up on those.
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:21 am

OK, Good info. How about he measurements

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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:30 am

Should be able to measure it later for you.
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Sat Aug 16, 2014 6:06 am

The one I use is 1 1/2" by 1 3/4" by 3 3/4". You can see how there are 2 cuts the hold the file in. The screws don't touch the file itself. They screw above and wedge it in. The corners on the ends of the file and plastic block are rounded. If the file gets worn you can just flip it over or upside down for a new surface. Hope this helps. My digital angles battery died so I couldn't measure it exactly but I think it's a 55/35 split angle. Should be able to measure from the picture.
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Sat Aug 16, 2014 6:08 am

Bottom.
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Sat Aug 16, 2014 8:15 am

Sweet, I'll fine the materials and continue to up date. I'm building both sizes

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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:46 pm

OK I think I found the bar

Easy-to-Machine Polypropylene Rectangular Bar, 1-3/4" Thick, 1-1/2" Width, 2 ft. Length

today $15.86 each

Screws

Oval Head Screws with Washer for Sheet Metal? Size?


http://www.mcmaster.com/#tapping-screws/=tda49n

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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:43 am

They are about 1 1/4" with a washer attached. Ive seen the same ones in Home Depot.
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:16 am

Sweet. Do they look like # 8 or # 10 ?

Thanks

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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:53 am

Not sure. They come with the washer already attached. As long as they go in far enough to hold the file in you should be good.
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:00 pm

Update. Ok here's we're I'm at. I can build 4 fret beveling file and one 6 inch flat fret file, to file the end of the frets.
VH5150 how deep is the 55 Degree slot and the 35 degree slot?
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by vanhalen5150 » Fri Aug 29, 2014 9:42 am

The file is set at 55 and 35, which makes up 90. The depth cut will depend on the width of the file you use I guess, Just make it deep enough to leave about 6mm sticking out. The other angle is 20 degree from the vertical from the center point of the file. That cut has to be deep enough so that the screws will flex it inward to hold the file in. You could simply glue it in but its good to be able to move and flip the file around. Its always on the same filling area and they do wear out after a while. Especially stainless steel frets. Regular frets you get lots of use before you have to change/flip the file.

Make sense?
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Re: Fret Beveling File

Post by axeman » Sun Jan 07, 2018 4:35 am

What happen to the photos?

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