Stew-Mac Fret File

[Jim_H]

I actually own, and occasionally use the triangle file with the edges ground flat.

I like the rounded edge on the stew-mac file because it allows you to roll the file as you cross the edge of the fret without any danger of accidentally marring the edge of the fretboard. I guess you can say it's a little more newb-friendly.

This is more applicable to a brand new pristine fretboard than one that's been around the block a few times.

[tippie53]

today Martin is using a fret protector and a piece of cork wrapped in 600 grit paper . Most of the fret finish is coming off the plec machine so they are just facing off the machining marks .

[kencierp]

Those "PlecK" machines are something else!! Wetcher Guitars here in Michigan has at least one if you go to there website I believe they show it in operation. Pretty sure Gibson uses them too.

[tippie53]

The now have a bench top model Ken just $90,000.00 a pop . I will put you down for 3 LOL.
They are a nice tool

[Jim_H]

I got to see one in action at Mike Lull's shop here in Bellevue (Wa).

Pretty nifty (and expensive) piece of kit...

[naccoachbob]

I've been hearing about that Plek machine as well. Gibson uses them on all the Les Paul's except for the Studio version (which I bought in March), and possibly other "low end" guitars.
There are a number of places around the USA where you can have it done on your guitar. It ain't cheap! But might well be worth it.
Bob

[kencierp]

http://www.plek.com/uploads/pdf/pleksta ... log_en.pdf

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hey Bob,
You are back at it??
Wonderful. I can't respond to the file question, but its good to see you posting again.
ARe you building? And if so, what?

Kevin

[naccoachbob]

Hey Kevin,
I'm working on one for my son. It's a Martin kit that someone here couldn't find time to work on, so they sold it pretty cheap.
Then Tony came up with a Bearclaw Spruce top for me. He also sent me some koa for the headstock and tail wedge. I had bought some koa binding from one of the stores.
I've got the top thinned down and rosette in. The rosette is pretty neat. Here is what it will look like:



Then the back has its bracing on. When I get some time to get back to it, I'll begin on the top bracing.

What had happened was that all the difficulty I had in doing Joey's guitar just caused me to burn out. Also, I got more into playing. Then my new position as Regional IT Manager has really swamped me - at least until now. Finally things are slowing down. I can retire now, but will wait 2 more years so I can retire at my new pay rate. Provided my 2 kids graduate from college!! Unfortunately, the state of Texas is in the same budgetary crunch that the rest of the country is, and my pay will probably not go up ever again.
But I'm starting to get excited about building again. I had bought Somogyi's books and need to re-read the part about how to get the sound I want from the top's braces. Really need to re-read the whole thing.
Finally, I'm taking a guitar course "Learn & Master Guitar". The guy who developed it, Steve Krenz comes online most Tuesday nights with a "Lesson". He also has a Guitar Gathering every summer, and next summer will be the 5th year, I think. I intend to go to that one with the Bubinga guitar that I will start on sometime soon.
Well, I've sure talked a bunch.
I hope all of you are doing well, and anticipate watching, learning, participating more and more this year.
Bob