www.KitGuitarsForum.com

Do any of you have an easy method or trick to trim the fretboard off at the correct fret and keep the cut parallel to the frets? Since I'm trimming a fretboard that is already tapered, it's a little more difficult to make the cut parallel since the cut isn't perpendicular to the sides.

I can eyeball it fairly close just curious if anyone has an easy method to align the cut parallel with the fret slots.

there are 2 ways that I like to do this , 1 is a scribe and use the last fret to make the end and the other is a sliding Tee square. It is all good.

I use a sliding T-Bevel I put one side on the taper edge of the fingerboard and set the angle using a fret. Then I can use the tool just like a T square but it is set for one side ofmy fretboard.

Good question Darryl,
I usually just measure and make two equal marks off the last fret slot that will remain on either edge, and mark a line between the two. It should be parallel to your fret which should be perpendicular to the centerline of your fretboard. Pretty simple I think.

Kevin

I use the protractor from a combination square set. Will work the same as the tee bevel.
Tom

So you then use the T-Bevel to set the angle on your saw? (or am I missing something?).

Eventually, I have to set the angle on my miter saw to cut accurately. The fingerboard is slotted and the sides are beveled.......so I could put one angled side against the fence and I can eyeball down the blade to align it with a fret slot. I think I can get pretty close like this......just wondering if there is a more consistent way to setup the saw.

Darryl Young wrote:So you then use the T-Bevel to set the angle on your saw? (or am I missing something?).

Eventually, I have to set the angle on my miter saw to cut accurately. The fingerboard is slotted and the sides are beveled.......so I could put one angled side against the fence and I can eyeball down the blade to align it with a fret slot. I think I can get pretty close like this......just wondering if there is a more consistent way to setup the saw.

I use the T-bevel as a guide to a hand fret saw or I just draw a line cut close with a band saw and sand to the line. By the time you set up the miter saw the fretboard could be cut by hand.

I do have an idea, put the fret board on the fence for the miter saw and use a fret slot to align the miter. Slide to where you want to cut and you should be right on.

Yes John, that is what I meant by "eyeballing" it pretty close.

I just made the cut and it turned out nice. I aligned it close by eye on a fret slot. I wanted to cut at the 19th fret but first I made a test cut above the 21st fret.....right above the fret so I could see if the angle was off. I was barely off so a made a couple of minute adjustments and had it right on then cut at the 19th fret.

Thanks for the suggestions!