Trimming the Fretboard to Length

[Darryl Young]

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.

[tippie53]

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.

[johnnparchem]

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.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

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

[Tom West]

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

[Darryl Young]

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.

[johnnparchem]

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.

[Darryl Young]

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!