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Finger board levelling is the next step.
I get out my saddles for the Katana levelling tool and use these with my straight edge to get the neck set as level as possible.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...1-IMG_1789.JPG
Then I attack it with my sanding radius beam.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...6-IMG_1790.JPG
When I have it close to dead flat I mark the finger board and do the last few passes to make sure it is infact flat.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...c-IMG_1791.JPG
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Time for dots.
I am using 5mm Gold Mother of Pearl dots.
First I set out the positions on the fingerboard.
You will see that I am using a Brad point drill bit as this type of bit drills a flat bottomed hole.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...5-IMG_1801.JPG
Off to the drill press and carefully drill each hole no more than 4mm deep.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...e-IMG_1802.JPG
Now the holes are drilled ready for the dots to be glued and pressed in.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...w-IMG_1803.JPG
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Now I progress onto the fretting...
The fret wire comes in 12" lengths, so I will need to cut and pre radius it for installation.
To radius the wire I use my fret wire pliers to grip it. These guys have a slot in one jaw for the tang of the wire to sit in.
It is a simple job to gently bend the wire, moving the pliers along an inch at a time and gently bending the wire towards the tang.
End result is pre radiused wire! It is best to pre bend the wire in a slightly tighter radius than the fret board. This makes it easier to press home correctly.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...4-IMG_1793.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...j-IMG_1795.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...1-IMG_1796.JPG
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Before pressing the frets, I install the side dots.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...6-IMG_1804.JPG
With the 16" radius fret pressing caul mounted in my drill press, I firmly press each fret home.
It is important to support the underside the neck, this saves a butt load of swearing caused by snapping the neck :)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...4-IMG_1805.JPG
Then I trim and file the fret ends and next file the 30 degree angle on the ends with my supa special toy.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...t-IMG_1807.JPG
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that is looking fantastic DB, I am really keen to do a build course and you guide me through building a scratch neck ! I need some of the flash tools and order some nice wood from your favourite online supplier !
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I see that! :) now!!! Only the first pics of your last two posts downloaded on my phone, and i thought to myself, "let me ease my good mate DB's suffering and tell him about the lovely 30' bevelled file unit I have! Oh well! Its the thought that counts! :)
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Thanks Gav, the thought does count :)
I may even think about leaving the frets in your Hofner and not painting it pink......
