Cheap fret crowning file - any experience?

Wondering if anyone has experience with a cheap fret crowning tool. For example, this one on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Guitar-Fr...s/192198857455

My expectation is that it will be a bit crap compared to the StewMac version, but will it do the job?

It's about 10% of the price of the StewMac file for the same purpose. So as much as I prefer to buy quality tools, I can't ignore the price difference:

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools...Fret_File.html

If anyone has one of these cheap ones and can verify if it works (or not) that would be helpful.

(I can also just use one of my existing flat files to do the crowning, but if a $5 tool will make my job much easier, hey why not?)

Hey MJG, for the price (under $7 posted) probably worth a crack the cheap one. Remember Stewmac the postage is usually a bit more.
Important you mask up the fingerboard if you haven't got a fretboard protector that SM sell.

For that price I might order the ebay one to see what it's like. I haven't got that style fret crowning tool

Yeah mate.

You get what you pay for.

I got a similar fret crowning tool. before that I used my own small triangle file with fret protectors. its was okay. a little bit quicker and easier than the triangle file. I could take it or leave it....sometimes i prefer to do things the harder way.

the arch on it is a bit big, so you need to protect the fretboard with something thin, like tape anything thicker and the file will sit too high for the fret.

before you can crown, you need a nothced straight edge to ensure the neck is straight and something to bevel, what are you going to use for that?

Thanks wokka,

Yeah it's tempting isn't it?

With the StewMac one, you get different sizes for different width frets, where this cheap one is just one size fits most... or not. But $7... I think I might just have to give it it a try. :)

Thanks Andy,

I'll be putting tape on the board for sure, I've also got metal fret board protectors but they might be too thick?

"a nothced straight edge" ??

Ahh, notched? Right! Now I get you. Nope, don't have one of those. Yet. :rolleyes:

I've got a good straight edge steel ruler that I use for checking that everything is level, also have fret end file for doing the ends. Also a selection of flat files that I could use for the crowning if I don't get this specialised file.

Hey MJG I just ordered the ebay one, for $7 worth a punt. Will take at least 3 weeks coming from Hong Kong.

Started to notice these things pop up recently. Keen to get your impression, Woks.

no worries Pabs, will be a few weeks away the review

Hey mic, you need a notched straight edge to test the flatness of the fretboard. Notches go over the frets so you are getting a true impression of the fretboard and not just level frets

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy40

the arch on it is a bit big, so you need to protect the fretboard with something thin, like tape anything thicker and the file will sit too high for the fret.

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Grinding a bit off the bottom of the file works quite well to shrink the arch, especially as the metal is fairly soft. I think I just used a jewellers file and it cut it down nicely. (but still protect the fretboard with something)

You really want the file radius to match that of the frets. I've got a set of three crown files of different widths to match the frets on different necks: http://www.chrisalsopguitar.co.uk/sh..._3_files_TF084. The majority of frets seem to be around 2.5mm in width. I've used the 3mm one on a Fender Tele with really fat wire, but apart from a mandolin which the 2mm came in handy for, I've used the 2.5mm the most.

As has been said, for the price, it's worth a try, but I'd check the width of your frets as that file has a 3mm cut-out and you'd probably benefit from a slightly smaller file.

I bought this one, takes 3 different sized files, compact, works fine and Aussie seller:

http://luthierssupplies.com.au/produ...roducts_id=307

I was going back through this post, as I needed to crown some frets. I got one of these "Baroque" crowning tools after watching this vid that preceded this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytywOgURflU

I definitely have the 2nd generation...mine was purchased a few days before he posted this 2nd video on this crowning tool. I have used it on a few builds and it's been fine, although I don't really have anything to compare it to, since it's the only tool I have used for crowning. Not sure if this is what you get if you order one now, or if they have taken some of the GNG guy's suggestions, but posting FWIW.

"Baroque" is a funny name for a tool for frets IMO. I supposed there are some fretted lutes from the baroque era, but most of the string instruments I think of were fretless...

i just did my frets on my new build this past weekend, I used the fret guru crowing tool. It wasn't exactly cheap, out $45 USD, but it did the job great.

https://www.amazon.com/FretGuru-Crow...54802320&psc=1