That's worth every penny! I'm a retired machinist and started getting into neck building a few years ago. One of the first questions I asked myself was, why hasn't a tool like this been available for a long time already because nothing else is as obviously needed for doing fret work. That's how us machinists see the world. We basically solve problems. Hat's off to this gentleman whoever he is!
Hi Matt, I went to the web site and did some further reading on that tool. What a great design,no need to change out cauls,very well thought out and 31 pieces that make up the tool. I see some comments on how long this tool will last. I believe that a DIY'er it will last a lifetime, for you guys at the shop I believe it will last 10 years before it wears out. So a very well investment on that.I'm sure you will at least buy another one cause it seems to work so well. Especially if you find that you don't have to level frets after pressing,cause you make your necks and boards so well along with Steve's necks,game changer. Time will tell my friend. Thanks again for the video and turning us on to this tool. Have a great day..... P.S. screw that other nonsense tool(file). lol.
Hi Pete, So far I really like this new fret press. There are some big name outfits that are using it and so far, from the handful of necks I have done with it I really like it. I'm not sure if it is a wear item or not but I think you are correct about if it does a good job it is a worthwhile investment
Ok my biggest question on that fractal fret press: my usual process has the stewmac caul on a drill press, and I get issues on the edges of the fretboard. I'm often hammering down on the ends of the frets to seat them. I do binding and use the stewmac tang remover. Is this thing that much more accurate in pressuring the edges?
Some time back I made my own version of tool #2. And it works! ...but I thought it out before making it, unlike the genius that designed that thing. Wider reference surfaces and an angled cut that goes right up to the file slot really help mitigate the issues you identified with that one.
I think the combo file for fret ends is a really great idea. The one I showed certainly wasn't done very well. If I was really smart I would try and figure out how to make one that works well. I always think that if a novice can pick it up and use it properly with no issue it's a good design
"This one - - chugs dick!" 🤣😂🤣 I know that's not really funny but I laughed so hard I farted. But I make my own tools. Maybe I'll redesign a fret file that you guys can use. I'll have to make a better version of the ones I've seen so far. And that little fret press caul I could've made for around $25.00 retail - from brass! For $300.00 I could've made it from TITANIUM!!! I'm so glad that I found you guys (on my own) and that you guys are as cool and laid back as you are. Thank you Matt & Chris for sharing your experiences with us.
I can't help but wonder how many people have bought that file, and while beveling the fret ends, slipped and filed a big groove into the tops of a bunch of frets.
Like I said... They ain't giving them away. But some big name players in the industry use them and I think if you need it it's worth it. Especially if you don't already have the other old school unit
The MusicNomad file has 0 and 35 degrees on the same block, just in 2 different slots so you move the file between them. Like if you took your 30 degree file and cut a vertical slot in rhe other side. They have screws that hold the file in. It takes like 5 seconds to change. Not really worth the $35 they charge, but I don't have a table saw right now.
That conflicts with your reply above that you only used it a few times, plus the title calls it one of two new tools, but you’ll figure it out, and then you can tell me.
Since I’m probably a one-and-done (well actually two…) builder, presses aren’t for me. But the elegance and inventiveness of the fractal design reminds me of the first time I saw a Shubb capo.
That's worth every penny! I'm a retired machinist and started getting into neck building a few years ago. One of the first questions I asked myself was, why hasn't a tool like this been available for a long time already because nothing else is as obviously needed for doing fret work. That's how us machinists see the world. We basically solve problems. Hat's off to this gentleman whoever he is!
I have only used it a few times but I really like it. You know how it does my friend, anything that makes life easier
I bought the same fret leveling file it is a piece of shit . It slipped off the edge of the neck and scratched the hell out of my frets 😢
Total POS I hope no one else buys one
Hi Matt, I went to the web site and did some further reading on that tool. What a great design,no need to change out cauls,very well thought out and 31 pieces that make up the tool. I see some comments on how long this tool will last. I believe that a DIY'er it will last a lifetime, for you guys at the shop I believe it will last 10 years before it wears out. So a very well investment on that.I'm sure you will at least buy another one cause it seems to work so well. Especially if you find that you don't have to level frets after pressing,cause you make your necks and boards so well along with Steve's necks,game changer. Time will tell my friend. Thanks again for the video and turning us on to this tool. Have a great day..... P.S. screw that other nonsense tool(file). lol.
Hi Pete,
So far I really like this new fret press. There are some big name outfits that are using it and so far, from the handful of necks I have done with it I really like it.
I'm not sure if it is a wear item or not but I think you are correct about if it does a good job it is a worthwhile investment
Ok my biggest question on that fractal fret press: my usual process has the stewmac caul on a drill press, and I get issues on the edges of the fretboard. I'm often hammering down on the ends of the frets to seat them. I do binding and use the stewmac tang remover. Is this thing that much more accurate in pressuring the edges?
So far it seems to be
@@TexasToastGuitars sigh. There goes another $300. But thanks! I think you've never been wrong.
“Stamp of Hubris” is a keeper.
Hahaha I totally swiped that from the guys at Inrange TV. I'm not nearly that clever.
I got a big laugh over that too.
Some time back I made my own version of tool #2. And it works! ...but I thought it out before making it, unlike the genius that designed that thing. Wider reference surfaces and an angled cut that goes right up to the file slot really help mitigate the issues you identified with that one.
I think the combo file for fret ends is a really great idea. The one I showed certainly wasn't done very well.
If I was really smart I would try and figure out how to make one that works well.
I always think that if a novice can pick it up and use it properly with no issue it's a good design
"This one - - chugs dick!" 🤣😂🤣 I know that's not really funny but I laughed so hard I farted. But I make my own tools. Maybe I'll redesign a fret file that you guys can use. I'll have to make a better version of the ones I've seen so far. And that little fret press caul I could've made for around $25.00 retail - from brass! For $300.00 I could've made it from TITANIUM!!! I'm so glad that I found you guys (on my own) and that you guys are as cool and laid back as you are. Thank you Matt & Chris for sharing your experiences with us.
I can't help but wonder how many people have bought that file, and while beveling the fret ends, slipped and filed a big groove into the tops of a bunch of frets.
That's pricey
Like I said... They ain't giving them away. But some big name players in the industry use them and I think if you need it it's worth it. Especially if you don't already have the other old school unit
try fretting a compound radius and that is not pricey any more. I just got mine and next neck will be a compound radius just because I have this
The MusicNomad file has 0 and 35 degrees on the same block, just in 2 different slots so you move the file between them. Like if you took your 30 degree file and cut a vertical slot in rhe other side. They have screws that hold the file in. It takes like 5 seconds to change. Not really worth the $35 they charge, but I don't have a table saw right now.
I think 20 degrees would be better.
I need that tools but I can't afford, because i'm only a ordinary automotive mechanic
FYI, the price right now from J Edwards Guitar is 289, and there is a waiting list to get a unit.
I was only on the wait list a few weeks it came right away
How many frets get pressed before the brass wears out? Some brass is really soft. Bitchin idea though.
Hmmmmm
I have been using the same old school brass one for many years. I'll let y'all know
That conflicts with your reply above that you only used it a few times, plus the title calls it one of two new tools, but you’ll figure it out, and then you can tell me.
@@johngeddes7894 No... the brass tool from the original caul. Sorry to confuse you
Goodnight, Captain Kangaroo wherever you are!
A StewMac full set.. caul and all inserts is knocking on $250... so it's not that much more expensive...
That is a great point
Oh man the groove. Been there done that. Painful
If the Chines get a hold of that thing its $13 on Temu.. You heard me!
I'm sure they will... but I won't buy it
I had one of the fret file holders 3D printed. Works ok.
That sounds cool
Finish the 2x4 guitar!!!
It's going into finish maybe as early as tomorrow
God bless you Matt.
Thank you so much my friend
“Hubris”…Matt stop making up words🤣
Since I’m probably a one-and-done (well actually two…) builder, presses aren’t for me. But the elegance and inventiveness of the fractal design reminds me of the first time I saw a Shubb capo.
I hope that you build at least three my friend