Slotting a Fretboard

Fret locations are determined by "the rule of 18." In this video I describe how that is applied to the process of locating fret slots on a guitar. While a value of 18 isn't commonly used, mathematical constants of 17.835 and 17.817 both work well in the formula used for calculating fret locations. After discussing this formula I demonstrate slotting a new fretboard on my table saw, using a factory-supplied, CNC cut fretboard as a template.

[@klinej54]

Very neat Gary. BTY, I'm honored that one of the legs from my old piano became part of your cross cut sled.

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Thanks Jeff. I needed something that was solid and dimensionally stable. What better than a 150 year old piano leg?

[@123pap]

Good info thank you

[@zimnickiguitars311]

@@123pap you're welcome, I'm glad you liked it

[@mvecellio1]

Great video and instructions on the theory behind it. The cross cut sled for the table saw comes in very handy. I use mine all the time.

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Thanks, Mike!

[@tedrowland7800]

Very informative and very good video. I would like to add for those that are new and looking to keep the cost down. That special blade is about $180.00 and you can set up and duplicate that sled on a router table and use a .023 spiral cut bit and follow his example exactly.
The Rule of 18 can be found available as a fret slotting calculator app downloadable to your phone for free.. It works great. I do not have a CNC and do this the way I described

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Good information. thanks for sharing. I think when I bought that blade it was about $50.

[@riccardomoni3598]

Where did you buy the circular blade,? Tickness?

[@zimnickiguitars311]

The blade is from Stewart Macdonald. It cuts a 0.022" kerf, which is just right for the fret wire.

[@MusicForTherapy]

Where did you get your blade?

[@zimnickiguitars311]

stewmac.com

[@OkalaborationO]

Thanks for the great video.

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad you liked it.

[@stevepethel6843]

Appreciate your honesty about hacking out early guitar hoping to get 1/8" close to scale...
That video how you double side tape your blank to the slotted bird is nice. The special accurate guide and saw blade save moey and time . My favorite part was the exact blade as perfect indexing pin. Thanks for a pro video demonstration you taught me a lot ....Gods continued blessings

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Thank you so much!

[@edadpops1709]

Great story. I layed out by hand and cut using a kitchen ginsu knife😜 I later had to make a new neck.

[@zimnickiguitars311]

I'm glad you liked it! Ginsu knives really could cut anything!

[@jamesm4167]

More great stuff Gary! I always wondered how this was done. Are the width measurements (e.g., at the nut, further down the fretboard) cut after you do this? And it sounds like the radius of the fretboard is a by-hand thing?

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Thanks Jim. Yes, the fretboard gets tapered after the slots are cut. And yes, putting the radius on the fretboard is hand work in my shop. I use a plane to rough form the curve, then a sanding block with the desired curvature to finish it. I did end up recording that process, but it would have made this video too long. Maybe I will post it separately. Thanks for your interest.

[@Ronys2YT]

@@zimnickiguitars311 Would Love to see your method on shaping the fretboard in a future video! Very appreciative of the knowledge you have shared so far!

[@zimnickiguitars311]

@@Ronys2YT Thank for the suggestion. I will do that on some future project.

[@anthony91504]

This is great. Thank you for posting.

[@zimnickiguitars311]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you like it.