guitar2005 Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 Just got my stew-mac fret slotting miter box, saw and template. I feel a bit of play in the template along the indexing pin. Is this normal. Should I simply hold the template against one edge on the indexing pin? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted December 12, 2006 Report Share Posted December 12, 2006 Fits tightly on my jig. Possibly put some glue on it to widen it up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted December 12, 2006 Report Share Posted December 12, 2006 Mine's always had a tiny amount of play, so I always slide it firmly in one direction, then clamp, then slot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desopolis Posted December 12, 2006 Report Share Posted December 12, 2006 Mine's always had a tiny amount of play, so I always slide it firmly in one direction, then clamp, then slot. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP63 Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 I can't speak for the Stew-Mac slotting system, but Luthier's Mercantile system is used with the pointy, tapered end toward the template. It centers itself even if there is slight wear on it. Are they about the same? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desopolis Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 the stew mac one uses a index Pin with a matching slot. Mine actually fits SUPER snugg. but I push it to the right JIC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Mine fits very tightly. The saw, on the other hand, isn't nearly as good as I had hoped. (The teeth aren't very sharp.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Stewmac's fret slotting handsaw is the only tool of theirs I've been dissapointed with. Replaced it with a Japanese handsaw, and I'd never, ever want to go back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar2005 Posted December 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Stewmac's fret slotting handsaw is the only tool of theirs I've been dissapointed with. Replaced it with a Japanese handsaw, and I'd never, ever want to go back. Yeah, it doesn't seem to cut as fast or smoothly as some japanese saws I've had. The problem is finding one that has the proper kerf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted December 19, 2006 Report Share Posted December 19, 2006 LMI has a Japanese saw with a .023" kerf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobz Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 No trouble with mine either. The best thing to do is like you said, bear your fingerboard to one side and clamp down as something like in my photo. There should`nt be that much play anyway. If there is I`d get on to StewMac and get it sorted. Anyone got the new stainless steel templates ? I`ve upgraded all my plastic ones to these, no chance of them wearing loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 I've got the stainless steel 25/25.5 template. The whole system (other than the saw, as I said before) works very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rista Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 I recently received Stewmac's stainless steel template and using their indexing pin there is no play at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanb Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 I have the stainless template and I don't have any problem with play either. You could use a larger diameter pin, or just press it to one side as mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnn_h Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 (edited) mine has a little bit of play and after clamping it the problem was solved . But how do you guys make the center line after slotting ? Even if the pin side of the fretboard is DEAD flat and clamped right against the miter box sidewall , i cant get the slot square ... it angles a bit... how could i find a center line in that case ? :| Edited April 16, 2007 by johnn_h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 I draw a centerline on my fretboard blank (top and ends), radius it with my radiusing jig, then double-stick tape it down to my fret slot template that also has a centerline marked. The template fits tightly in the miter box. Just have to be careful that there is enough tape to hold the fretboard down without slipping while cutting the slots. Could probably devise some kind of clamping arrangement as well, but the way I have my miter box affixed to a long piece of MDF, it's not practical in my case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertbart Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 I draw a centerline on my fretboard blank (top and ends), radius it with my radiusing jig, then double-stick tape it down to my fret slot template that also has a centerline marked. The template fits tightly in the miter box. Just have to be careful that there is enough tape to hold the fretboard down without slipping while cutting the slots. Could probably devise some kind of clamping arrangement as well, but the way I have my miter box affixed to a long piece of MDF, it's not practical in my case. That is the exact set up I have Rick and it works for me. But after seeing the hold-down quick clamp I may revise mine. That is an excellent idea Bobz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 I finally bought that LMI Japanese dozuki fret saw. Wow! I'll never be without one now. This thing is just perfect. Not too expensive either. It's branded "Ikeda fine tools" if that means anything to anyone... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenspoke Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 A sloppy pin isnt a good idea, call Stumac and ask for a replacement pin or entire jig set. If they are all sloppy try some very small drill bits find one that just fits and use the uncut side. Cheaper than finding a bag of pins on MSC that will fit. I have some of the older plastic jigs, the pin I used was from some bag or precision 1/8" pins I had. I dont remember the SM pin fitting too well. Adding gule is a temporay fix at best. I would also clamp any jig while cutting frets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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