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I'm working on making a Fret Slotting Jig for the Table Saw and am wondering what materials most of you use for the runners?

From LMI they say UHMW is recomended, but I can't find this anywhere. I believe it's some sort of Nylon/plastic...

Any hardwood recomendations?

Also, how are you attaching the runners to the sled? Screwing from the top, screwing from the bottom, etc.? Any problems with these coming lose over time?

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

I believe UHMW would be the material of choice here, but it doesn't have to be. Any stable hardwood you have laying around should do the trick. Main thing is to have a good fit that slides easily without racking and binding.

In fact, I just ripped plywood for mine . Just because it was there. And it works fine, just as long as it is a good fit, doesn't bind at all.

It's not pretty, but I tend to shoot for function over form on my jigs. I just have an old stand alone benchtop saw stuck in the corner for this operation.

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

Thanks Wes.

Thanks for the picture too.

Looks like I'm off to see what kind of spare wood I have to use.

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

woodcraft sells UHMW here http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=897 .

there are a ton more places im sure, but this is the first place that came to mind.

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sweat the small stuff.

Blain,
Check out this tutorial:
http://www.infinityluthiers.com/tutFretSled.php
chris

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Chris Oliver
Infinity Luthiers
...in the shop.

live every minute...

Thanks for all the tips and links everyone.

I've been working on this all day (Taking lots of breaks because it's hot out in the garage today).

I'm actually just about done. Just making the last few adjustments now.

I used Oak for the runners for now, but I think I'm going to swing by Woodcraft and check on the UHMW. The Oak seems to be doing great right now, just not sure how it will be months or years down the road.

I'll post some picture when it's all done.

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

Alright, here it is about 95% complete.

I still want to put a support across the front where the saw cut is and add one more support on the far right side behind the fence.

Oh, and I'm also thinking about adding some toggle clamps to hold down the fret board and template. Has anyone else done this? Just seems easier than taping down the fret board or holding it with your hand...

Here's a couple of pictures of what I have right now.

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

You really don't need to toggle clamp the fretboard down as you make your cuts. Firm pressure with fingers is sufficient.
Not only would the clamps slow you down, I think they'd cause more problems than they'd fix.
On my sled, I built up the cut line area behind the fence with plywood... To keep the sled rigid & to make sure the bade would be "buried" & never come close to my hands.
I also put a stop in one track so I wouldn't cut further than necessary into the sled.
A little candle wax on the runners will keep them sliding smoothly. (I used maple scrap for my runners)

any problems with pulling the fretboard back thru the blade in the other direction? I often wonder if this would widen out the slots too much. Even the best saws seem to tend to have a little movement in the shaft/bearings etc. I was thinking of pushing it thru and lifting it off before pulling back the sled.

Thoughts?

joe

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Joe

UHMW is polyethylene, which might help with finding people who sell it. They have it at [url]OnlineMetals.com[/url]. It's a decent place to pick up small chunks of metal and plastic.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

Some discount department stores (like Target) sell white plastic cutting boards, which are typically made from UHMW.

I have always used wood for the sled runners for woodworking jigs. Because those skinny strips are hard to even pin nail in place without splitting. I usually just glue them on. What I usually do is cut the strips, place them in the saw slots with glue on the top surface, then lay a sheet of plywood or MDF over the top, and put a bit of weight on it. Once the glue dries, you can lift the sled off and the runners come with it. Then hand sand them very lightly and wax them. I doubt that you'll ever need to make a new sled, and predict that you won't bother with the UHMW, which is much more difficult to attach to the sled.

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

Joe,

According to the LMI instructions, you should lift the fretboard once the saw blade passes through it.

I was planning to go that route, but would also be interested to hear if anyone just leaves it down and what their results are.

_________________
Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."