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Crowning Frets
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Author:  dubell [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 4:18 am ]
Post subject: 
I hate to open another related topic, but I think I asked to many questions in the last link. I don't know how to proceed.

I have leveled the frets and crowned them with a file. How do I sand the frets? Some frets still have flat areas in the middle while both ends are round (I think this is because I leveled the middle out too much). I need to know how you "finish" crowning with sandpaper. This is how Cumpiano does it, but I can't understand his process. Which direction am I sanding, nut to saddle, or back and forth riding on the fret?

Sorry for the duplication,

Doug Ubele
Author:  Kelby [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 4:37 am ]
Post subject: 
I continue crowning with the file until the flat spot across the fret is acceptably narrow (just barely visible). Then I take a few passes with a very fine Arkansas stone to remove the file marks from the flat areas. Then I give it a few quick passes with 800 grit sand paper (parallel to the fretboard length). Before I had a buffer, I used to go to 0000 steel wool, but now I skip the steel wool and just buff the frets with medium compound when I am buffing the laquer. I saw this approach on the Benedetto video, and it works great.
Author:  Dave-SKG [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:37 am ]
Post subject: 
Hi,
I use the two SM diamond fret crowning files ( well usually just the 300). First, tape off your fret board. Next get a red ( could be blue or green) Marks-a-lot or Sharpie and draw a line on top of each fret.Then using the crowning file and file the top/side of each fret until all you have left is a very very thin red line on the top of each fret. Remember this is done AFTER you all ready have leveled the frets. Anyway, all you have left is that skinny red line which represents a perfectly leveled fret so don't over do it with the crowning file or you will affect your leveling. Next take some steel wool and work each fret . I don't use the SW I use Micro Mesh starting with 1500 and go all the way to 12000. You get a real nice shine/polish. Don't forget to hit the fret ends along the way(with each grade of MM) and they too will look like they melted into the slots. Dave-SKG38460.7352777778
Author:  dubell [ Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks everyone. I got it now. I appreciate the patience.

Thanks,

Doug Ubele
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