Fret End Dressing Jig
Source: Repair Tools and Jigs
Tools and Materials Required:
1″ x 2″ x 8″ Hard Maple
10″ Fine Cut Bastard File
Table Saw
Machine Screws
Linseed Oil
Fret Repair End Dressing Jig:
An essential guitar repair tool for the the guitar repairman is the Fret End Dressing Tool. This tool makes short work of finishing off the fret ends that overhang the fretboard.
I can remember struggling with holding a fine bastard file straight and true while trying to make all of the fret ends consistently the same angle and level with each other. Funny it never seemed to work out that way.
Then I discovered this little tool trick, made one for myself and I’ve had perfectly dressed fret ends ever since. They look great and feel even better and really give the guitar that professional touch.
How to Make One:
This tool or jig is quite easy to make too. Just cut a piece of 1″ high x 2 wide x 8″ long hardwood – preferably hard maple and chamfer all the edges.
Purchase a long bastard file and snap off the tang in a vice with a hammer or saw off the tang.
It is also a very good idea to chamfer all the butt edges of the file to minimize the possibility of damage to a guitar with misuse or accidental use.
Now cut a slot into one edge of the jig at a 45 degree angle with a Table Saw.
Make the slot only slightly larger than the file so the file has to be pushed in for a snug fit.
Make sure you get a mill-cut bastard file so you have a fine cutting surface. Additionally secure the file to the jig by running a couple of screws or bolts through the wood and contacting the file.
Make sure the screws are countersunk so the heads are not exposed. This will also allow you to change out the file if needed. If you have no intention of replacing the file you can secure the file in the slot with 2-part epoxy adhesive.
Final Finish:
Finish this tool out by putting a Linseed Oil Finish on the tool. This will make the tool slide over the frets better and protect the wood from staining a bit more.
Your Input Is Needed:
Do you have a favorite tool or suggestion that you would like to share with us? We would love to hear how other guitar makers are using their favorite jigs and tools and maybe you could help us all save a bit of time so we have more time to play these great sounding instruments that we make. 
Tags: fret end dresser, fret job, fret removal, fretting, how to repair frets, replace a few frets
