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Newbie introduction and question

Hi guys, My name is Alex and I'm a newbie, though I have been silently stalking the forums for some months looking for information. Last year my other half picked up and instructable for a 3 string slide guitar which we built out of a pool cue case with a fair amount of success. During the research period we stumbled across CBG and decided that it would be our next project. We have deviated somewhat and have built a cookie tin banjo (fretted 5 string). I think it was a little ambitious for a first one, but oh well. The problem I'm having is the fretting. I screwed it up the first time, using random bits of modelling wire and a file to make the frets. Unsurprisingly they were not level. After months of staring at the thing I decided that I would fret it properly. Got some actual fret wire, fret hammer and end cutters for the job. Now the problem is, I made the fret slots too wide the first time round, you could fit an elephant in there, and changing the fret board is not an option (hand cut white oak with a rubbish saw, years I tell thee!). So, I thought that sanding down some of the oak for sawdust and filling the slots with that and a mix of glue and then re-cut? What do you chaps think? Anyone had to do this before? If so what glue is best to use?

Anyway, I seem to have rambled on enough for now.

Regards

Alexandra.

Tags: Banjo, Cookie, Fretting, Tin

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Permalink Reply by Jackaddict on February 2, 2012 at 11:43am

I got a Zona woodcraft saw in the end, as it was the only one I could afford.

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Permalink Reply by Jackaddict on February 2, 2012 at 11:20am

I hope so. The kerf is 0.022 and the tang on my wire is 0.023. It might be a tight squeeze but I will make it fit.

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Permalink Reply by Jackaddict on February 6, 2012 at 10:47am

So I started the fretting yesterday, since it was snowing and I couldn't go to band practice, thought I would make the most of it. For the most part it went OK. A few saw slips unfortunately (need a steadier hand) and 2 of the frets seem to need a little glue to stay put. Not sure why, possibly the FB not being completely flat I suspect. On the whole it is starting to look pretty good. I will glue in those awkward frets and then start on the filing. *Crosses fingers*

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Permalink Reply by William McCauley on February 6, 2012 at 11:20am

Try using a framing square or a machinist's square against the side of the fret board to keep the saw steady when you cut. A small drop of super glue should hold the loose frets in place.

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Permalink Reply by Jackaddict on February 8, 2012 at 9:47am

I will give that a go next time. Its a bit frustrating as the test cuts on scrap wood were perfect and the wire is nice and snug. Least I have a pretty bit of scrap wood now.

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Permalink Reply by William McCauley on February 8, 2012 at 10:51am

You could also try marking your cut with a knife rather than a pencil. That gives your saw blade something to track in. Less chance of wobble and wander. But, still use the square.

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Permalink Reply by Jackaddict on February 12, 2012 at 6:38am

I did do that (cut with a knife) but I still got a wobble on a few frets. I think I got a little over confident after the first few frets went well. But hey, its my first build of a fretted instrument so its not going to be perfect. Well that's what I keep telling myself.