I am not sure what my problem is... according to most videos and articles I have read or seen fretting isn't supposed to be all that bad.  I have the PDF from Josh G (forget how to spell his last name), I bought and watched Red Dog's DVD (watched it a couple of times when it came to the part on fretting). I did the same with Bill Jehle's DVD. I watched Big Daddy's video series on YouTube (several times). I just cannot get a handle on fretting.

Now with Cigar Box Guitars most would say, "So! Go Fretless!".  I have done that, and still like doing that for certain guitars, but the truth of the matter is, I can't play slide all that great (although I am getting better), but I prefer to fret an instrument.  I can actually play something if I can fret it. It's what I am most used to.

Is there anyone else who can empathize/sympathize, and maybe has gotten past this?  I am to the point of looking for Luthier Classes somewhere, anywhere! (and sadly not finding any local to my area in NC).  I just need someone to hands on show me is the only thing I can think. I honestly do not know what I am doing wrong.  I am following all the tips and tricks I can find (for the most part, minus a few expensive tools).  I am almost at my wits end with fretting an instrument, yet there are so many more instruments (CBGs, Guitars, Basses, Canjos, Cookie Tin Builds, etc....) that I want to build.

So far, I have tried to fret roughly 10 guitar (one of them is for the 3rd time). Out of those, only half turned out okay (three turning out really well (one I used bobby pins for the frets) and the other two just okay)).  The other half were an awful mess that make no sense and piss me off to no end.     

Any ideas?

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Amen Cynthia!

Sorry Cynthia.  I wasn't trying to imply anything.  I would have recommended that article to anyone regardless of gender.  There where quite a few things in that article that I didn't know.  I have been building these things off and on for 3 years. 

What I have recently learned...
- For 3 years I haven't built nearly enough compared to most here. 
- I only know enough to be dangerous (even though dangerous in most cases still sounds, and plays great).- It's hard to work both smart and cheap.

i fretted over fretting for a little while when i started, but had a lot of practice first before committing a time expensive shaped neck....i do all the cuts using a template guide, a set square, a sharp pencil, a junior hack saw and a steady hand....;-)

I have some good players with some crooked frets - it embarrasses me.   I kind of became a fretless builder - I had enough fretted ones - some pretty good - and fretless builds are the easiest and most fun.

Then recently, I did two fretted builds and they came out great.  I better quite while I am ahead.

I'm working on my first fretboard, I have 4 slots cut. I think I better make a miter box before I mess up .

A miter box is a must have, however you can tape or clamp a framing square to the board and use the straight edge as a guide in a pinch.

Yes, I would consider it a must have. I've made a very simple one, it's a huge help.

That was my first system. Went like this.

First test fit for depth

Now the rest...carefully

My fret nippers were a pair of small bolt cutters

After filling the ends flush with the edge of the fretboard.

This one ended up going on one of the best players out of my earlier builds. 

maybe its just me, but all I do is mark the frets and then use an adhesive. If it is a uke I use tooth picks and if it is a guitar I use finishing nails. I have had no major problems. Time is the only setback. It could happen faster but I only build for enjoyment. There is a lot of stuff you can try, bobby pins, cotter pins, tooth picks. All work if you are patient enough. Hope this helps

I love fretting!

This home made jig is simply two pieces of aluminium tile edging screwed to a board.In the photo two fret boards are being cut,quick and easy no measuring or marking out. 

Looks really good Michael, are you just eyeballing the depth of cut?

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