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H.F. Pull Saw size change ?

Bought the Harbor Freight pull saw last week for fretting and it looks like the kerf is wider than the ones people have been using. The kerf is .032 now at least the tooth set is . The slot is too wide for the CB Gitty frets. Luckily I only did one before I noticed. Used my old Irwin it was pretty beat up but it still cut better than the HF one.

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on December 26, 2014 at 1:13am

Ugh. And mine is getting dull... I was thinking of buying a new one!

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on December 26, 2014 at 10:03am

bottom line,look for a .023 kerf,it will be close,that is an imperial dimension b.t.w

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Permalink Reply by Pizza Wizard on February 21, 2015 at 11:06pm

Be careful when ordering the saw. There are 2 on harbor freight with the same description but they are different brands. I accidentally got the one made by portman and the frets were completely loose in the slots. I still used it but had to super glue every fret along the entire length. I am guessing the topman is the one you want.

Do NOT use this saw

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-flush-cut-saw-62118.html

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on December 26, 2014 at 10:35am

If you plan on fretting a lot of necks, it might be worth it to bite the bullet and buy the Stew Mac fret saw with the depth stop on it. I bought one and I have never looked back.

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Fretting/Saws_and...

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on December 26, 2014 at 6:24pm

Wayfinder,you can drill your saw and attach a strip of teflon or similar,just like the stewmac

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on December 26, 2014 at 6:35pm

You could use a piece of hardwood too, like a scrap of maple or something.

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on December 26, 2014 at 7:39pm

a strip off a kitchen cutting board

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on December 27, 2014 at 12:50am

A fretting saw is one of those handtools that you simply need to get the right tool for the job and hang the expense, it will serve you well in the long run. Why waste $10-15 buying the wrong thing when for $30 you will be sorted for a long time? My first fretting saw lasted me around 250 fretboards before it became too blunt. At that price, and especially considering the "cost in use" it's hardly expensive.

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on December 27, 2014 at 1:37am

Valid point... For me, I wasn't sure I'd stick with this hobby... Now? I wish Stewmac made an indexed miter setup that would let me cut frets into a 1x2 neck... then I could justify the saw/miter box/ scale combo...

For one who may or may not build more than 1-2, you can rack up a stack of expensive tools you'll never use, and a small saw is always useful...

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on December 27, 2014 at 5:00am

Making an indexed fretboard jig is one of the simplest cheapest things you can do to improve the accuracy and ease of making a slotted fretboard. Here's how to do it (using scrap timber..and a proper Sheffield-made fretting saw).

The difference between a "japanese style" saw and a real Japanese saw is immense. The sharpness, rigidity and temper of the blade results in a tool that is a pleasure to use. The same goes for most tools....buy wisely - that doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money - secondhand planes and chisels (quality Sheffield UK or old USA made handtools) are usually really good value, combine that with a few well chosen quality new items and you'll have a selection of tools with are easy to use, will last a long time and won't break the bank.