How to file fret Tangs sticking out, without cutting into wood?

[Modern Growl]

Title says it all. I have some fret Tangs sticking out that I want to file down, but dont want to cut into the wood.

Blue tape?

Suggestions?

Thanks!

[megafiddle]

(edited - I just realized you are talking about the tangs)

One way is to file them in small groups, filing lengthwise along the fretboard, not one at a time.
That way the tang ends support the file off the fretboard edge until they are right down to the
surface. Once the file just begins to mark the surface, you will be about as flush as you are going to
get. If the edge has a finish on it, you have to avoid marking it up any more than you are able to
polish out later.

And for the fret ends themselves, (original post):

You file them at an angle, so the file is never actual flat against the side of the fretboard.
You do have to be careful not to go any deeper than the fretboard edge. You could put
some masking tape along the edge, just to protect against slips. But you need to file the
fret ends right down flush with the wood if you really want it smooth.
Then just polish up the fretboard edge afterward.

[oleskool]

I'm not sure if you meant fret ends or not, but the video on this page explains both.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...sing_File.html

[hdracer]

Is it a rosewood board or a maple board?
Rosewood is easy because any marks you make will disappear with a little fretboard conditioner.
Maple is much harder to make it look right because it is hard to not mess up the clear coat finish.
Rosewood I will do myself, maple I will take to a pro.
I learned the hard way.

[dtripoli]

Fret sprouts.
I bought a fine metal file at the local hardware store. 6" taper file that is about the size of a #2 pencil and it's triangular/3 file sides and tapers at the end.
Run the file at the same bevel as the fret end along the neck, not perpendicular.
If you are worried about marring the finish, applied masking tape but leave the fret wire exposed.
I did a TB search on here last year and there was an abundance of posts that walked me through it.

[SurferJoe46]

I start this way:::







Be careful to NOT knock the nut off - or just remove it and you don't have to be as careful.



EDIT::: Don't agonize about the edges of the fretboard when you file and sand on it. It will take a little wax to hide any dulling or loss of patina very well with a good quality carnauba wax. You'll never notice it at all.

BT - DT.