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Looking for decent crowning tools

S

skycruiser

Jan 15, 2019
3,766
6,566
#1
So I've taken a 24" level with 320 grid sandpaper to my fretboard (well, actually, 2 fretboards). The buzzing issues are mostly resolved now but need to go back and do the crowning and polishing. I think I need the crowning file and that little metal plate you use to protect the fingerboard while sanding/polishing.

Should I go ahead an invest in Stewmac quality tools or can I get by with something cheaper? I have 2 necks to clean up right now, but might do this again in the future.

Do I need to select a specific sized crowning file that matches my fret size? These are Squier necks and the frets look pretty big. I could measure the width with calipers later tonight.

Thanks!
 
#2
I have some StewMac Z files and they worked out ok, mostly operator error on my part, my frets ended up kinda looking like trapezoids haha. I'd suggest getting the centered version of whatever brand you get. The Z version was sort of confusing to use.
 
#3
landrybass said:
I have some StewMac Z files and they worked out ok, mostly operator error on my part, my frets ended up kinda looking like trapezoids haha. I'd suggest getting the centered version of whatever brand you get. The Z version was sort of confusing to use.
Click to expand...

Are these just for the ends or the tops? I mainly need to re-shape the tops that have been ground flat.

Edit: I see these are for crowning the tops. At $113, I may need to track down another option. Can't put that much into this right now.
 
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#5
I recommend this one, either their #4490 or #4491. You probably want the #4491 Wide/Jumbo size, unless you are working with small size frets. I like the old-style crowning files like these better than the modern diamond files. The old-style files with teeth make a smoother finish than diamond files. Less sanding and polishing after.

Double-edge Fret File - StewMac
 
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#9
Matt Liebenau said:
Bruce’s files above are good. Another option if you have or think you might work on something that you can’t remove the neck on, a set neck, neck through or acoustic, is this.

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That's a good quality crowning file too. I have one. For some reason, I don't find it as comfortable to use as the straight-handled one. It looks like it would be, but it isn't for me.
 
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#10
Bruce Johnson said:
That's a good quality crowning file too. I have one. For some reason, I don't find it as comfortable to use as the straight-handled one. It looks like it would be, but it isn't for me.
Click to expand...

It works really well over the fretboard tongue on the body portion of acoustic guitars, Les Pauls, or non-bolt on. It's a go-to for this work.

It is not a comfortable tool for crowning an entire fingerboard.
 
#11
Bruce Johnson said:
That's a good quality crowning file too. I have one. For some reason, I don't find it as comfortable to use as the straight-handled one. It looks like it would be, but it isn't for me.
Click to expand...


I have both, the flat style and the Gurian. I usually pick up the flat one like you listed. The offset is ok although the handle seems a bit awkward. I may try and turn a new handle… hmmmm…

Either way, the OP said he may try some other fret jobs and I wanted him to see some options in case he has a neck through or acoustic someday.
 
#12
202dy said:
It works really well over the fretboard tongue on the body portion of acoustic guitars, Les Pauls, or non-bolt on. It's a go-to for this work.

It is not a comfortable tool for crowning an entire fingerboard.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's what I thought. I like the little cutter heads, though. I've thought about making up a better (for me) handle to hold them.
 
#14
Gilmourisgod said:
I taught myself with a "safed" three corner file. Its old school, but you can see what you are doing as you work. When one side starts to clog I flip it, then clean all three sides at once. Unless you do a lot of this, look for something cheaper than Stewmac. Very nice, very overpriced tools and heavily padded S&H charges. Meh.
Click to expand...
It turns out today I dug up some 3-corner files in my tool box, though not "safed", but I'm thinking of giving it a try with these before I buy any special tools. I'm going to see if I can find some really thin metal to tape up against the frets to protect the board. If I don't have that I'll try masking tape (maybe covered with aluminum tape) and just keep a close eye on it.

I saw a Stewmac video on this. Apply marker to the fret first so you can easily see how much you have cut. Take it slow, a little at a time. Might need to put on my magnifiers to be able to see it well enough!
 
#15
Masking tape along the fret won’t do much, if anything. The edges of standard 3 corner files are sharp and have the same teeth as the flats. You need to carefully use a grinder or bench sander to smooth the edges and take the sharp parts down. The fretboard will end up pretty scratched otherwise. I’m not trying to discourage you, just save you a more difficult fix after the frets are crowned. If you don’t have a bench grinder you probably know someone who does.
 
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#16
Matt Liebenau said:
Masking tape along the fret won’t do much, if anything. The edges of standard 3 corner files are sharp and have the same teeth as the flats. You need to carefully use a grinder or bench sander to smooth the edges and take the sharp parts down. The fretboard will end up pretty scratched otherwise. I’m not trying to discourage you, just save you a more difficult fix after the frets are crowned. If you don’t have a bench grinder you probably know someone who does.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I do have access to a grinder. Good advice. Probably need to grind and then sand/polish to get a nice smooth surface. I'll probably be able to do it later this week.
 
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#18
You can get a decent quality three corner safed edge file on Ebay for around $15. The Stewmac will be better made, but not 4 times the price better made. I bought a similar one and polished the safe edges a little smoother, have done three fret crownings with it. The tradeoff is your time, if you want decent quality tools for less than Stewmac, you really have to hunt for them.
6" x 5/16" Guitar Fret File, 3 corner Triangle, Smooth Edges, Gradual Removal | eBay
 
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#20
I just bought one of these (currently unavailable) for dressing fret ends. Actually pretty pleased with it. The "safed" bottom flat edge could be a little more polished, but no complaints otherwise. I guess the same company makes fret crowning files too. If I was doing this all day long as a Pro, I'd probably just suck it up and buy the highest quality Stewmac tools, but as an amateur on a skinny hobby budget, it pays to shop around.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F6WVC6P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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