dr.funk Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 This is my first post, any rookie shots around here? Wondering if anybody has widened the base of the stew mac fret slotting miter box and if it even can be. 3" is too narrow for some 5 and 6 string basses. thanks peeps. Doc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Given the fact it simply screws together, I don't see any problem at all modding it so it will accept wider boards. Only think you would need to do is add a 'ridge' the same thickness as the templates so the slotting templates stay properly aligned laterally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegarehanman Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 That's a lot of hand cutting...You might want to forgo the miter box and handsaw and just get the table saw blade. I bought it after using the handsaw a few times and there's no way I'd switch back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr.funk Posted July 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 My only concern for the table saw blade is my crappy ryobi table saw, I dont really have room for something nicer. But that would be ideal. thanks for the help tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegarehanman Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 If your table saw's blade spins true, then there should be no problem. I use a crappy craftsman saw . Ideally you would use a machinist's dial indicator, but try putting a ruler up next to the table saw blade, then spin the blade with your hand and see if it wobbles. Even a crappy saw shouldn't have noticeable blade runout, but you never know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr.funk Posted July 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Im familiar with the straight edge trick as well..... maybe I should check it out anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Sounds like you may have the same Ryobi table saw that I have. I've never been impressed with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 It's really also about cost effectiveness; I don't have the space for a tablesaw (not even a lousy one, really), I only build a maximum of 4 instruments per year (to date, anyway...), and at less than 10 minutes per fingerboard, even in ebony, by hand, with a nice, sharp japanese handsaw, there's really very little be gained in terms of time. Sure, a tablesaw will let you slot all 4 boards at once, practically, and within 3 minutes or so, but if it's cheap and nasty, there's the whole setup time to take into account, the making sure you've got everything lined up properly. The Stewmac setup, once assembled and once the guides are locked in place for your saw, only requires lining up the blank on the template, popping it in, and slotting away. If I built more instruments, or had the space and use for a tablesaw, I'd use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick500 Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Any ideas on sources for a decent Japanese hand saw with a .023" kerf? I'm really unhappy with my Stew-Mac fretting saw. (Only tool I've bought from them that I haven't liked.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Rick: I feel the same way. I got what I think is an unbacked Z brand saw, but LMII sells a japanese saw for fretting. Otherwise, google for japanwoodworker or similar, and simply email them and ask about what kerf their saws have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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