tsl602000 Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 I lost my fret crowning file. Searchred the whole place but can't find it so I'll just order a new one. I always used the Stew mac steel file and was wondering if those diamond files are really so much better than the steel files to justify the double cost.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 I don't like the one I have. It's the one that's about 6" long with the curved ends. I think the regular ones work just as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsl602000 Posted April 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Scott, What is it that you don't like about that file? Stew Mac makes you believe the diamond files do a cleaner job.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitarfrenzy Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 I have the Offset Diamond Fret File in 300 grit and it really does a nice clean job, with less chatter so you don't have as much touch up work later on. I could still be using the steel files, but after watching the Advanced Fretting Videos I noticed that they used diamond files on the pro setups. I think that they last longer, but the other files aren't that bad either. Really the main reasons I got that particular file is because 300 grit isn't too harsh, the offset lets you crown hard to do areas, the file will last a long time, and it will do all size fretwire also. It wasn't cheap but I feel that I have a good file that will give me great results, and I shouldn't have to have another file in a long time. I'm planning on buying the 150 grit one next, just to get one that will take off alot if I need to in a hurry. All in all though, you should be able to get professional results with any of the crown files, steel or diamond. I would just buy what I could afford at the time, because I went to visit a very good local luthier and was suprised he was using the old 3 in 1 Steel Fret Crowning file still. So basically any of them will do you a good job, it's just a matter of what you are comfortable using and how long you want the tool to last you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhoads56 Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 I would just buy what I could afford at the time, because I went to visit a very good local luthier and was suprised he was using the old 3 in 1 Steel Fret Crowning file still. Yep, i use the three-in-one set, and find it perfect for my needs. I havent tried the diamond type, but my experience with other diamond based tools has been less than acceptable. However, the diamond tools i have used have all been "made in china", so i guess that says it all.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Scott, What is it that you don't like about that file? Stew Mac makes you believe the diamond files do a cleaner job.... I don't think it cuts as well for all the hype Stewmac spits out about them. EDIT: It's the same file Guitarfrenzy showed in his post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitarfrenzy Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 We'll not sure about other diamond files, but I can speak for the one I have and it works great. But the question that you should ask yourself is; do you really need it or not? I guess what I was trying to say earlier was that I'd have to question someones ability if they couldn't get good results with a steel file. Either one you get will be fine, diamond or steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsl602000 Posted April 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Yeah, I achieve good results with a steel file. I was just wondering if those diamond files give better results in less time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southpa Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 I bought the regular steel fretfile a while ago and wasn't really happy with the performance. I get better results from my trusty triangular file with 2 edges ground smooth. I've been told that the true diamond fret file carried by StewMac will crown a fret in only a few swipes. I can see the expense being worthwhile if you are in the biz and are doing fretwork all year long. But I won't spend $70+ for a tool designed to do only one thing and will be used maybe 3X a year at the most. Each to his own, I'm proficient enough with the triangle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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