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i read a recent post that asked about cutting the fret slots after inlaying the fretboard but i was unclear of what procedure would work for me. i have a slotted ebony fretboard which i want to do some large inlay in. i am going to be using mostly recon stone and abalone. my question is, should i not cross the fretted slots of the fretboard with the inlay? i know this will make my inlay project last 2 times as long but thats not the concern, i would rather not do this because the "flow" of the peice will be compromised if it is not one continuous peice through frets. i am new to inlay so i am not that good yet. also, will it be a problem if i do this and how do i resaw the slots if i do this?

i was also wondering if anyone has some information on the radiusing of fretboards for classical guitars. i would like to radius my fretboard but i am unsure about the process.   do you radius it before inserting wire frets? do i need to compensate the bridge for the radius?

You can go either way, pre plan you inlay pieces to end 1/32 short of the slot or ignore the slots and re-cut the slots out after inlay. Either is acceptable. One you have more pieces of inlay to cut, the other you have to go back and re-cut the slots. It really depends on the pattern as to which is the easiest.

Classical FB radius can be from 0-12" depending on the builder. Yes you need to radius the fretboard prior to fretting. be awar you may need to level your fret job after fretting. on steel string guitars If I have to do this I use an aluminum fb radius sanding board that has the radius machined in it.MichaelP38754.6030208333

thanks michael, because i bought my fretboard already slotted i am not familiar with slotting. can i use my jewelers saw to recut slots or do i need to purchase a special saw for this?

Your jeweler saw is going to be to small, I used an excato razor saw. It took some time and a pair of blades but I did get them all cleaned out.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Yes but the key is kerf and line trueness. pick a blade that provides the right kerf and will not walk on you. I an afraid that a jewlers blade may do that if your not carfull.

The one downside I see with doing a large inlay in one piece of course is the possiblility of it breaking. Laying it out for each open area on the board will help eliminate the possiblility of breakage in a "bad" spot.

I've never done a large inlay before say take this for what it's worth, just a hunch.

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thanks for the advice, i'll try it in one peice and see how it goes.

[QUOTE=kama] thanks for the advice, i'll try it in one peice and see how it goes.[/QUOTE]

I assume you mean one continious assembly made up of many pieces. Even using recon stone you will not be able to cut a 14" to 17" piece with out it breaking.

I had my fretboard pre-slotted also, by LMI and I bought their fret saw at the same time. It fits their pre-cut slots perfectly, and I had to deepen the ends of several slots after sanding.

Ron

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yes ill also buy a fret saw to resaw slots.

Here's an example of an inlay done a few years back on a radiused, pre-slotted fretboard using separate pieces to create a single large image.
I recall not routing through the slots on this one, but modifying the drawing to cut just shy of the slots. This was done by duplicating the fret positions exactly over the drawing and using a dull pencil to widen the gap needed on either side of the slot.
Cut your piece, sand to the line,check and re-check!!!
I found having the fret reference lines on each pattern piece was much quicker and safer then sanding back afterwards.

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Paul Bordeaux
http://www.bordeauxinlay.com

that is breath taking paul!!

cant wait to start messing round with my CNC to get some results even half as good as that

paddy

Thanks Paddy,
The story behind that inlay dwarfs the art work! It's very touching.
(It can be read on my site after bringing up the gallery page #2)http://www.bordeauxinlay.com/hal.htm

I forgot to mention re-slotting if you get glue in the slots; Stew-mac sells a .024 kerf saw with a depth of cut adjustment on the frame. I use it all the time so a builder doesn't get a surprise when it comes time for the fret job!

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Paul Bordeaux
http://www.bordeauxinlay.com