Japanese Fret Saw

So far I have only used this saw and Depth stop to try and increase the depth on each side of a pre-slotted Fret Board after radiusing the board. I found the saw a little too harsh as it is too easy for this saw to cause wood chip/break away at the end of the slot, particularly on the pull side of the slot. This occurred on an ebony Fret Board, not sure if the same can occur on a rosewood FB. I also found that it tended to widen the slots on those slots that I worked on with this Saw. I am now very concerned that the Frets will be too loose on these particular slots. I was afraid to use it anymore and went back to an old Fret saw belonging to a professional Luthier friend. I guess it might work a little better with the miter box, but I would still be afraid to use it on an ebony board at this stage?

After the miter box has been setup, fret slotting is a breeze when you use the scale templates. I find if I wedge the scale templates into the miter box with some small wood wedges the board will not move, allowing the saw to cut the appropriate size slots.

I gave this review a 4 out of 5. However, I would give the miter box and fret scale templats a 5.

The Japanese fret saw on the other hand I am dissapointed with. After using to build about 10-12 necks the saw is almost too dull to use, and I had to glue the handle onto the blade tang to keep it from falling off during use. I would give it 2.5 out of 5 stars.

This is a very nice saw, make sure to get the depth guard for cutting fret slots, it cuts fast. Also I recomend a lutheriers' digital caliper to set the depth stop and measure fret distances from the nut. I want to get the mitre box soon. The handle is very comfortable and if you pop off the depth guard via the two thumb screws, you have a nice long sharp saw with a nice thin kerf, with many other uses.

I just received and used the saw and box to slot my very first fretboard. It took me a little while to feel comfortable with my measurements to set the guide blocks, but once I got it set, it worked PERFACTLY! It was so easy, and kinda fun. I'm so glad I took the time to research and aquire the right products for my first slotting experience. It was just the kind of win I needed to keep me going! The only suggestion I have about the product, would be to incorporate some type of measuring system or marks for the guides.

This saw works quite well, however not any better than the the Stew-Mac saw

This is the first time I've cut my own fretboard (Brazil Rosewood for Les Paul), having bought pre-cut and radiussed 'boards from StewMac previously. I think I did a pretty good job for a first attempt. I'm very happy with the saw and have cut 2 more boards since. I may buy the Mitre Box too as I did go slightly off-square with 2 frets which I fixed OK. I like the weight and feel of this tool. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I haven't tried the English style of fret saw so I don't know how they compare. As a carpenter I've used other Japanese saws and I get on well with them.

You should warn purchasers that the saw cuts slots much wider than appropriate for the tang on any wire you stock. They will wind up with very loose frets! I just tried it with the #150 wire on a scrap neck and I will be returning it!

This saw is much better than the old one. Thanks for another great product!