Cutting Fret Slots With A Radial Arm Saw

Several years ago, Matt got sick and tired of cutting fret slots with a hand saw. That was way before we were making the number of instruments we are making these days. The rig we came up with then worked so well it is the same unit we are using today.

The radial arm saw is a classic old school tool that used to be in every garage shop in middle America. If you want to build something like the Texas Toast fret slotting rig you should probably be able to get a good deal on the saw… probably for less than the specialty blade.

Texas Toast Guitars is an independent guitar shop and this channel is a place for people with common interests to come together and discuss their mutual hobbies, toys, and opinions. All are welcome.

Original score: Electric Boogie Dawgs and The Born Readies
Artwork: Paul Shellooe

[randygwatson]

Absolutely appreciate these videos. Thank you for making them available.

[mr.esabsurditiesatrocities]

A zero fret video would be very welcome! I've been back and forth on a zero fret vs. a compensated nut for a long time now. A pros and cons comparison would be great.

[marccarlin]

You’re right about picking these saws up cheap. I just picked up a nice specimen for the cost of a two hour drive. Now I know what I can use it for.

We had a monster heavy duty one in the family shop which was used almost exclusively for cross cutting the solid lumber.

[mikeandmelmoseley]

Excellent, I wondered how it was done. Thanks.

[KragonPebble]

Love the content, thank you! Are you still using this machine to cut fret slots or have you changed methods since?

[dougdeeper]

Thnx 4 introducing me to some new music!!!! The Born Readies-Solid Six.
As always, love the videos!!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!

[headknocker]

I've seen that Stew-Mac jig several times but never on a radial arms saw.. Very cool!!

[jkellz]

Chris was so young here cutting those fret slots.... JK thanks for the cool vid man....

[kurtwisener]

HEY!! That's my fawkin' fretboard!!! Sweet!

[allesynwilke]

I have 2 Craftsman radial arm saws one I use as a saw the other as a overhead router works great

[kohl-]

Currently looking at screw slotting saw blades for fret slotting which is basically what the stew mac saw blades are, the added bonus of buying a screw slotting blade over a stew mac blade is they are much much cheaper and potentially better quality!

[HBSuccess]

Biggest problem I’ve had with a radial arm is getting a precise depth of cut. The table has to be dead flat, everything adjusted perfectly parallel and square to the table, and then you really should have some kind of hold-down (missing on your rig I see). It takes a lot of tinkering on my old Craftsman to get it set —and even the slightest bump while running and it’s back to the drawing board. So I’ve been using a tablesaw with a sled - and the same steel index rule you use.

[lukashruza]

Where did you get the fret slot template from? I am looking to build a similar jig but on a mini table saw for a non-profit guitar building company I helped start at my old high school. Do you see any benefit in using a radial arm saw instead of a mini table saw? Thanks!

[timbeaton]

When it comes to the actual fret fitting, do you add a curve at the bottom of the slot to match the board radius? Or just leave the bottom of the slot straight? Maybe fill with glue?

[MrGipson]

Have you ever thought of laying multiple fretboards next to each other and doing like 4 at a time or am I being greedy in my thought process? Right now I use a scroll saw and want to upgrade to something a little more professional.

[hannaguitars]

Hi Matt, I have a radial armsaw and the stewmac blade, and the stew mac templates
, so I'am curious how far is the index pin from the blade ?

[mikecagle]

Nice video, but had a hard time finding the "foot print" you were talking about. Is the saw also causing global warming?

[FPChris]

Do you also radius before slot cutting? or does it matter?

[perkinsguitars]

Please tell me the name of the song in this video

[gearwatch]

where did you get your slotted scale ruler?