Cutting Fretslots on a Maple Fretboard using the Mighty Mite

There are some who think that the Mighty Mite table saw from Harbor Freight is not sufficient enough to cut fretslots into Hardwoods like Maple or Rosewood. I have found that if you allow the motor to come up to maximum speed and then cut your fretslot "FAST", the motor does not bog down and you have a perfectly cut fretslot. I have used this set up for over 300 fretboards (3 blades) and have cut slots in basically every type of wood that I can get a hold of. ( DISCLAIMER... PURPLE HEART is a blade KILLER...and that's NO LIE !! )

saw # JS402312000

[keithterry]

Hey Del. I built a sled for a Harbor Freight saw just like that based on one of your older videos. I used to get more binding too, but here is a little tried that has helped I used a couple strips of green painters tape on the metal sides of the table saw to reduce the amount to play between the table saw and the sled. This reduced some of the binding issues and gives me a more repeatable fret slot. Thanks again for sharing your wealth of experience and knowledge.

[bobjohnston]

I was just in the process of setting my Mighty Mite saw up and noticed a few things you did that are helpful. The saw tips over very easy so I bolted mine to a larger 3/4 piece of plywood that I can clamp down. Looks like you bolted yours to the work bench. I was going to put a stop on my sled but you are using the back wall of your work bench. I'm copying yours. Also, I would have pushed the sled slow and never thought of making fast cuts so thanks for this timely video.

[edwardkipp]

I had a mighty mite, my Dad and I ground the blade down to thickness, but it still stalled out cause i was going slow... didnt think to whip it though fast?!? We ended up cannibalizing a drill motor and the mighty mite and ended up with a beastly slot cutter! It was a good project to work on together...

[nmssis]

thanks for sharing. what blade are you using for this saw?

[terrydockery]

So where do you find this mighty might

[dartman]

That sure beats the heck out of cutting them by hand!👍😎🎸🎶

[stevenhodgkiss]

Thanks Del. I bought two of them. They are hard to get. The Malco Saw blades (.023" kerf, .5" arbor hole) were delivered today. God bless, bro!

[px]

Is there any technical reason why you would want a glued fretboard instead of just hammering the frets right into the neck? I really don't want to go overboard with my first build, but if it adds stability, I'd consider it.

[pjs-]

My question is if it bogs down cutting a fraction of an inch or less what the heck can you cut with it? This does look good however for now I’m going to stick with using my cut off saw and lining it up with a T-square. Are used to use a G but the square is a lot quicker for me

[jmikew]

I have the same saw setup for doing nothing but cutting fret slots and have cut all kinds of hard wood without any problems.

[pjs-]

That last sentence was supposed to say I used to use a JIG but my square is much quicker. Great video Mr. Pucket

[sparkspark]

I'm making a neck out of a hickory sledge handle, it's going good. I used a cordless saw to cut the flat for the fingerboard, I made up a jig to keep the tool level, that worked fine- what let me down was the power of the tool- it took a total of half hour and a recharge to cut that flat. Cheap cordless, fine for pine or ply, no good for hardwood!

[stanleyshostak]

That’s not the first video of that saw you have done over the years. It works great for you!
I do wonder what other uses are for that saw. It seems not so mighty.

[mcopado]

I do the same thing on hard wood boards with mine, just move fast.

[stevesstrings]

Good tip! I recall you used Purple Heart wood once and it dulled your blade. Do you think this “quick cut “ method may prevent that or did you do this then?

[loulamanna]

The problem we had with the saw was keeping the table level. Only one adjustment screw and it wouldn't hold the table level or keep the depth even.

[vtbn]

I'd be happy if I could just source the blade.

[charleskelly]

Mr. Puckett thank you for making all these videos. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2018 she is still fighting, had a double mastectomy in may has one more treatment left. Just as we thought things couldn't get worse in our life our 26 year old son Tyler (TK) passed away from a bad asthma attack on January 26th 2019. Needless to say we've had a very hard stressful year. We try to be strong in front of our three girls, Aimee 24, Abby 17, and Ava 9. I get out of my head watching your videos and I'm planning/hoping one day soon to build a cigar box guitar and learn how to play. Hopefully a old dog can learn a new trick, playing a 3 string guitar. Love seeing you build them and play them! Again thank you from the bottom of my heart looking forward to see the next video.