GMC LUTHIER TOOLS
FRET PRESS
WITH 9-RADII CAUL SET AND NECK SUPPORTS
Normal Price 89.75GBP
*** Limited Offer Sale Price - 82.00 GBP - Subject to Availability ***
“Excellent Quality & Great Price. Awesome!”. Roy T., Ontario, Canada.
“Smart tool, awesome build quality”. Jean-B, Paris, France.
“A lovely little tool, well designed and manufactured - does the business.” Jake S. Nottingham, UK.
“Fast Service and Great Product”, Brendhain D., Goteborg, Sweden.
”Tool quality and finish are second to none as usual”, Bill Y. North Berwick, UK.
“Amazing bit of kit”, Phil D, Birmingham, UK.
“Another quality purchase. Already paid for itself!” Chris S. Walsall, UK.
CONTENTS:
- Stainless Steel Press Bracket with Lever Operated Anti Backlash Screw.
- Base with Rubber Feet and Protective Rubber Covering.
- 9 Cauls: 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
- 3 Different Radii Neck Supports.
- Loose Cork Mat.
DESCRIPTION IN BRIEF:
The press is operated by an anti-backlash screw ensuring smooth action and precise control.
It is robustly made and compact in size with all forces self contained within its own bridged design.
The press handle is weighted for smooth action and is comfortable to grip allowing the force required to insert the fret to be delivered with ease.
Nine cauls are provided with the press: 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
The cauls can also be used to check the radius of the fingerboard - (see underside view further below).
The fret can remain clamped in the press if gluing is required.
Smaller radii cauls can be used for applying extra pressure on the fret ends and larger radii for extra pressure at the centre.
The downward stroke is guided to ensure the caul remains perpendicular to the neck.
The screw connection allows for radial misalignment to ensure the caul seats correctly along the fret.
The press has a very small footprint (150mm x 150mm), so will not take up valuable space. The base has four rubber feet to keep it stable whilst also allowing it to be used on any surface.
The press bracket can be easily repositioned to one end to provide the clearance required for angled headstocks.
The base has a rubber covering to protect the neck when passing it through the press.
USING THE PRESS:
The fret must be pre-formed to the fingerboard radius.
Locate the fret securely into the fingerboard slot and ensure that it is upright.
Locate the fret centrally underneath the press caul.
Lightly tighten the press to grip the fret. Check that the tang is still located in the fret slot and the caul is centrally positioned over the fret in both planes. Turn the handle to push the fret home.
Please note: The press is suitable for use with bolt on necks only. The neck must also be detached from the instrument.
The press bracket can be easily re-positioned to any point along its base. This is convenient for access to the 1st fret adjacent to the headstock, as shown in the above photo.
CHANGING CAULS:
A snap ring keeps the caul located onto the screw.
To release: pull the caul downwards. To refit: push up until snap ring engages.
CAULS:
Nine cauls are provided with the press: 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat.
The cauls can also be used to check the radius of the fingerboard.
As the photo illustrates, the caul design is kept simple. This in turn aids an uncomplicated process for which the following basic guidelines should be adopted.
Fret and Slot Preparation:
1) The fret should be pre-bent to the radius of the fingerboard.
2) When viewed from above, both fret and tang should be parallel and not twisted.
3) Correct tang/slot size. The tang should fit snugly into the fret slot up to the barbs by moderate thumb/finger pressure only.
4) With the above satisfied, the frets will be pushed perfectly home!
CAUL DESIGN
“This tool makes the work seem absurdly simple! Do you think by adding a concave "V" shape to the caul ends it would help to ensure seating onto the frets?
For this system, there would be no technical benefits. The design of this press is based on simple kinematic location principles. The inclusion of a grooved caul from a comfort aspect would be an unnecessary complication and may even tip the fret over.
This can be qualified in more detail as follows:
FRET LOCATING & SEATING PRINCIPLE
The fret is located axially (vertically and horizontally) in the slot.
The flat caul centralises itself (radially) on the fret crown under precise control of the user.
The process is now physically balanced and in equilibrium.
The elimination of backlash and the application of constant pressure ensures that this state is maintained during pressing and thus the fret remains perpendicular. There are no potential tangential components of force that could cause the fret to tip over.
“Your fret press works very nicely. Its a very well made and designed device indeed. I've re-fretted 2 guitars with Jescar Stainless, their most jumbo version - since it came on Saturday. The flat surface works perfectly and is far easier to clean. The cleaning is important for us as the glue we use sticks very well to metal!”
PAYMENT METHODS:
PayPal
Other: BACS / Direct Bank Transfer / Faster Payment.
(Account details for payment will be forwarded after purchase confirmation).
DISPATCH:
Current dispatch time is 3 working days from receipt of payment (excluding weekends).
All shipping is via TRACKED or SIGNED FOR courier service.
The purchaser will be responsible for any national and local import duties due in the country/region where the goods are received. These will normally be paid for by the delivery carrier on entering the country and will be invoiced separately to the recipient of the goods. If in doubt, please check with your local customs office to establish if any duty will be payable.
A full refund will be provided if you are not satisfied with your purchase - see details.
©Copyright - GMC Luthier Tools 2016