Modifying some files for re-crowning work

[@elbowache]

I have nightmares where I show this guy something I've worked really hard on and he says, "it's fine. "

[@djstringsmusic2994]

This is how i see everything i do lol. It makes my gf extremely mad especially when its a project that I've worked on to the point of perfection.

[@arnienonymous4458]

Great tips, as always. However, now that it has been established that there is a shop cat, we will need to see a better view of said shop cat, along with its specifications.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Hang on, let's not get too catophilial here, cats are in Uncle Doug's wheelhouse. Besides, he might start telling us it's the cat doing the playing at the end!

[@markpierce4902]

I agree. I thought I was seeing things at first, but now know I'm not completely nuts. It's always good to see shop animals that aren't camera shy. LOL

[@courier11sec]

@@dooleyfussle8634 I feel like you're saying there's such a thing as too many cat-featuring craftsmanship channels, which is obviously wrong.

[@miaoupha2370]

At least a 30mn interview of fluff fluff would be a minimum as an introduction.

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

My cat asked me to relay a question-- Clumping or non-..? (I'm assuming he watches while I'm working...)

[@alandust2188]

Ted, you are the exception to the rule as the saying goes. I'm not a groupie that clicks the thumbs up button for videos before the presenter even talks BUT again, there are exceptions to the rules and that is you. I always look forward to your videos because I have never been disappointed. You are just a wealth of knowledge and joy to listen to. Thanks for giving back!

[@GP-Music.]

I second this.

[@Ukedc259]

Ooh midweek! You’re spoiling us.

[@gusblacksmith9]

I know you heard this a thousand times before, that you're talented and skilled and probably the best or at least the most dedicated luthier/guitar repair guy I've ever seen. But there's something about you, man... Something about how you present things, your energy, your demeanor that's just so calming and therapeutic. I've been going through a rough time and your videos are on my top 3 things to do to calm me down. Thank you, Ted.

[@telecasterbear]

Pushing the take off point of a fret. Such a craftsman.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Thank you for the perfect timing of this video! I only work on my own guitars and have done so since the late 60s. I have a fret dressing coming up, and was looking through my files for something to modify for a re-crown after top dressing. I been eyeing a triangle file to take an edge off of to help it glide over the tape. Back in the day, (1960s) there were non to very few specialist tools for fretwork. One had to create their own. So, here I am 15 years since my last fret filing... Your "refresher" is just what I need👍.

[@gregoryguitars6291]

Yes man. I was grinding corners off a rounding file yesterday. The only way to fly is with a triangle. Love your work

[@alext8828]

I'm watching "Modifying some files for re-crowning work". This is a good video. Enjoying very much. Thank you.

[@pinballrobbie]

Thanks for this, I only want to refret one guitar-my own and balked at the price of the famous commercial ones especially as I live in New Zealand and postage will be a killer.

[@Daves_not_here]

It is pure synchronicity that I have found this video today. I am confronted, at this time, with leveling and crowning a very expensive guitar. Stew Mac files are limited in the actual fret radius that they will accommodate. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@donaldwrissler9059]

Good video, reminding people how simple the tools needed are. Over time I've found that only things I need for a quality fret jobs are ....(Sharpie), Leveling beam, 3 Corner Safety file, Stew Mac Fret Tang File; Sandpaper 400/600, Micro mesh and finally a polishing compound or Mag wheel polish( has some agents that prevent tarnishing). Amazing how inexpensive and locally sourced most items can be found. Not many excuses for mildly handy players to do basic work should be.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Todd: For my mind this file has a tendency ... Everyone else: oooo a cat.

[@haplessdilettante]

Your most engaging quality to me is your mature and considered yet down-to-earth value set. I've owned guitars and banjos, but have long since deferred to people with actual talent. Your approach to the craft holds enduring fascination.

[@timothy4664]

I really get making your own tools or modifying tools. My dad was a drafting and shop teacher for nearly 40 years. Everything I know about woodcraft I learned from him and he will modify something to meet his needs if possible. There will always be times when a job requires a specific tool and it doesn't make sense to manufacture yourself. Those other times though if you have the materials and the ability why not make your own? That isn't a condemnation in any way to anyone else. Everyone is the best judge for their own situations and needs.

[@nellayema2455]

Great video, but too short. I didn't have enough time to have your soothing voice lull me to sleep in my computer chair! I usually wake up and have to rewind to see what I missed while dozing.

[@bruitist]

[Werner Herzog voice] I would like to see the kitty.

[@Craig_Hilbig]

Uhh...

[@Craig_Hilbig]

It is asleep.

Like Donald Sutherland said in the great 1970 war movie, 'Kelley's Heroes, What's with the negative waves, man." In the font you superimposed, "Boring Tech Stuff etc..." It's not boring.at all And I'm a city slicker from Los Ángeles...who digs your explanations! Keep up the great posts!

[@KBorham]

I made a safe three corner file after watching this video the first time. I love it, it works better than the Z file and others I use. Thanks for the inspiration and direction Ted.

[@jamesdavid7099]

Love your vids man. Informative, interesting, and relaxing. You truly are the Bob Ross of the luthier world.

[@Constantstate]

Awesome...Thanks for your time and knowledge!

[@LiLi-or2gm]

All the best shops have a shop cat!

[@dwebster50]

Enjoyed , this , because I am the fan of the triangular file for fretting. There is a famous saying , that I use for many skill set. “ Anyone can do it with Money” it does take some ingenuity to make a tool yourself . So cool ...

[@manifestgtr]

YES, extra slim 3 corner is where it’s at. For some reason, a lot of guys I’ve seen like slim taper Nicholsons. To me, those are nice and I *do* use them here and there but the extra slim Nicholsons are about the best crowning file I’ve found. Just grind off the corners, round them over a tiinnyyy bit and you have a brilliantly controllable, cheap crowning file that’ll last decades if you take care of it. For a handle, I just use a few wraps of duct tape. It’s nice enough to hold and you can just add it until you’re happy with the feel. It looks a bit ghetto but there aren’t too many better options out there. The Stew Mac 3c’s are great but they cost like 5 times as much...and believe me, you aren’t getting 5 times the tool. I’ve used both options for years and they’re about on par with eachother...

[@picksalot1]

I like modifying my tools so they work for me, and your video was very helpful demonstrating what modifications were useful. I just modified a couple of files. My fret crowning file was way too long, so I drilled a deeper hole in the wooden handle, and now the weight is nicely balanced and I don't have a huge amount of file sticking out of the handle. I knocked off the end of my triangular file with a hammer, rounded the end, and eased one side of the file with disc grinding stone screwed into a drill. All very simple and effective. Thanks for showing me how the pros do it. 👍

[@TheGuitarShawn]

“It’s fine”. Oh man I felt that. Thanks for the video, I just ran to Home Depot and made one from the slim taper myself!

[@fairguinevere666]

Thank you for this video! I've recently DIY'd some levelling beams (square steel tube, stick sandpaper on a glass shower shelf to flatten the tube, bevel the ends, and you've saved a few hundred by the time you've done 3 or 4 different lengths) but the crowning tools escaped me. Stewmax is useful in NZ, but their crowning files are really expensive even with the free shipping. I got a cheap one from amazon recommended by one of those youtube channels that does sponsored kit guitar builds and claims they're just as good as gibsons, so I shoulda known it was a scam. It just doesn't work. But looking at my local hardware store 3 corner files without the safe edge seem super cheap and easy to get, so I'll do that and modify them! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the community for free! Also, I second the various comments asking to see more of the shop cat!

[@jonahguitarguy]

I also tried several coved crowning files and have never really gotten along with them. And for the very reason you mentioned with the file hitting the crown before the sides are shaped. But also they obscure the fret top. I've settled on the three corner file for a while now and find it just as fast or maybe even faster cause I'm not visually impaired by the tool itself. Thanks Ted

[@jim.missywyant.kennedy2334]

I was just thinking "it would break somewhere else if I was trying that". I feel your pain but it still made me laugh out loud. Stay safe

[@ElBuddyChristo]

Thank you! I have wish-lists at the major online luthier supply stores and the total for the bare minimum of tools I would need for just for a fret level and crown make me cringe every time! Thanks to your recommendations I found what I needed at Lee Valley for fraction of what I was considering elsewhere

[@jamesflack8624]

Oh shop cat, we hardly know ya, but we luvs ya... As always, thanks for the show. Cheers 🍻

[@jackiet4575]

A true craftsman!! Making your own tools is the best way to get exactly what you want!! Say Hi to kitty!! I have a nosy kitty too who always want in on what’s going on! Lol 😆

[@TheElrondo]

Great video! I ruined 2 files when i tried to modify them for fret work some years ago...😊 That's what YT is great for, learning new skills and knowledge. Edit: I'm same, the luthier tools are extremly expensive till they are in my country, so i make my tools by myself. I made my nut groove files out of feeler gauges. They work quiet good for my needs.

[@jamesdahl6949]

I keep buying files from Stewmac, thanks for the lesson on the remodel vacation. As always thanks for your time and your lessons. Just keep passing it on, LOL!

[@kiddcomet3563]

The best guitar guy out there 👍👍 Cleveland Ohio here ... If the earth was flat I could almost see Canada

[@donaldfisher8556]

Always great Ted. Thank you

[@matthewf1979]

I’ve been using the Stew Mac crowning files for years. You are supposed to use them like a triangle file, leaving a thin sliver of untouched fret on the crown. That’s what Stew Mac’s instructional video says anyways. I do the heavy lifting on stainless frets with the Nicholson triangle file, which makes the $70 files last for a decade+. They can be sharpened with a sulfuric acid solution too, but that’s not for the faint hearted.

[@docdoc]

Bacho 1-170-04-1-0 and 1-170-06-1-0 work best for me. Like the saw sharpening files but double cut so they chatter less. The second cut version 1-170-04-2-0 leaves a good surface. I put a brass pipe ferrul on a 1/2" or smaller dowel and cut it about 3" long as a handle, it allows good clearance and isn't as tiring to use as a bare file.

[@mikeschultz8156]

Just started watching a few weeks ago .. what a great channel !! Your very entertaining and I’m learning a lot and your a pretty good guitar player hope you can do a video of your shop and cat !!! Take care ..

[@johnsalaman503]

Great video. I myself like making and modifying tools.my bench has the gurian, and also nichelson ground down safe edges.the 3 corner nichelson files are about $5.00 each.as a noob, I take my time, keep checking my work,after final sanding,polishing,the job s were a success.slow and easy is key for me

[@glowinggrenade]

Thankyou for clarifying that. I live in a geographically isolated place and was worried I'd have to be shipping specialised fret files here all the time when I actually got into a position where I can start practicing work on instruments. was not excited to have to wait a month for a file. thanks!

[@peachmelba1000]

I have had great success using the three corner file from a cheap six pack of Mastercraft micro files I bought a few years ago. It's about the size and weight of a ballpoint pen, and now only has one sharp facet left. Not bad for $10, and the 3/16" diameter round file from the set is good for shaping headstock and neck heel tranditions.

[@Slovy_]

I’ve done the exact same thing to my files. A lot of Guitar tools are just regular tools slightly modified. I pretty much had most Of the tools I needed when I started working on guitars and modified them myself and slowly bought more more guitars specific stuff.

[@Lu_Woods]

Love the geeky stuff. Thank You. (for some reason I'm craving music and pizzas)

[@melmel1071]

Good sir. You have mentioned cat. Now by definition of internet law. You must show us more 😌. Incredible tips though. Thank you for always being around in my most panic stricken moments. Truly amazing

[@TommySG1]

Thanks, great little tips on files,and filing. Much appreciated really.

[@Scodiddly]

Absolutely valid to be a cheapskate and make your tools. It’s a good skill to have, especially when you’re in a hurry and there’s no time to source the “correct” tool. Also OMG you have a cat!!,! I’ll go ahead and smash the like button.

[@livesatellitestudios]

Thought this was about pizza. Not disappointed.

[@richardfoskett8903]

Crimson Guitars do a 3 cornered file like that - could be worth a look. I don’t know how much it would cost to get to Canada, but the handle design is really comfortable, so it could be worth nicking…!

[@edwhite7475]

The old local luthier i knew in the 70s built all his own tools...id ask him about something fancy, and he'd go in the back and come out with a home made version, cost 37 cents and an hours work, lol... Thanks for this one...i learned something...that first one has too long a handle!!!

[@jcripp7974]

Triangle file for me. Once you get good at it, nothing else can beat it. Full control

[@luiscuixara4622]

Watching you demonstrate your fret files on your fingers explains a thing or ten . . . (insert good-natured chuckle here) . . . More shop cat, please.

[@nfijef]

Priceless Ted.

[@BigIronTexas]

The main issue I have with those concave specialty fret crowning files is that they really only work well when the curvature of the specific fret you're working on matches the curvature of the specific crowning file that's in your hand, lol. In any other situation you have to try and make it work as well as you can. With the three sided file you can address the exact area needed for each and every individual fret.

[@evanduquette]

I'll have to do this soon. Thanks for the demonstration!

[@tomkirk6942]

Great video Ted. Thanks!

[@harpethguitar]

I like being frugal with files. Right on!

[@onpsxmember]

If you want more diamond coated files and you're fine that it's polycrystalline, there are specific glues and powder to coat any tool shape yourself. I've seen it advertised for sculptors 2-3 years ago. I'll modify some smaller files. I'm not happy with the bigger one that is more tapered.

[@guitfidle]

Sweet, thanks for sharing!! I might have to give this a try. I have one of Stew-Mac's fret files like the LMI one, but with a MUCH shorter handle, just formed out of the steel of the file. I have also modified a regular smooth flat file so that only the last 2 inches or so have teeth, and the side is also cut away- this one is dedicated to rounding over fret ends. Have you ever tried polishing frets with a felt wheel after sanding? I found that the generic red jeweler's rouge in a felt wheel on my Dremel gives a mirror shine to frets. Bends and vibrato are almost effortless when the frets are that smooth.

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

I've had the same fight with the concave files... They are good for rough work but the 3 corner files always make an appearance.

[@mikeymumblesreal]

Orange tabby. Very nice.

[@vpelleri1]

Great! Thank you!

[@UncleKennysPlace]

I have had a version of nearly all of the various fret files. Tri-corner is good, I find most concave are just just to "flat", as you did. I made a "deep inverted vee" file that quickly did both sides of the fret, leaving the crown untouched, but I made it too coarse, and it was dangerous to use! I may try to make a finer one of those. I just do hobby work, in any case.

[@sirticket4214]

theres very small triangular files in germany called "nadelfeilen". they are used for watchmaking and maybe would be usefull for you but also rare, sometimes you can find them on ebay. probably theres a word for these in english

[@markbernier8434]

Rifflers or Needle files. Also used in locksmithing

[@joseislanio8910]

I have a set of 10 different ones I bought from eBay. I use it mostly for the fret ends, and notches in bridges

[@tripencrypt]

Shop cats rock! The wooden handle was very lovely, but I understand your concerns.

[@kommi1974]

As much as I hate spending money for some of their overpriced tools, Stew Mac's original Z file has been the best and now only crowning file I will use. Worth the money and wish I would have had it years ago when I got into messing with frets.

[@telequacker-9529]

Glad I finally found some ASMR that's not about painting fingernails

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Great video man

[@keithsomerville5387]

Still not boring enough for me.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I love making my own fret dressing files but I want to definitely get into crowning like this as well. I have the same complaint about the diamond crowning files, it gets you close enough but not I would like more precision.

[@KBorham]

What do you use to make your fret dressing files? ScrewMacks are just not worth what they charge

[@18roselover]

Ted I bought in 90 that rosewood/brass fret file. an sold the gurian one .I found it awkward to use chacun a son gout. I tried the 3 cornered xx slim file . and that did not work for me either . So far . I have had best results with S/M diamond stubby fret file. TNX for the explanations

[@frodehau]

I bought mine from that brit on youtube that talks alot. I bought a bunch of tools, so I don't remember the price, but the deal and quality was quite good. My file is a bit thinner than yours, and has very fine teeth. I mostly use the radius file with exchangable inserts, but I as you have found that it's not ideal for some jumbo frets. (I'm a hobbyist, and only do a handful of guitars a year.)

[@garywhitt98]

No pizzaz? Beg to differ. A cat in the background is serious Hitchcock-level production value.

[@lukenns7856]

You rock brotha.

[@michaelinglis8516]

I've used a 3 corner file with a safe edge that I made with my bench grinder several times an each time it went smooth enough that I could never want for a better fret file. The 3 corners arent expensive and can be found just about everywhere. I just have no desire to try some over priced speciality tool which most people arent very happy with who've tried them anyways. If it ain't broke.....

[@anderjl276ps]

Pure genius with the cat reveal. Expect 50000 more subs soon😅

[@danielcgomez]

ok, this video makes me feel so much better for opting to use my own files to do fretwork! Thanks for this video! ...now I need to go make the files 'safe', lol

[@Sungodv]

what a great surprise to see a new one from TWoody!

[@jbravie]

Hey Ted! About a year ago you were working on a guitar build, I believe it was a 7 string. Can you post pictures of that guitar? I sure would love to see how it turned out!

[@bmedicky]

It's a good thing Ted told us about the kitty, otherwise the comments down here would be nothing other than hundreds of people going "KITTY!!!!!"

[@JohnKorvell]

I'm not going to fret over what file you use ! ;-)

[@jrmintz1]

Cool, thank you.

[@archguitars]

may I recommend using files from the Pferd, its sharp and strong. I still use it for crowning and bevelling either Nickel or often Stainless steel frets, for 6 yrs since and it still in its bes.

[@theothertonydutch]

"Recrowning frets with a three-corner file" sounded like a country lyric.

[@goodun2974]

"This file has had its teeth worn out. Its edges have dulled. It's convex has caved. It is long past the age of being carded. It needs to be brought to ground. This is an X-File!"

[@JoeKyser]

I usually buy a set of diamond files and one or two get a side ground off. The ones I see made like that are expensive

[@lyndamcardle4123]

I recognise your cutting board, just like mine !

[@sharg0]

You're on the right track on how to control the break in the files but miss a few critical details. Here's some generic* pointers from a machinist on the topic of breaking stuff (in a controlled way): 1. The stiff triangular shape do make it more difficult 2. Make sure the cut on the flat side covers the whole side and is reasonable even in depth 3. At least score the tip opposite (or score the whole way around). Make this one deeper then the wide side. 4. Use as thin wheel as possible to score and the scoring needs to be deeper then the cut width with some margin (you want as sharp corner in the bottom as possible, not round smooth divot). 5. Support the file just at the grove, preferable in aluminium or copper. If clamped in wood/plastic it's probably better to position the cut just below the surface! 6. Strike should hit from the narrow towards the wide side and be perpendicular. A light "from floor and upwards" is beneficial. 7. Files are (expensive) consumables. Use them, modify them but don't abuse them "Sorry" for being late to the party but I didn't find this awesome channel not long ago! *As in "not written only as a comment to this video"

[@garethtravis1786]

@twoodfrd great info as always ... what is that lovely grinding wheel machine you're using in this video? Looks like a great size ... less workshop space wastage 👍🏻

[@keithsomerville5387]

I went insane a while back and bought the Gurian file. It always seems to chatter and always needs cleaning as it collects filings. I imagine the diamond version is superior in that regard. Currently using combination of the triangular file and the Z-File. Although the Z-File has the same issue as the first file you demonstrated in that it's hard to use on the fretboard extension. I'd like to see a Gurian-type holder which can take radiused diamond file inserts that match the fingerboard radius. It'd be super quick and extremely lazy...

[@telecasterbear]

I used to go to west Swansea new Hampshire to Gurians to buy wood and Schaller machines back around 1979 or 1980.

[@Charles-Darwin]

I wonder if a little graphite on the new smooth side of the file would help it glide easier. With taped off board

[@brentstewart59]

Thank you for this

[@jamiewright9930]

Have you considered having the kitty polish the frets with his sandpaper tongue ? 😁🤓

[@mikewithrow2271]

I'm from the other realm if you will. Semi retired tool and die maker. You sir, would be right at home in that environment I think.

[@kiddcomet3563]

Wish I could float my guitars over to you 🎸

[@gw2031]

Fret crowning ! The toughest skill to perfect for me,i,m still learning..Experienced Luther's question, Is the goal to achieve a half circle profile or more like a pair of shoulders with centre between them higher in the middle,,,semi circle or shoulders ? Many thanks !

[@JC-11111]

This week has been great. Extra vids from Abom & twoodfrd. 👍

[@geoffedwards189]

Just subbed to Abom79. Never done any machining, never used a lathe, but I could watch that guy all day. Thanks for the heads up.

[@davidthompson6832]

100% agree with 3side file! My fav... can we see your cat sometime?

[@riccardofioretti9743]

I love this some kind of 'ation!