Semi-Hemispherical Fret Ends: The Poor Man's Process

[@MarkGutierrez]

I listed all the tools and accessories I used in the description.

[@SweetTGuitars]

I'm down with the process and have done so much research on this subject. I will absolutely try this method on something soon. I don't plan to use semi-hemispherical ends on every build but I do like the idea of having the option and not spending a fortune on tools to achieve it. As usual Mark, a well put together video of your process. Much appreciated!✌️&💙

[@The_Audio_Phoenix]

Masterful fret work, EVERY guitar needs this.

[@michaelmenkesOZSKIB]

I file my ends by hand to that level. I also don't "finalize" my fretboard finish until the frets are in and then the fine sandpaper hits the board and the frets at the same time. The binding/board edges are a last thing to finish sand and polish. This is a lesson about putting your process in the correct order. Also take note: machine fret polishing generates so much heat that it will damage plastic binding and other plastics.

[@RuthlessMojo]

Every video you put out is amazing. We’re very like minded people. So refreshing to see content that is inventive and useful. Thanks Mark. Merry Christmas…

[@MooCow2X2]

Couple things I can add to this process. I tried a different way of grinding that curve into the stone. Turns out the back end of a busted carbide end mill works (I’d misplaced my diamond burrs). And with a 1/8 to 1/4 adapter bushing you could fit the stones into a router. Which has a convenient baseplate if you need it.

[@markscarborough1018]

Great method, I use this a lot with both u & v grooves. I've even used a similar method to accurately add micro chamfers (0.5-1mm) to the edge of sheet metal pieces. To machine polish the ends with no scratches, I just cut the same profile into a bit of softwood dowel and add cutting paste - works great!

[@barrychristian4050]

I think I'd be well happy with your quick demo results on any of my frets, great job 👍

[@bloodnuts99]

Hiya, Another interesting and well put together vid, Thank you , I would also like to say your tutorial on the pink relic Stat, was the inspiration for me to start a small business relicing guitars here in the UK , honestly I am having the best time , I was able to quit work and just do a few guitars every week , it's not a fortune of money but it's more than enough , and now I get to add super duper frets as an option on my guitars , how cool is that ? Anyway I just wanted to say a heartfelt thanks, and to let you know that the work you do, can have a profound and positive impact on people , Cheers Mike

[@monrominee]

so great! I love your channel!

[@madeofnapalm]

It came out basically perfect. That fretboard is a work of art 👍

[@Boomerang-r9r]

Thanks Mark for listing the tools as well. Amazing job considering the neck within this footage was all made of scrap. The camera work in your videos is top notch including the talent it takes to put something like this together in order to inspire those interested in viewing. I've seen footage of Chinese companies using pedestal Drills with grinding bits like you have demonstrated, possibly set on the lowest setting as well. Have you seen Ormsby guitars NAMM 2024 Customshop Headless Metal V - Resin 7 and or the: NAMM 2024 Customshop Headless Goliath - Resin (Cream) 6, resin fretboards ? They are beautiful!

[@normbarrows2]

Saw a vid where the guy got with a tool company and had them make a drill bit with a concave hemispherical grinding end. He'd put it in a press, then shove the end of the fret up into the bit. Think he was selling them for over $100. Since I mod replacement necks for my builds, I'm still stuck with hand filing already-installed frets to get hot dog ends. Occasionally, Chris at Highline has some good ideas - this would be one of them. BTW, your fingerboard is looking super awesome!

[@rauschguitars]

I used a rounded fret crowning file to shape the fret ends in the past. That’s the cheapest way to do it that I can think of.

[@ej1_drew]

so cool! 😊

[@eddiejr540]

Jeez Mark…thats like fret end surgery…well done👍

[@Hjjja]

like the timing, im going to replace some frets so this came in just in time :)

[@ReallyBadJuJu]

I bought a few 4" abrasive impregnated silicon polishing wheels for jewelers. I haven't gotten around to grinding in the grooves or setting them up, but i was hoping to create a station for doing this.

[@v8superspecial]

9:25 the grinding bit looks a bit wobbly I suppose that at that scale any errors in the radius are negligible.. or the green bit would fix them anyways?

[@edgyswordsmanmanga4051]

If you want a cheaper place to get fretwire, i get my stainless steel fretwire from C B Gitty, its a cigar box guitar resource/supply site, but its a lot cheaper than stewmac iirc

[@JohnnieFruits]

What was the reason for terminating the frets before the edge of the fretboard? Why not go to the edge?

[@jjcale2288]

It's pure jewelry👍

[@MrLelo17]

Mark, are you using nickel silver or SS frets in this demo? Any tips for SS? Tried this and by god is SS hard to shape

[@VoyeurGuitars]

It's a very thought provoking video and process. But what it doesn't explain is what happens after you level and crown your frets after install. I can't see any way that you can dress the ends of the frets, then install them in the fretboard and have them come out perfect enough to not need leveled and crowned, which then affects the fret ends as well, because you're going to end up with flat tops on your hemispherical fret ends after leveling. So then what? Don't get me wrong, cool idea. I'm just not following what happens after the frets are installed. 🤔🤨🧐🤷

[@andresilva8444]

semi and hemi both mean half. so half of half is a quarter. so semi hemispherical is correct. quarterspherical is just wrong. The macro lens is great.

[@jamesonpace726]

And repeat 43 times....

[@VoyeurGuitars]

47 for a shredder neck. 😉