an online portal for guitarmakers, guitar enthusiasts, and students
following Natelson & Cumpiano's treatise, GUITARMAKING: Tradition & Technology
Chapter 12 - The Fingerboard
Authors' commentary and additional suggestions
Fingerboard slotting guide
This device consists of a tray which secures a fingerboard blank and guides a backsaw to cut fret slots at precise intervals into it. Although costly, if you intend to make many guitars of only one or two different string lengths, it is a great time-saver.
Fretwire bender (SS only)
This device will impart a consistent curve of any desired radius to straight lengths of stock fret wire, a step which makes fretting easier and more consistent. Although it mechanizes a step that can be done by hand, it offers a measure of control and consistency that justifies its cost.
Fingerboard-arch sanding blocks (SS only)
These are commercially-available shaped wooden blocks with a concave surface onto which you can apply sandpaper. They are used to true and level the steel-string guitar fingerboard after it has been planed to the desired transverse arch. If you are experienced with woodworking machinery you may be able to make these yourself, but otherwise you can buy them with several different arches.