I use a sanding sponge and run it on edge up and down the fretboard, making sure the edge of the sanding sponge "seats" at the base of each fret as I go. Do that about 20-30 times with 3-4 grits(usually 320, 400, 500, 600) and a buffing wheel finish for a mirror-like finish! Done in 20-30 minutes and the uniformity of the frets crowns is really amazing! SO much faster with much better results than doing them one at a time! Been doing it that way for 20+ years! My technique basically mimics what your tool does.
Just received this kit this week and used it on 2 of my Gretsch guitars to remove some divots in the frets. Levelled the fretboard, levelled the frets with the sanding beam in the kit and then crowned and polished the frets with the crowning tool. Works amazingly well just as Darren says. Thanks for this my friend! a real time saver.
Silly question, but why didn't you tape off the fretboard? Won't you be marking it with all that sanding, especially if it were lacquered?? Also, where can I buy this kit in the UK? On Reverb it says you don't have any listings?? Many thanks :)
I bought this kit years ago and have leveled and crowned 5 guitars to perfection. I would use a notched straight edge to get the neck straight and paint the top of the frets with a marker so you can see any low frets during the leveling process. A fret rocker is very useful as well. This crowning tool is genius and makes it so easy and honestly it's very satisfying to work on your own instrument and make it play 10 times better all for under $50. Follow the videos instructions and do not be afraid for a second because it's really easy and the end result will completely change your guitar playing experience.
Your system is similar to the Thomas Ginex system which is a sandpaper system using a simple plate with two ridged bumps on one side. You use the plate's flat backside to level using 3 different grits, then flip the plate over to allow the bumps to round (recrown) the frets fast and easy. I've been using that system in my shop for over 20 years now.
finsterbaby havnt used it on SS yet. Nickel silver works amazing. If using jumbo frets you will sit with the lower grits for a little longer than normal due to the width of the fret. Also dont use files to flatten if you can help it. Harder to take out the scratches with this method.
Sir won't this method of it mess with the leveling of frets? I saw you first did leveling with that block and then you rubbed the entire fretboard again with sandpaper. This also touches the top of the frets. In other videos I've seen, they crown the individual frets with file, which prevents from any material coming off the top of fret. But I'm curios, in your method, how does the top of fret doesn't come off and mess the leveling ?
Short answer, is its impossible to prevent material from top of crown to come off. This is a method, it may have its advantages in some way during the process. This seems like more of a smoothing technique only.
This is exactly what I think. Crowing fret is a very precise job and when you sand off just a little too much from the top... the frets are not at the same level anymore.
@@darrendrew1047 I emailed Tony to see if he did Refrets and he told me no,and recommended you...Can I get a price quote?Either here or I can email you?
So how does this put a crown on the fret?
I use a sanding sponge and run it on edge up and down the fretboard, making sure the edge of the sanding sponge "seats" at the base of each fret as I go. Do that about 20-30 times with 3-4 grits(usually 320, 400, 500, 600) and a buffing wheel finish for a mirror-like finish! Done in 20-30 minutes and the uniformity of the frets crowns is really amazing! SO much faster with much better results than doing them one at a time! Been doing it that way for 20+ years! My technique basically mimics what your tool does.
I got one of these, and cant recommend them enough. So quick and easy and a first class job at the end. The best way to crown frets without a doubt!
We’re did you get it can’t find. I searched it but no luck.
Hi I'm trying to think, I'm sure there was a link in one of his videos.
Holy crap ... cannot get over this tool 😍 simple and consistent. Tape up your finished maple boards!!!!
Just received this kit this week and used it on 2 of my Gretsch guitars to remove some divots in the frets. Levelled the fretboard, levelled the frets with the sanding beam in the kit and then crowned and polished the frets with the crowning tool. Works amazingly well just as Darren says. Thanks for this my friend! a real time saver.
Silly question, but why didn't you tape off the fretboard? Won't you be marking it with all that sanding, especially if it were lacquered?? Also, where can I buy this kit in the UK? On Reverb it says you don't have any listings?? Many thanks :)
Just ordered yesterday. I can't wait! I'm so excited.
I bought this kit years ago and have leveled and crowned 5 guitars to perfection. I would use a notched straight edge to get the neck straight and paint the top of the frets with a marker so you can see any low frets during the leveling process. A fret rocker is very useful as well. This crowning tool is genius and makes it so easy and honestly it's very satisfying to work on your own instrument and make it play 10 times better all for under $50. Follow the videos instructions and do not be afraid for a second because it's really easy and the end result will completely change your guitar playing experience.
How do you get the kit ? Is a website ?
I tried to search it can’t find it.
Your system is similar to the Thomas Ginex system which is a sandpaper system using a simple plate with two ridged bumps on one side. You use the plate's flat backside to level using 3 different grits, then flip the plate over to allow the bumps to round (recrown) the frets fast and easy. I've been using that system in my shop for over 20 years now.
Amazing!
That's a pretty interesting tool.
Fantastic !
I just got mine in and cant wait to use it!! Especially with stainless steel. I will let you know how it goes. Maybe i might record it.
Well, how did it go with the stainless steel?
It works well with ss
finsterbaby havnt used it on SS yet. Nickel silver works amazing. If using jumbo frets you will sit with the lower grits for a little longer than normal due to the width of the fret. Also dont use files to flatten if you can help it. Harder to take out the scratches with this method.
@@darrendrew1047 Built one by myself, because I haven`t the ability to buy one, and it works perfect.
Seems like you should use an 18 inch leveler bar or the frets will be inconsistent heights?
You should redo this video with a straight edge and a fret rocker and demo your work, worth the extra 5 min...
I have two of these kits! and its the best! you can't go wrong its worth every penny. Thanks Darren for coming up with this I love mine.
Thank you Todd, you are quite welcome. I value your professional opinion very much. Enjoy
can't find these kits...can you help???? thanks
@@darrendrew1047 where can people see buy your kits?
how are you not hitting the fret plane and messing it up??
Sir won't this method of it mess with the leveling of frets?
I saw you first did leveling with that block and then you rubbed the entire fretboard again with sandpaper. This also touches the top of the frets.
In other videos I've seen, they crown the individual frets with file, which prevents from any material coming off the top of fret.
But I'm curios, in your method, how does the top of fret doesn't come off and mess the leveling ?
Short answer, is its impossible to prevent material from top of crown to come off. This is a method, it may have its advantages in some way during the process. This seems like more of a smoothing technique only.
This is exactly what I think. Crowing fret is a very precise job and when you sand off just a little too much from the top... the frets are not at the same level anymore.
I have one great tool but you will burn through the sanding pads on one fret job.
Anyone know who sells these pads?
You could get away with sandpaper or 3m scotchbrite , the maroon color one.
Klingspor wood working
Hmmmmm…..I don’t think so.
Hi Darren,are you the same Darren Drew that Tony at Aantones recommended for a refret?
Yes I am
@@darrendrew1047 I emailed Tony to see if he did Refrets and he told me no,and recommended you...Can I get a price quote?Either here or I can email you?
@@thestratman7903 dnrguitars@gmail.com
@@darrendrew1047 how do you do fret ends?
Where can I buy it?
WHAT IS THE KIT CALLED?
wtf???
Bizarre..