What is a Fret Saw?

[tdukes]

Hello,

I've heard the term fret saw before. I assumed it was another name for a coping saw but apparently they are two different things.

Seems the fret saw use a finer blade. Is it a scroll saw blade? If so, pinned or not pinned?

TIA

 

[Bill Clemmons]

From Google search:

The fretsaw is a bow saw used for intricate cutting work which often incorporates tight curves. Although the coping saw is often used for similar work, the fretsaw is capable of much tighter radii and more delicate work. ... Unlike the coping saw, the blade has a fixed orientation in relation to the frame.

 

[tarheelz]

My Google research suggests it to be a saw that leaves the user constantly or visibly worried or anxious.

 

[Gotcha6]

I believe in the luthier craft, a fret saw is used to cut the neck of a guitar, mandion, ukelele or banjo in preparation for the cross bars, aka frets to be placed into. It is usually set to a specific width to accommodate the metal or hardwood fret bars used, making a tight fit.

 

[Graywolf]

So that's three different frets. All three are correct. One can be resolved by self medication or meditation, which ever you prefer. Bills discription is scroll work and the sawyer frets their way through the work. Dennis's discription is a thin kerf saw with a depth stop and looks like a gents dovetail saw. I'm sure someone smarter and more learned than I can add more to this.

 

[ehpoole]

So that's three different frets. All three are correct. One can be resolved by self medication or meditation, which ever you prefer. Bills discription is scroll work and the sawyer frets their way through the work. Dennis's discription is a thin kerf saw with a depth stop and looks like a gents dovetail saw. I'm sure someone smarter and more learned than I can add more to this.

It may help to think in terms of the following, the fretsaw is essentially the manual equivalent of the modern day scrollsaw and used for much the same sort of work. It was used in the production of ornate fretwork, hence the origin of its name (as opposed to lutherie, though it is a tool that overlaps a number of disciplines where fine control or detail is required). Interestingly, it was a woodworking hobby with a broad appeal to women and they would often gather together to produce a variety of projects to pass the time or earn extra income — fretwork, puzzles, etc. — often working off the edge of a table, as it was a fairly safe tool, light in weight and did not require a lot of strength nor did it make a great mess indoors and the projects could be as simple or intricate as one wished depending upon skill, time, or patience. It is also very similar to a jewelers piercing saw, only a much finer blade is ordinarily used in such.

If you have a fretsaw then you can usually use your plain end scrollsaw blades for stock as most will adjust to a range of blade lengths.

 

[gmakra]

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Saws/Fret_Saw.html

 

[Jeff]

I believe in the luthier craft, a fret saw is used to cut the neck of a guitar, mandion, ukelele or banjo in preparation for the cross bars, aka frets to be placed into. It is usually set to a specific width to accommodate the metal or hardwood fret bars used, making a tight fit.

Here's a Luthiers fret saw with a depth setting guide.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Saws/Fret_Saw.html

 

[bowman]

Good info. I only thought the difference was coping saw is $10 while fret saw is $75...silly me!

 

[Berta]

It looks kind of like a coping saw. It will be ‘installed on a board that is usually clamped to a table. I will look for a video.

This is a very good video of how to make Scroll Saw fret work with this Saw. It is German with English subtitles. FEINES AUS WUPPERTAL Fretsaw tutorial.

I have seen a video of an Indian man using one to make beautiful work with his feet. He has no hands.

The fret Saw that looks like a back Saw is for placing frets for a stringed instrument like a banjo.

And there you have it.

 

[danmart77]

Ethan you are describing the tool I know as a fret saw. I use it to cut brass most of the time.

To George and Jeff-- Stew-Mac calls it a fret saw and they are using it to put frets in the neck of a finger board on a guitar but that tool would not be the one to use for intricate fret work like Ethan described.

the one above is the Knew Concept saw. it is very nice to use.

the one here with the black handle is the one I currently have. It is useful but it lacks balance and the blade holding features are adequate but not convenient.

It is important to point out: you will be changing blades often. Once you get over you "ham fist" stage you will change them less often but you will still net a dozen or so of each type of blade.

Your original question seems like you wanted to just know what a "fretsaw" really was.

The Stewart Mac saw is one I would call a Gentleman's Saw. Some folks on the site really like these.
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[Jeff]

Hmmm? Dan's description clarifies the different types for me. I have a cheapo BORG coping saw that I rarely use and find it to be a PITA when I try to use it. However, it does excel at gathering dust!

A few offerings from jewelry and fine metal work to woodworking, but these aren't cheap.

http://www.knewconcepts.com/jewelers-saws-and-tools.php

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQD6zkO-afc