If you’re looking to cut precise fret slots for your guitar or other stringed instruments, having the right table saw blade is crucial. This guide explores the best fret slotting table saw blades designed to cut clean, accurate slots essential for perfect fret installation. Below is a summary of top products designed specifically for fret slotting and woodworking precision.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| StewMac Fret Slotting Table Saw Blade, 6″ Inch | StewMac | 100-tooth steel blade for .023″ slots, hollow-ground edge |
| Guitar Fretting Fret Slotting Saw – 18TPI | C. B. Gitty | American-made, 18 teeth per inch, angled teeth for push stroke |
| Pegas SK7 Fret Saw Blades for Knew Concepts Fretsaws | Pégas | Two dozen 15 TPI skip tooth blades, .050″ wide, .015″ thick |
| StewMac Fret Slotting Saw | StewMac | Pull-cut teeth, corrosion-resistant Sheffield steel blade |
| StewMac Japanese Fret Slotting Saw with Depth Stop | StewMac | Traditional Japanese pull-stroke saw with depth stop |
StewMac Fret Slotting Table Saw Blade, 6″ Inch – High-Precision Steel Blade
The StewMac 6-Inch Fret Slotting Table Saw Blade is specially engineered for high precision fret slot cutting. Featuring a 100-tooth steel design, it cuts extremely clean and accurate .023-inch wide slots, ideal for instrument fretboards. The blade’s hollow-ground bevel edge minimizes tear-out, producing smooth slots perfect for fretwire installation. A key advantage is the custom grind which gives blade stability without requiring a blade stiffener, simplifying setup and ensuring consistent results for luthiers and hobbyists.
Guitar Fretting Fret Slotting Saw – 18TPI – Made in the USA!
This C. B. Gitty Fret Slotting Saw offers a traditional hand tool alternative for cutting instrument fret slots. Made in the USA with high-quality materials, it has 18 teeth per inch tailored for perfectly smooth fret slots on guitars and cigar box guitars. Its 1 3/4-inch cut depth is suited for neck thicknesses, and the teeth are angled to cut efficiently on the push stroke, increasing control and reducing effort when slotting.
Pegas SK7 Fret Saw Blades for Knew Concepts Fretsaws
The Pegas SK7 Blades are premium quality scroll saw blades compatible with Knew Concepts fret saws. Sold in a pack of two dozen, each blade features 15 teeth per inch with skip tooth design for less clogging and faster cutting. These blades are .050 inch wide and .015 inch thick, designed for detailed woodworking such as fret slotting. The SK7 steel ensures durability and sharpness for clean slot edges on instrument necks.
StewMac Fret Slotting Saw – Precision Pull-Cut Blade with Hardwood Handle
The StewMac Fret Slotting Saw is a hand saw crafted for luthiers needing precise pull-stroke cutting. It uses corrosion-resistant Sheffield steel with a blade width of .023 inches to match fretwire perfectly. Its rigid brass spine and traditionally turned hardwood handle provide comfortable use and minimize blade flex. Designed to reduce jamming and increase accuracy, this saw excels at detailed fret slot cutting on harder woods.
StewMac Japanese Fret Slotting Saw with Depth Stop
This StewMac Japanese Fret Slotting Saw offers a refined pull-stroke design inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking. It is engineered for precision fret slot cutting with a depth stop feature to ensure consistent slot depth across multiple cuts. This saw is highly efficient, reducing hand fatigue while producing fine and exact slots for professional-quality guitar building and repair.
Buying Guide for Fret Slotting Table Saw Blades
Choosing the right fret slotting blade or saw depends on several key factors:
- Slot Width Compatibility: Fret slots are typically around .022 to .025 inches wide. Select a blade that matches your fretwire width exactly for a tight, accurate fit.
- Tooth Count and Design: High-tooth-count blades, like those with 100 teeth, produce smoother cuts with less tear-out. Skip tooth blades can reduce clogging and work well for hand saws.
- Cutting Stroke: Some saws cut on the push stroke while Japanese-style handsaws cut on the pull stroke. Pull-stroke saws usually provide better control and reduced blade flex for fine work.
- Blade Material and Durability: Steel blades with corrosion resistance and high hardness maintain sharpness longer, reducing the frequency of blade changes.
- Application Method: Determine if you prefer a table saw blade for stationary saws or a hand fret slotting saw for manual control and adjustment.
- Depth Control: Some fret slotting saws include depth stops to ensure uniform slot depth, a valuable feature for consistency across fretboards.
- Brand Reputation and Compatibility: Choose blades compatible with your saw or fret slotting system. Trusted brands like StewMac and Pegas offer reliability specifically tuned for luthier work.
Considering these aspects helps ensure your fret slots are precision-cut, improving playability and longevity of your instrument’s frets.