Fret bending jigs/tools

PeteC

Hi folks, 

I'm not happy with my DIY fret bending jig and have decided to invest in a decent one. 
Are there any good choices without pushing the boat out for Stewmac or Crimson - there seem to be dozens available and its hard to know what's good quality. Would appreciate some recommendations. 

cheers ! 

TTony

I made my own.

On one of Mark Bailey’s recent videos, he showed the one the he used (same concept as all the others), which someone had made for him.  He asked whether that someone might make some more.  Might be worth an enquiry to Mark ..

SteveRobinson

My Stewmac one works great.

The only issue is the trial-and-error radius adjustment and that's fixed in the new version. 

Corvus

I've got the Elmer one that's pretty commonly sold out there, but often not by that name. It was about 1/3 the Crimson price.. Also it can do un-bending which is essential for me. There's a few places sell them, CH Guitars and Glued to Music for two. About 60 squid.

PeteC

Cheers guys.   Yes @Corvus   I had been looking at and considering the Elmer.  I’d go for Stewmac @SteveRobinson ;but the import duty puts me off ordering stuff from them.   

I might enquire with Mark first and if no joy then go for the Elmer.  

Thanks 

WezV

G&w do one too that seems reasonably priced

https://guitarsandwoods.com/fret-bender-aluminium-g-and-w-127558621.html?search=Fret bender&description=true

stephen.wood125

PeteC said:

Cheers guys.   Yes @Corvus   I had been looking at and considering the Elmer.  I’d go for Stewmac @SteveRobinson ;but the import duty puts me off ordering stuff from them.   

I might enquire with Mark first and if no joy then go for the Elmer.  

Thanks 

I think Madinter stock a lot of StewMac stuff, I got my Fret Buck from there because even though I have a StewMax Membership they wanted to charge a load extra because of the weight. Madinter didn't.

PeteC

Thanks @stephen.wood125    That’s interesting 

@Corvus - what do you use the straightening option on the Elmer version for ? 

Corvus

Hi Pete, I get wire in reels roughly 10-12" radius that need straightening for say a 16" or 20" board

WezV

I wouldn't normally straighten wire if it's a bit overbent... Unless it's SS which really should match the radius as closely as possible before installing.  Obviously changing from 10"-20" needs some straightening

The reason for overbending is so the fret locks in place better at the edges.  The fret tangs go straight down into the board at the edges first, but then as the middle of the fret comes down those tangs at the ends push towards the edge of the board... Helping to lock everything in place.

PeteC

thanks Wez that's very useful to know. 

crunchman

I got one off of Ebay for a bit over £20.  Works ok.

phil_b

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=88&v=KuzvTxCe2NQ&feature=emb_logo

Andyjr1515

WezV said:

G&w do one too that seems reasonably priced

https://guitarsandwoods.com/fret-bender-aluminium-g-and-w-127558621.html?search=Fret bender&description=true

Yes - I've got this one.  Works well and decent price.

PeteC

Went for the Elmer in the end from CH Guitars - arrived and looks nice and sturdy. 
Will be fretting on Saturday so will see how well it works.