For guitar builders and luthiers, choosing the best fret slotting table saw blade is crucial for achieving clean, precise fret slots. This guide reviews top-quality blades designed specifically for fret slotting, highlighting their features and performance. Whether you work on electric guitars, acoustic models, or custom instruments, the blades selected here offer refined accuracy and reduced tear-out for professional results.
| Product Name | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| StewMac Fret Slotting Table Saw Blade, 6″ Inch | StewMac | 100-tooth, hollow-ground for smooth, .023″ slot cutting |
| Guitar Fretting Fret Slotting Saw – 18TPI | C. B. Gitty | American-made, teeth angled for push stroke cutting |
| Pegas SK7 Fret Saw Blades for Knew Concepts | Pégas | Two dozen skip tooth blades, 15 TPI, .050″ wide |
| StewMac Fret Slotting Saw | StewMac | Corrosion-resistant Sheffield steel blade, .023″ width |
| StewMac Japanese Fret Slotting Saw with Depth Stop | StewMac | Traditional Japanese pull-stroke saw for fret slots |
StewMac 6″ Fret Slotting Table Saw Blade – Precision Slot Cutting
The StewMac 6-inch fret slotting blade is engineered with 100 precision teeth designed to carve fret slots measuring .023 inches wide. Its hollow-ground edge minimizes tear-out, producing smooth, clean cuts ideal for high-quality fretwork. Notably, this blade doesn’t require an additional stiffener as the custom grind adds stability, simplifying setup. Crafted from high-precision steel, it’s an excellent choice for luthiers demanding consistent accuracy in tight, fine fret slots.
C. B. Gitty Guitar Fretting Fret Slotting Saw – American Made
This high-quality fret slotting saw from C. B. Gitty is made in the USA and features 18 teeth per inch (TPI), optimized for precise fret slots on guitars and cigar box instruments. Its teeth are angled to cut efficiently on the push stroke, improving control during slotting. The saw boasts a 1 3/4-inch cut depth, making it versatile for various fretboard thicknesses. It’s a reliable option for builders seeking craftsmanship combined with American manufacturing quality.
Pegas SK7 Fret Saw Blades for Knew Concepts
Designed specifically for wood fret slotting, the Pegas SK7 fret saw blades come in sets of two dozen skip-tooth blades with 15 TPI. Each blade is .050 inches wide and .015 inches thick, providing durability and sharp, clean cuts for fretboard slotting. These blades are standard with Knew Concepts fret saws but can be used with other compatible fret slotting tools. Their quality ensures precise, repeatable fret slots for detailed guitar construction.
StewMac Fret Slotting Saw with Sheffield Steel Blade
This StewMac fret slotting saw includes a corrosion-resistant Sheffield steel blade tailored to cut precise .023-inch-wide fret slots. It features a rigid brass spine to limit blade flex and jamming, especially in harder fingerboard woods. The pull-cut teeth design improves control and accuracy. Additionally, its classic hardwood handle with ferrule provides comfort during extended use, making it a dependable tool for fret slotting on diverse wood types.
StewMac Japanese Fret Slotting Saw with Depth Stop
The StewMac Japanese fret slotting saw is a traditional pull-stroke saw that delivers exceptional control and efficiency. Unique for its depth stop feature, this saw can maintain consistent slot depths, improving uniformity across the fretboard. Handmade with fine teeth, it’s ideal for precision cuts in delicate fret slotting applications. This saw reflects a blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern fret slotting needs, making it a prized tool for detailed guitar work.
Buying Guide for Fret Slotting Table Saw Blades
Blade Tooth Count and Size
Fret slot blades typically have a high tooth count ranging from 18 TPI to 100 teeth, allowing for smooth, accurate cuts. Higher tooth counts reduce tear-out and produce finer slots. Choose a blade with a thickness around .023″ to match standard fret wire width.
Material and Construction
Look for blades made from high-precision steel or corrosion-resistant alloys like Sheffield steel. Hollow-ground edges enhance smoothness and reduce splintering. Blades reinforced by brass spines or custom grinding ensure stability without needing extra stiffeners.
Cutting Stroke and Blade Type
Some saws cut on the push stroke while others on the pull. Choose a tool compatible with your cutting style. Japanese-style pull-stroke saws with depth stops are excellent for consistent fret slot depths.
Compatibility and Use Case
Verify blade and saw compatibility when purchasing replacements or specialized fret slotting saws. Consider if you build electric, acoustic, or other stringed instruments as blade depth and tooth configuration might differ.
Precision and Tear-Out Control
Precision is critical for fret slots. Hollow-ground edges, high tooth count, and quality craftsmanship minimize tear-out, ensuring fret wire fits snugly without gaps or splinters.
Handle and Comfort
For hand saws, a comfortable handle with good grip and durability supports longer use without fatigue. Traditional hardwood handles with ferrules are common for precision fret slotting saws.
Choosing the right fret slotting table saw blade impacts the quality and longevity of your guitar’s fretboard. Consider your project needs and select blades that deliver accurate, clean cuts, suitable for your fretwire and wood types.