Re-fretting a de-fretted Neck

[Jimothey]

Hi just looong for a bit of advice, how easy is to re-fret a de-fretted neck?

Is it best to use a hand precision mitre saw and just follow the filled lines?

Or is there a better way? 

[3below]

Depends what the lines are filled with.  With the one I did I was able to dig the lines out with this little number https://tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/fret-slot-cleaning-saw-double.html?SID=52e8937ca019a00ca2a2d3db7cf309f0.  Not Cheap but it made sorting the bound fingerboard easy.  It is possible to wander off line at the start.  I made an aluminium edge to clamp against the fingerboard and act as a guide.

 

The other useful tactic was filling the slots with ptfe sheet and then filling any missing fingerboard tear outs / divots with superglue and wood dust. A magnifying glass really helps with this.  http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Repair_Tools_and_Repair_Techniques/Cleaning_up_after_sloppy_fretwork_fixing_chips_in_the_fingerboard.html

[Jimothey]

4 minutes ago, 3below said:

Depends what the lines are filled with.  With the one I did I was able to dig the lines out with this little number https://tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/fret-slot-cleaning-saw-double.html?SID=52e8937ca019a00ca2a2d3db7cf309f0.  Not Cheap but it made sorting the bound fingerboard easy.  It is possible to wander off line at the start.  I made an aluminium edge to clamp against the fingerboard and act as a guide.

 

The other useful tactic was filling the slots with ptfe sheet and then filling any missing fingerboard tear outs / divots with superglue and wood dust. A magnifying glass really helps with this.  http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Repair_Tools_and_Repair_Techniques/Cleaning_up_after_sloppy_fretwork_fixing_chips_in_the_fingerboard.html

Thanks for the advice, it’s for a project in considering buying so if I decide to go for it I’ll assess it and see which would be the best method 

[3below]

I enjoyed doing mine just for the challenge and to prove I can.  Lots of info on internet.  Tool costs add up - fret crowning file of some sort (I am not skilled enough to contemplate the triangular file),  fret wire cutters, levelling block / diamond plate.  Other tools you can make yourself.

[Jimothey]

I’ve got most of the tools except fret wire cutters as I’ve only ever dressed frets and crowned them never completely re-fretted.

I thought it would be a useful skill to learn