Discussion about CA gluing frets is gone

[Michael S. Fields]

New guy here. I was reading an older discussion last Wednesday about using CA glue when fretting, but now it's gone. I copied the post quoted below into a Word document, but not who wrote it. Does anyone recognize this as their post? I'd like to get more info on your fretting procedures. Thanks.

"CA is a wonderful glue for refretting. In fact, in my experience nothing else even comes close. The combination of its speed, tenacity, ease of application and easy cleanup make it a no brainer. Not a guitar leaves my shop with new frets that haven't been, in some form, glued with CA. I've been using CA for refrets for 19 years and never, EVER have a guitar returned with a fret that has moved, ever, NEVER. It simply doesn't happen. Let me reiterate:  it never happens. I cannot think of a single instance, seriously. Have I made the point?  Roughly 65% of my business is refrets. I've averaged about 150 a year for the past 12-13 years, so I've got this CA thing down.

Like any repair technique, it requires a thorough and complete understanding of all the variables in order to make it successful, as well as a little practice. I use only Satellite City CA, mainly the Super T, only occasionally, the Hot Stuff. The frets are treated with accelerator before installation (7 at a time, as timing between CA and accelerator is key) and I use a Jaws fret press or the hammer and the Taylor Fretbuck, and often both. Squeeze out is rarely an issue and I use Super Solvent almost exclusively for cleanup in the event glue works its way out (I find that acetone doesn't break down the glue nearly as effectively). I make a custom needle applicator from a Super Tip for every job (takes about 8-10 seconds per tip) that puts the glue IN the slot, not on it, or around it, or near it. The glue goes IN the slot. I apply 3 drops per slot typically, sometimes more, or less. I LOVE the speed of the glue setup, as I know instantly if the fret is going to stay where I want it to. I don't want to wait for Titebond or hide glue because I'm busy!  Of course the slots and the board are prepped before any of this takes place (I leave nothing to chance, if I can help it). If there is a problem I fix it immediately, before the next fret goes in. The fret comes right out with a little heat, the slot is easily cleaned up, the problem is diagnosed, cured, and the fret is reseated. Bound, unbound, maple, rosewood, ebony, Micarta, Plexiglas, Lucite, whatever, it makes no difference.

I LOVE this technique:  it's fast, cleanup is no issue, and the frets don't move, EVER. It saves my customer the frustration and time of a return visit. It saves me any diminution of my hard-earned reputation for skillful and accurate fretting. Like anything else, it may not be for you, but you can't argue with my results. CA is completely, entirely and wholly appropriate for fretting. You just have to know how to do it.

For my next trick, I'll expand on the wonders of UV cured lacquer for touching up nitro. Not kidding."

Mike Fields

[Ned Knepp]

Well, I certainly don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of this site's postings but this quote not only doesn't ring any bells, it's writing style doesn't either. Are you sure you read it on this site? 

Using CA on fret jobs has been discussed here before so there should be some good information already here.

[Michael S. Fields]

Yeah, I'm sure it was here. When I do a Google search for a text string from the discussion, it points here giving a date of August 10, 2011. I also saved a link to the page, but it turns up nothing. Thanks.

[Mark A. Kane]

Michael,

That would be mine. You've got the salient points in what you copied, but if you'd like more info I'm happy to share it with you. I've decanted that technique down to it's essence and use it everyday.

[Russell Vance]

Hello Michael,

So regardless of where this discussion is, what is your question about CA seating frets?

Rusty.

[Michael S. Fields]

Hi, Mark and Rusty. Thanks for replying. Mark, would you mind elaborating on your custom applicator and where you get the parts, please? Also, with your method, how much time do you have to get the fret seated properly before the glue cures? Rusty, I also copied and saved your remarks in the missing post. You had some good tips, too. Thanks, guys.