the Fly Clone Project

Patzag wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2024 1:34 pm I know you're frustrated, but I would try re-gluing the frets using the baking soda. I'm pretty sure that if the Fret board is well prepped, and your procedure is good the frets will stay on forever.

I think you're right Pat...

At this point I have no other options so we might as well try this...for the last time...

Do we have the details about this technique so I can forward them to my tech?

Thank you!

Check this article:

https://aronalpha.net/blog/how-strong-i ... le%20bonds

There are a few more in the interweb.

Catching up here

1. Not all cyanoacrylate glues are created equally- the quality can vary quite a bit.

2. I would not use the baking soda- it’s a great trick! but will almost definitely make it a high fret and difficult to clean up.

3. Did you by any chance remove the problem fret completely?

I suspect the issue is that a previous owner used fast fret or similar and it’s wicked under the fret and caused the joint to fail.

Further, if the underside of the fret has not been prepped or cleaned properly, you won’t get a reliable bond.

I would completely pull the fret. Remove any excess glue from the fretboard. Clean the fret and fretboard with isopropyl or acetone. Dont go crazy with solvents near the fretboard, you just want to remove anny that would make the fret high and any residual oils.

Scuff the bottom side of the fret with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper. Scrape any glue out of the slots on the bottom of the fret. Clean again with isopropyl or acetone. Let it dry and reglue per Ken’s guide.

Not doing this will cause issues similar to yours.

Please don’t let anyone cnc your fretboard to put slots in.

We can do a video call during your repair if you like.

Honestly though careful prep and attention to detail will make this much easier and more durable.

Also fyi my comments are based on experience with medical devices and hard to glue materials. And a few successful repairs I did for others.

This glue works a treat- it bonds extremely well but also has a little flex so it doesn’t fracture the way typical cyano glues will

Mercury Adhesives M20FT FLEX 2oz (thin FLEX CA)

Hi @billy

Soooooo...

1. We used this one: 2. Thanks for that, noted! Thank God I haven't recommended it to my tech.

3. All the problematic frets were completely removed the last time.

The fretboard and the frets (one has been partially detached so far) were properly cleaned as far as I know.

Oh, I would gladly cnc the fretboatd to get on with it once and for all billy...the thing is, none of the techs around here that actually have a cnc is willing to do it for a couple of reasons, I've already contacted two of them, they won't take the job for the same reasons, so, that's that.

Thank you so much for offering to help me via a video call but I am just a player, not a tech, I have neither the tools, nor the patience or even the talent to do so (aaaaargh!).

I can't find the Mercury Adhesives glue anywhere in Greece I am afraid (and once again, with feeling, aaaaaaaaaargh!!!)

You don’t really need any serious tools. Any quality cyanoacrylate will work.

I’d recommend trying to find a local person who’s into model railroads or model airplanes. Maybe even a jeweler or a dentist.