Bridge fret presses
Fully assembled and ready to use
A robust fret press complete with a full set of cauls.
The press comprises of a stainless steel bridge spanning two aluminium support posts, and a lower frame made from oak.
The fret press overcomes the throat limitations of a traditional arbor press, offering ample upper-bout clearance for the guitar, while delivering high force from the equally supported bridge span.
The press bridge height is easily adjusted by lifting each end with the thumbscrews, then turning these to lock it into position. The bridge is then securely clamped using the sliding bottom stop plates and inner locking plates, preventing any upward or downward movement.
Pressing forces are self contained and there is no need to secure the press to the bench to counteract the reaction force typically generated by a lever arm.
A board for mounting your neck support or cradle will be required. Two 8mm tapped fixings are provided to facilitate this. See guidelines further below.
Screw operated press mechanism
The press delivers force through a high-mechanical-advantage screw mechanism.
With a 1.5 mm pitch, the press screw requires just one turn of the handle to fully seat a fret once the caul has made initial contact.
Because the screw mechanism cannot be back-driven by upward force, it offers several key advantages:
The fret remains securely clamped throughout the process, all the way to full seating.
Releasing the handle will not loosen the mechanism or allow the fret to tip.
The installation can also be inspected at any point during pressing: If the fret is sitting too high, simply turn the handle slightly further to observe the change in real time: rather than relying on manual judgement through increased leverage.
It allows the use of simple radiused cauls for easy fret alignment, while providing a clear view of the caul radius in contact across the full length of each fret crown.
Setup
For optimal use, ensure that at least 50% of the caul’s height remains within the forks at the required pressing depth. This can be achieved by correctly adjusting the bridge height during initial setup.
When adjusting the bridge height, wind the press screw fully up. Ideally, position the bridge so that the caul sits approximately 10 mm above the fretboard.
Press cauls
The system includes a 10-piece set of 75 mm-wide stainless steel cauls in the following radii: 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 20", and flat.
Each caul features a flat cross-section contact face for easy seating on the fret, while allowing a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the press caul and fret.
Easy change cauls
The caul is located onto the press screw using a spring retained thrust collar.
To remove the fret caul - pull the thrust collar downwards.
To fit the caul - push collar up until it engages on the end of the screw.
Support board guidelines
To ensure the press remains stable during use, a flat board is required to support your instrument cradle or neck caul. The board is not included with the press supply.
The board should fit over the top of the lower frame member and be supported underneath by battens that match the frame thickness.
Secure the board to the lower frame using the fixing threads and countersunk screws provided. Alternatively, use extra battens either side of the base frame to prevent movement.
The board length and configuration will depend on how the press is intended to be used. Ensure it is long enough to provide adequate support throughout the required range of movement.
2 options of bridge press are available
Small - 150H x 320W – 150mm opening height (300mm post height) x 320mm width inside posts.
Suitable for detached necks, slim solid body guitars and compatible with our full length neck cauls.
Large - 250H x 360W – 250mm opening height (400mm post height) x 360mm width inside posts.
Suitable for complete guitars and detached necks and compatible with our guitar benchrest in addition to neck cauls.