StewMac Z-Files for fret crowning
101,812
Published 2017-03-13
A whole new idea for crowning frets. Z-Files™ won't mess up your carefully-leveled fret tops because they only touch the sides of the frets.
Won't cause string buzz
After you've leveled the frets for uniform height, your crowning file restores their rounded shape, leaving the thinnest possible line of leveled surface on top. This is when other crowning files can accidentally scrape the fret top, creating a buzzing low spot.
Z-Files don't have this problem—because they don't touch the top of the fret.
Z-File features:
Fast cutting 300-grit diamond abrasive
Unique angled cutting edges work the sides, not the tops
Three versions for any working style:
Original Z-File
Two diamond edges speed the work, shaping both sides of the fret at once. Offset angles shape the fret higher on one side while the other side works lower. Use one side of the file, then flip it to the other side.
Safe Edge Z-File
Offset shape like the Original, but with a smooth, non-cutting safe edge to ride on the fret, guiding your strokes as you cut just one side of the fret.
Centered Z-File
Two diamond edges in a centered V-shape cut both sides of the fret at the same angle. Simple to use and fast working.
www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_f…
If you have questions, please contact us through our webpage www.stewmac.com/email or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/StewMac
All Comments (21)
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People complaining about the price must do a fret level every now and again and I see your point, if you do this for a living and time is literally money a z file is a must and for the time it saves and the consistent results it’s a bargain.
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Humble suggestion: You can also take some good quality hookit 820 (or lower/higher grit) automotive finishing sandpaper, wrap it under the ZFILE loosely, press it against the fret and start sanding. The offset v shape allows the paper to wrap around the fret nicely, and polishes the fret quickly. The strength of the ZFILE applies a consistent and significant pressure flat against the fret too, which for me works very well. Then, I Dremel with some polish, and wipe it off with a paper towel. Enjoy! Scotty
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This is a good file...I often scoff at it when I’m reaching in my file bin because I think that once you’ve “graduated” to a 3 corner file, you develop this weird snobbery about other types but here’s the reality... There are many acoustic guitars where doing a good job with a 3 corner file after the neck meets the body is really, really unergonomic and this thing saves me every time.
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Although it's a bit pricey, I can't believe how good and effortless the z-file centered fret crowning file works. I thought about it for six months and tried a couple of cheaper ones and I should have just saved my money and bought this one right away. If it lasts for a long time the hundred bucks is a non-factor. Good job stew mac. 👍👍👍👍👍
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I use the diamond offsets in #300 grit, they make fast work of SS and I'm so used to them now that I can feel when I'm just about done. They leave a nice finish, it takes very little sanding and buffing. The centered file looks interesting.
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Im not sure how that tackled the low visibility issue of the concave crowning files, but i like the idea. Now i have used an ordinary straight file where the side is polished.
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I thought I had gotten ripped off when I ordered the center z file...I was completely wrong, it is without a doubt the best crowning tool I have ever used!!!! A perfect crown every time and It gets the job done fast!!
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I would be interested in a traditional Zfile without the diamond grit. Just my two cents.... I have the weird looking Stewmac diamond concave file, and it is horrible compared to my traditional Rockinger steel concave file. It would seem that it would be the other way around but it’s not. I have to make extra steps in sanding and polishing with the diamond file. I’ve also tried the Baroque file. It wants to be a great file, but it takes too long and will mare up your fretboard through the tape. You will see tiny lines especially on rosewood on the edge of your frets. Lastly, I have used the 3 corner file from Stewmac that Dan said Gibson used. I purchased it in the 90’s. It is a great file but so time consuming.
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You said the centered file was good for any size fret, are the others good for jumbo frets? I heard a few people saying they are not & for $123 I'm not to excited to just find out without asking
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Ok just picked up a centered z file. Does anyone know if both sides are the same. I'm trying it on junbo 6100s and the fret still doesnt look very round. Are there 2 different sizes on each side of the file is really my question
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This seems to cut at two specific angles presumably leaving two distinct edges on the side of the fret not the nice rounded shape we're looking for?
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Do u crown til the line is super thin, or til it disappears? Whats the right way
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I own the z file and I am loving it
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so are you actually reshaping some of the fret material or are you just removing only? I've got some frets like in the 1-7 range that appear to be flattening off.. the rest look pretty good, this is making it difficult to setup....
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$300 for a set of 3?!>>>>>>>>>runs for exit
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I bought the "original" Z-file & it's certainly worth $94 for time saved using such an accurate tool. The people complaining about price would probably change their mind if they bought one & used it.
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About how many guitars can you do with these before they are worn?
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on the center z file do you use both sides or just one?
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just bought one Absolutely love it.
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Do you hold it straight up and down as your filing or do you need to roll it a bit?
