CNC Fret Slotting End Mills for Guitar Building

These precision micro carbide end mills are commonly used for CNC fret slotting when building guitars and other stringed instruments. Cutting accurate fret slots requires extremely small, rigid cutters capable of producing clean, narrow slots in hardwood fingerboards such as maple, rosewood, and ebony.

Our micro carbide end mills are manufactured from solid tungsten carbide and provide the rigidity and precision required for delicate CNC operations such as fret slotting, engraving, and micro milling.

Typical Fret Slot Widths

Most modern fret wire has tang widths between .020" and .024". Luthiers commonly choose cutters within this range depending on the fret wire being installed and the desired slot fit.

This collection currently includes precision carbide end mills in the following sizes:

  • .020" (0.50mm)
  • .024" (0.60mm)

Short vs Long Flute Micro End Mills

Micro end mills are available with different flute lengths depending on the machining requirements. Shorter flute tools provide maximum rigidity for precise slotting operations, while slightly longer flute lengths provide additional cutting depth when needed.

Both styles are included in this collection to support different CNC setups and machining strategies.

Why Carbide End Mills Work Well for Fret Slotting

  • Excellent rigidity for small diameter tools
  • Clean slot walls in hardwood fingerboards
  • Long tool life compared to HSS cutters
  • Compatible with CNC routers and milling machines

Common Materials for CNC Fret Slotting

  • Rosewood fingerboards
  • Maple fingerboards
  • Ebony fingerboards
  • Composite guitar fingerboards

Always verify the required slot width for your specific fret wire before machining.

These cutters are often searched for as fret slotting end mills, CNC fret slot cutters, or luthier micro end mills used for precision guitar building.