StuMac Fret Erasers

[bluesky636]

Anybody know how to clean the StuMac Fret Erasers? I have a 2000, 4000, and 8000 grit versions that I use to polish my frets, followed by a final buff with a polishing cloth. By the time all the frets are done, the Erasers have a gray residue on them. I tried hand soap and a tooth brush which did a reasonable job but looking for something better.

Not interested is other polishing methods. I like these, just want a better way to clean them.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Finding a brush with thin stiff bristles is much better than a tooth brush.

 

[bluesky636]

Every time I go to the dentist I come home with a bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and flossing string. The toothbrushes come in various levels of stiffness. I can see if I have one stiffer than the one I used. I don't want something too stiff that will damage the eraser.

Any suggestions on something other than liquid hand soap to use?

 

[GVZ]

On my bench I have a large upside down welcome mat and the underside is very rough. I rub mine on that to get the junk off. (I’m obviously talking about the fret erasers not my …..nevermind)

 

[bluesky636]

Not an option in my case.

 

[GVZ]

Not fully understanding that but to clean out file teeth I sometimes use a wire brush, I haven’t tried it on my erasers but it needs to be rough to dig it out of the surface.

 

[bluesky636]

I don't own a rubber matt with a rough underside and have no interest in buying one.

I wouldn't use a wire brush on my Fret Erasers as that would probably damage them. We're talking abrasive rubber blocks from 2000 to 8000 grit, not a steel file.

 

[GVZ]

I have them too and they are great. The mat is like rubber sandpaper, slightly rougher than the erasers and scrapes off the crud.

 

[charliechitlins]

When you put oil on a whetstone, it's not to aid sharpening, per se, but to float bits out that clog the grit.
Light oil or even soapy water would probably work.

 

[bluesky636]

When you put oil on a whetstone, it's not to aid sharpening, per se, but to float bits out that clog the grit.
Light oil or even soapy water would probably work.

I used liquid hand soap along with the toothbrush. I'm gonna pick up a firmer toothbrush at the store today. All the ones I have are fairly soft.

 

[bluesky636]

SUCCESS !

Soft Scrub and a medium toothbrush got all 3 Erasers 95 to 99 percent clean in about 15 minutes. I also wrote the grit value on each end of each Eraser.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

I thought I would also mention that using something like duct tape to remove the bulk of debris first is helpful. Natural rubber sanding sticks work well on sand paper. Also called grip gum or sanding rubber. Not sure how well that would work on something like a fret eraser. Could work very well, but who knows. Most shops used to use a brush with very fine metal bristles for cleaning sand paper. The more I think about it, the best and quickest way to clean something like a fret eraser would be to use some sand paper. Maybe something like 200 grit with just enough rubbing to remove the debris and expose a new layer of fresh abrasive.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

I decided to google the subject. I don't have any Stew Mac fret erasers, but I have something similar from years back that I use so why not.

1. Clean During Use (Preventive Maintenance)

Stiff Brush: Use a stiff nylon brush (like a toothbrush) to brush away metal filings from the rubber eraser frequently while working.

Use All Sides: Avoid using just one spot. Utilize all sides of the eraser, especially avoiding the side that lists the grit grade, which can get especially dirty.

Rub Them Together: If you have multiple erasers, rubbing the clogged one against a coarser grit one can help clean it.

2. Deep Cleaning and Reconditioning

Sanding/Grinding: If the eraser is severely loaded with metal, lightly sand the face of the eraser with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400-600 grit) or on a sharpening stone to expose a fresh layer of rubber.

Naphtha: Use Naphtha (lighter fluid) sparingly on a rag to clean off oily grime and fret residue.

"Fret Eraser Eraser": Some users joke about using a dedicated "fret eraser eraser," but using a stiffer abrasive material or even a small file to lightly cut through the loaded surface works well.

3. Usage Tips to Reduce Clogging

Work Sequentially: Start with the coarser grit (180/400) to remove the bulk of the material, then move to finer grits. The finer erasers (1000-8000) clog faster, so they should only be used for the final polish.

Dry Fretboards: Ensure the fretboard is completely dry before using the erasers. Oil or moisture on the wood will turn the metal filings into a paste that heavily clogs the rubber.

Light Pressure: Do not push too hard. The abrasives in the rubber should do the work. Excessive pressure leads to faster clogging and premature wear.

Use a Fretboard Guard: This prevents the eraser from picking up dust or oil from the wood itself.

 

[bluesky636]

I decided to google the subject. I don't have any Stew Mac fret erasers, but I have something similar from years back that I use so why not.

1. Clean During Use (Preventive Maintenance)

Stiff Brush: Use a stiff nylon brush (like a toothbrush) to brush away metal filings from the rubber eraser frequently while working.

Use All Sides: Avoid using just one spot. Utilize all sides of the eraser, especially avoiding the side that lists the grit grade, which can get especially dirty.

Rub Them Together: If you have multiple erasers, rubbing the clogged one against a coarser grit one can help clean it.

2. Deep Cleaning and Reconditioning

Sanding/Grinding: If the eraser is severely loaded with metal, lightly sand the face of the eraser with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400-600 grit) or on a sharpening stone to expose a fresh layer of rubber.

Naphtha: Use Naphtha (lighter fluid) sparingly on a rag to clean off oily grime and fret residue.

"Fret Eraser Eraser": Some users joke about using a dedicated "fret eraser eraser," but using a stiffer abrasive material or even a small file to lightly cut through the loaded surface works well.

3. Usage Tips to Reduce Clogging

Work Sequentially: Start with the coarser grit (180/400) to remove the bulk of the material, then move to finer grits. The finer erasers (1000-8000) clog faster, so they should only be used for the final polish.

Dry Fretboards: Ensure the fretboard is completely dry before using the erasers. Oil or moisture on the wood will turn the metal filings into a paste that heavily clogs the rubber.

Light Pressure: Do not push too hard. The abrasives in the rubber should do the work. Excessive pressure leads to faster clogging and premature wear.

Use a Fretboard Guard: This prevents the eraser from picking up dust or oil from the wood itself.

Good info. Thanks.