Advice on fretwire benders

Kalimna

Greetings folks,

This is a question for those who build/fret their own necks. After last years debacle with a home-made fretwire bender (the birch ply discs weren't up to the task of repeated use), I have decided to buy one. And so, the question is, is there a great deal of difference between the fairly expensive Stew-Mac/LMI affair and the cheaper units from places like Guitars&Woods or eBay.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Fretting/Pullers_nippers_sizing/FretBender.html

vs

https://guitarsandwoods.com/fret-bender-aluminium-g-and-w.html

https://www.jp-guitars.co.uk/sales/tools/fretting/fret_bender.htm

I have a few projects lined up this year, and this is about the only tool I don't have.

Adam

octatonic

I haven't tried the other ones but Stew Mac make quality tools.

If you are only making a few guitars now and then I'd go for the cheaper option.

Kalimna

Fair enough, but I would rather use a quality tool that I know will last and do what it is supposed to do, even if it costs more. However, if the cheaper option will work just as well (which they sometimes do), then I see no need to spend more than necessary. And I do have a few StewMac tools already, but they were bought when the exchange rate was less prohibitive!

I reckon I will be making 3-4 instruments per year, for myself and family.

Cheers,

Adam

streethawk

I would just go with pre radiused wire if you're only doing a few. 
I had (may still have) a wire bender and it was a PITA to work with.