Removing parts from a fret
The fret is a way all of the parts of the kit are kept together for easy handling. Small tabs of metal hold the parts to each other. The tabs are half the thickness of the other parts and can be cut with a modeling knife. (Note the fret in the pictures has been painted to get better photographs, work with an unpainted fret.)
Take a knife where the blade is firmly held, the one in the picture is a Swann Morton brass handle with a No.1 blade (the plastic handled version is as good so is an Xacto knife). Do not use a scalpel the blade can flex and snap.
Place the fret on a cutting mat with the detail and text showing. Rest the tip of the blade on a tab and move the blade sideways until it touches the edge of the part (not the edge of the waste). Angle the blade into the part and press firmly down. In most cases no cleaning up of the tab is needed. Work round the part and cut all the
tabs.
N.B. It is good practice to leave parts on the fret until they are needed.
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