I am looking to start doing some fretwork (crowning especially) for myself and am wondering what tools would be best to obtain. Do I really need the expensive diamond type tools or do cheap ones work for a few guitars before wearing out?
Luthier tools can get expensive really quick. A good fret job is key to a great playing guitar. To do it right you really have to make sure the frets are sanded level before crowning. I've built 4 necks and have done the fretwork with the following tools. I use a 24" precision ground straight edge with adhesive backed sandpaper to level the frets. Then I use a large flat file to put the edge angle on them. You can build or purchase a file holder to help keep the angle consistent if you want. Next I do the crowning with a crowning file. The standard crowning files work fine for me. I haven't tried the diamond ones but I would like to. Then I use a small flat file to round over the edges at the fret ends so the frets aren't sharp when playing. Then the polishing process. I use emery cloth and a buffing wheel for the final shine.
This is a great little file for dressing the fret ends.
http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/To ... _File.html