I sent my Guild Benedetto Artist Award to Joe Glaser about 3+ years ago to have him set it up and run it through his Plek machine. My AA was built in Westerly and the setup wasn't bad. When I got it back from Joe I was very pleased. Played like butter. Best setup I've ever had. I have been playing since the early 70's and over the years I sent my guitars to a number of guitar techs/luthiers. Frankly it’s been a crap shoot. For example, when I lived in Savannah Ga, I sent two of my guitars to a guy who had a world class reputation. It was one of the worst experiences I ever. Took forever, his helpers stole parts off my guitars (1960 ES345)and the setup was crap.
I believe a person of Joe's skill can level frets as well as the Plek machine but the Plek machine is consistent and faster. Why else do guitar builders like John Suhr, Heritage etc use a Plek machine. I've since purchased a number of tools to level my own frets and it’s worked out well but I spent over $300 on fret leveling tools and I can afford to spend several hours working on one guitar. I agree that a conscientious skilled repair men /luthier can meet the accuracy of the Plek machine. Unfortunately there just are not that many of them. rob