Well Strip My Frets....

Rob appropriately points out NOT to strip a neck with frets in it...SANDING is for necks. Balmer's 'Fender Stratocaster Handbook' rightly warns (on p.70)..."I will state quite clearly from the beginning that no amateur would be wise to set about finish repairs on a rare and valuable guitar". Now... if you don't mind the risk, you stated that your guitar was a 'cheapy'... I am sure Eddie Van Halen was no luthier either... and learned a lot working on his own guitars... so if you're game... do for it (I would). As a note... Balmer in his book removes all frets first, then sands the fretboard LONGWAYS with a curved block of wood (with a 7.25in radius!)... pretty technical ... and does require a gentle touch.