Tools: nut files

RobertW
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Tools: nut files Mar 23, 2018 15:52:07 GMT -5

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Post by RobertW on Mar 23, 2018 15:52:07 GMT -5

Do nut files commonly have 1 edge smooth and one edge round serrated ...and come in a range of widths? Seems not

Can anyone recommend a set (not over priced StewMac Please)
This is cheapest I've seen: Japarts Pre-Assembled Sets 70USD for a set of 6 gauged for Light Acoustic strings.

Have some of you filed smooth one edge of a ignition points file as a substitute tool?

I found this idea in a google search.

I have a set of nut files, but when I was really poor, I used a set of feeler gauges with a piece of 180 grit wrapped around the appropriate feeler. So for a .032, I'd use a .022 feeler and the sandpaper made up the difference. Had to be creative with the thinner gauges. Share. Old 24th February 2014.

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Derick
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Tools: nut files Mar 23, 2018 17:06:46 GMT -5 RobertW likes this

Quote

Post by Derick on Mar 23, 2018 17:06:46 GMT -5

RobertW ,

Not saying this is the best, but for how often I need a nut file.

I use a set of welders nozzle cleaning files, about £2 for the set.
Also a length of about five inches long, of old guitar strings, the wound strings can be quite abrasive, and are the correct diameter.

Nearly forgot, I have a set of needle files also.

Last Edit: Mar 24, 2018 4:27:29 GMT -5 by Derick

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CTGull
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Tools: nut files Mar 23, 2018 18:17:55 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Mar 23, 2018 18:17:55 GMT -5

I searched for a cheap alternatives a couple of years ago. I ended up buying an assortment of Stew Cracks files. There is not substitute for the right tool for the job! They are double sided (same size). I expect they will last me a lifetime. Although I may make a few more nuts than most people. I think I've done 3 or 4 so far.

yamahavintagefg.boards.net/
yamahavintagefg.com/

RobertW
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Tools: nut files Mar 23, 2018 19:22:26 GMT -5

Quote

Post by RobertW on Mar 23, 2018 19:22:26 GMT -5

StewedWHack 70U$D each last I checked
plus 25$ shipping probably
Lee Valley doesn't have guitar specific wood tools, but they are equally overpriced as Stewedmac

Noo they have a small guitar making section now!
No wait they have nut files too!
Hiroshima Yasuri Nut-Slotting Files
~~$20CAD each

and this place has them in $70USD sets.
www.japarts.ca/Uo-Chikyu/Uo-Chikyu-Products-Nut-Files.asp

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Seagull S6 Cedar/Cherry (1998)
Seagull Amber Trail CW Mini-Jumbo Spruce/Maple Long scale (2012)
Seagull Coastline Cedar 12 Cedar/Cherry (2015)
Ibanez Artwood Parlour 2 AVN3-NT Spruce/Mahogany (2015)
Martin GPCPA5K Stika Spruce/Koa HDL/Birch Stratabond/Morado Fretboard (2015)
Gretsch Mahogany Boxcar Round-Neck Resonator (2015)
Alvarez ABT60 Baritone Spruce/Mahogany (2016)
Sigma 000M-15 Mahogany, Rosewood Fretboard (2018)

RobertW
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Tired of living, it's easy to do.

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Playing guitar since: the early 60's with a 20 year hiatus during 80s-90s.

Tools: nut files Mar 24, 2018 9:18:23 GMT -5

Quote

Post by RobertW on Mar 24, 2018 9:18:23 GMT -5

Mar 23, 2018 17:06:46 GMT -5 Derick said:

RobertW ,

Not saying this is the best, but for how often I need a nut file.

I use a set of welders nozzle cleaning files, about £2 for the set.
Also a length of about five inches long, of old guitar strings, the wound strings can be quite abrasive, and are the correct diameter.

Nearly forgot, I have a set of needle files also.

I have a set of diamond files, marketed as fret files...meh

Strings as Files
I have partial sets of EJ16s I could trim and label as nut files. But that does not cover it all.

While they are uncoated so will probably be better, I can't see plain .011, .012, .016, .017, .023, .024 strings working well as files.
Some manufacturers use wound .023, .024, thankfully.

I use both Lights and Custom Lights so will have to keep some old strings when I change sets.
Also not all string manufactures agree of what gauges to include in their sets

Or do I just use one gauge higher than the highest gauge string I plan to use in a slot?

Last Edit: Mar 24, 2018 9:19:28 GMT -5 by RobertW

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ remember my Profile AKAs...

Seagull S6 Cedar/Cherry (1998)
Seagull Amber Trail CW Mini-Jumbo Spruce/Maple Long scale (2012)
Seagull Coastline Cedar 12 Cedar/Cherry (2015)
Ibanez Artwood Parlour 2 AVN3-NT Spruce/Mahogany (2015)
Martin GPCPA5K Stika Spruce/Koa HDL/Birch Stratabond/Morado Fretboard (2015)
Gretsch Mahogany Boxcar Round-Neck Resonator (2015)
Alvarez ABT60 Baritone Spruce/Mahogany (2016)
Sigma 000M-15 Mahogany, Rosewood Fretboard (2018)

ladyssolo
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Posts: 1,267

Tools: nut files Mar 24, 2018 20:01:13 GMT -5

Quote

Post by ladyssolo on Mar 24, 2018 20:01:13 GMT -5

I got a set at a Surplus Junk store a couple of years ago, that kind of store usually has close-out and overstocked stuff and stuff from stores that went out of business. Mine are all serrated if my memory is correct (I would have to pull them out and look,) and tapered I think. I never tried to use a string as a nut file, but it should work I think.

Derick
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Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

Tools: nut files Mar 25, 2018 5:03:04 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Mar 25, 2018 5:03:04 GMT -5

Mar 24, 2018 20:01:13 GMT -5 ladyssolo said:

I got a set at a Surplus Junk store a couple of years ago, that kind of store usually has close-out and overstocked stuff and stuff from stores that went out of business. Mine are all serrated if my memory is correct (I would have to pull them out and look,) and tapered I think. I never tried to use a string as a nut file, but it should work I think.

ladyssolo,

Just to clarify, I use a piece of old string if I need to make an existing slot a little deeper, as in lowering the nut action,
Would not like to use to cut the string slots in a new nut. 😀

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

TonyKgull
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Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

Tools: nut files Mar 25, 2018 5:27:15 GMT -5

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Mar 25, 2018 5:27:15 GMT -5

I have one, very old file in my guitar box. I don't know where I got it, but I think I got it from a shop I worked in oh so many, ....many moons ago. It's tiny, shaped like a think leaf or blade of grass. Don't even know what it was originally for. I use it once in a blue moon to do very small fine stuff when I have to for whatever reason. For the most part, I just let my tech do everything if I can though.

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Post by RobertW on Mar 23, 2018 15:52:07 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Mar 23, 2018 17:06:46 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Mar 23, 2018 18:17:55 GMT -5

Post by RobertW on Mar 23, 2018 19:22:26 GMT -5

Post by RobertW on Mar 24, 2018 9:18:23 GMT -5

Post by ladyssolo on Mar 24, 2018 20:01:13 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Mar 25, 2018 5:03:04 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Mar 25, 2018 5:27:15 GMT -5

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