Super Cheap Nut Files

[Matt Haugen]

I am without nut files. I have wanted to buy a set for a while now, but I work for a Newspaper and blah blah blah no job security blah blah blah I am cheap blah blah blah. Anyways, I am just about finished with a silverware box guitar and I was working on the nut. I got the idea to use an old set of strings and my jewlers saw to make the nut slots. I started the slots with a needle file and then used pieces of the stings clamped in the saw to cut the perfect slots into the nut. It works and looks great. Just thought that if anyone else out there was in need of nut files, this is an alternative.

[Tommy Kay]

Another approach is some feeler gauges at the hardware that match your string sizes and cut teeth in them with a small hack saw or a dremel cut-off disc. Saw your slots. You can use fine sand paper wrapped around smaller gauges to clean up the slots. Silverware box ... gotta see that!


---------------

Tom Krebs

[Matt Haugen]

If you want to see the silverware box guitar I just posted a couple pictures of it in the "Show mne your latest thing" write up. I guess I will put one here as well.... All the best to you.
Matt

[Ron Frazier]

50 years ago when I started building guitars I used files to sharpen hand saws a v shape.That worked for a long time until I found a flat both sides with a 1.4 bead on one side and a 1/6 on the other side. I still use that on all the cheep guitars I set up up in the store. I set up 10 today . $100 & $75 guitars. I have both sets from Stu-Mc.when I need a good job. I have used the string idea for groves but it is to slow. Some material the nuts are made out of just wont cut. Some just heat or melt. I have always found out that if you buy the best tools and you have them for a life time that is the cheapest way to go.

Ron

[Frank Medina]

You got it!!! Buy the good stuff once, you save time, money, and do a better job!!!

[Tim Mace]

I've narrowed my files to a small hack,tapered needle file and a triangular grit stone I found at a tool store which works great for rounding the larger slot bottoms.

[John Cadd]

Re super cheap nut files .The general idea looks good but you would have some problems with the overall shape of the groove as it emerges to the vibrating area.I had a similar idea just yesterday and as I read your post I realised you could do better by using a straight pulling action with the old string.Make a small handle to tie the string round .Get a piece of hard wood to press the old string down in the groove then gently pull the old string towards the bridge end with a slight upward tilt.Coat the string with chrome polish first to give a nice smooth surface to the groove .this should be cleaned off as you finish and then rub groove with pencil lead to lubricate the groove.Very useful and important is to keep an eye on progress with a STRONG magnifying glass.I had a little shudder when I saw a suggestion to use an old hacksaw.No no no .Oh no. Best to try all this on some scraps of wood first .Try every idea and only use the best for your instrument.

[John Sims]

I use a torch tip cleaning tool. Many sizes, accurate and cheap enough to throw away when worn out or broken. It contains various sizes that cut a perfect slot, usually around $4.00 US