pablopepper
15-04-2014, 11:40 AM
Now before I ruffle any feathers, this is a stop gap solution. This method will not produce perfect results, but it does work well enough to get you out of a bind. Remember to use safety equipment and don't mess around with tools you are not confident with. :)
Nut files are expensive and for someone who will only ever need them on a rare occasion, something I have hesitated about getting ever since I finished my first kit. Six months ago took the plunge and ordered a 70 odd dollar set that never arrived. So, I wanted an alternative.
First thing you need is a set of feeler gauges. If you don't have these already, $12 from supercheap, very useful for setting up your guitar.
http://i.imgur.com/iqLPmish.jpg
I have a spare set so I wasn't too worried if this went south.
Find the feelers that correspond to your gauge of string
http://i.imgur.com/73FOGX2h.jpg
You need imperial measurements to match up with what's on the package.
Now you need a cutting or thin grinding disc in your rotary tool.
http://i.imgur.com/O8g4VFj.jpg
I used a 1/2mm wide diamond grinding disc, which was perfect.
Clamp that mother down.
http://i.imgur.com/lbIgghKh.jpg
Do not try to hold one in each hand, you will hurt yourself. Seriously.
Now, cut a series of grooves down the edge of the feeler.
http://i.imgur.com/w6O13DOh.jpg
No need to go very far, I only did about 2cm. Try to keep your cuts level and even, this will make it easier to use.
Depending on your set of feelers, you might have to go a fraction over size for one or two strings and you will probably have to use two feelers together for the low e string (cut them at the same time). My steel rule turned out to be the exact size I needed so...
http://i.imgur.com/I3XwOqP.jpg
Hooray! One set of feeler gauge nut files. I use a file to smooth out the edges and what do you know, still work fine as feelers too.
Now you're ready to cut your nut!
http://i.imgur.com/45meMY4h.jpg
Nut files are expensive and for someone who will only ever need them on a rare occasion, something I have hesitated about getting ever since I finished my first kit. Six months ago took the plunge and ordered a 70 odd dollar set that never arrived. So, I wanted an alternative.
First thing you need is a set of feeler gauges. If you don't have these already, $12 from supercheap, very useful for setting up your guitar.
http://i.imgur.com/iqLPmish.jpg
I have a spare set so I wasn't too worried if this went south.
Find the feelers that correspond to your gauge of string
http://i.imgur.com/73FOGX2h.jpg
You need imperial measurements to match up with what's on the package.
Now you need a cutting or thin grinding disc in your rotary tool.
http://i.imgur.com/O8g4VFj.jpg
I used a 1/2mm wide diamond grinding disc, which was perfect.
Clamp that mother down.
http://i.imgur.com/lbIgghKh.jpg
Do not try to hold one in each hand, you will hurt yourself. Seriously.
Now, cut a series of grooves down the edge of the feeler.
http://i.imgur.com/w6O13DOh.jpg
No need to go very far, I only did about 2cm. Try to keep your cuts level and even, this will make it easier to use.
Depending on your set of feelers, you might have to go a fraction over size for one or two strings and you will probably have to use two feelers together for the low e string (cut them at the same time). My steel rule turned out to be the exact size I needed so...
http://i.imgur.com/I3XwOqP.jpg
Hooray! One set of feeler gauge nut files. I use a file to smooth out the edges and what do you know, still work fine as feelers too.
Now you're ready to cut your nut!
http://i.imgur.com/45meMY4h.jpg