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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
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An entire set for less than the price of one! Nice solution.
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Nice workaround Pabs :)
To finish the slot and end up with a nice round bottom in the slot, you can finish the slots with an old Guitar string used as a file.
Works well on the wound strings and for the plain strings you can add a little graphite valve grinding paste.
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Man, that's a brilliant solution. There are a couple of slots that need just a titch more depth on two of my builds. They're OK but a bit more would be good. This is perfect. Thanks Pabs!
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great cheap solution Pablo, thanks for sharing it, will see what a proper set costs from Stewmac and see if its worth a crack making DIY files
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That's what I used. I even used the trick that DB mentioned with the old guitar string. I will need to upgrade to real tools at some stage, but I think that quality fret files will come before nut files.
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As I said before, a brilliant work around :)
However, if you are looking at building more than a few guitars it is well worth the outlay on good quality tools.
You will have then for a lifetime!
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yes I hear you DB, the workaround may be fine for a cheaper sounding axe but the proper nut files will give you a far superior sound. Are there any decent ones available in Australia DB to avoid the hefty postage fee ?
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Just had a look around and the best priced ones in Oz are $92. From Realtone music in QLD.
Only problem is they are out of stock.... :(
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yer ok thanks DB, I just checked out stewmac and they are $13.84 AUD each so a set of 6 would be $83.04 plus postage
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Fi...ing_Files.html
