DIY nut files

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

An entire set for less than the price of one! Nice solution.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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 ?

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.... :(

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

great mod!

Good work pab, i paid $130 for mine and they have done brass and bone , still going strong too.

Another way to do it that I've been thinking of (and will probably ruffle more feathers) is to use a Piercing/Jewelers Saw. The blades are extremely cheap and fine, and are available in particular grades all the way down to 0.0063". They will cut a nice line which you can smooth out for unwound strings. The teeth are also curved which means it is pretty easy to cut a curve.

The real beauty is in the frame - if you have an old set of strings, you can mount the wound strings into the frame and, after starting your hole with the saw, actually saw down into the nut easily with your string.

YMMV

Mario, that is a brilliant idea!.. Why didnt I think of using my jewellers saw to hold the strings?.....

You have been awarded a get out of the Naughty Room for free card ;)

Quote:

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/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on April 17, 2014, 21:19

You have been awarded a get out of the Naughty Room for free card ;)

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Given what has been going on and indeed into the naughty room lately most are setting fire to their above-mentioned cards.....

Gav's right. I've even been thinking of putting my spot up for time share!

Dont get too cheeky Lads.... remember who has the ability to turn off the beer and the wifi..... :P

Gav started it!