Quote Originally Posted by ross.pearson View Post
Wow, this turned into a good conversation! I'm eyeballing some Uo-Chikyu Hiroshima file sets now. I found some for AU$125 inc. delivery. Better yet they are a super light set which I've not been able to find elsewhere (yes, I play super lights, I gots weak web developer fingers).
https://www.plazajapan.com/upc-4/?setCurrencyId=1

For that price I would even consider getting a couple different sets to get some variety.

In regards to rigidity, I'll probably make a file holder a'la the stewmac one.

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tool...t-file-backer/
Hosco do a set of files for 9s: https://www.hosco.co.jp/en/luthier-t...-nf-eg009.html

In the UK I can get them for £75 delivered and that includes a holder, though I have also seen them listed for over £100, which makes them more expensive than the regular Hosco range.

Though I would still use a set for 10s to cut the slots for 9s. Not that I think it's wrong to use the same sized files as the string gauge, just that it allows you to fit 10s without worry if you ever change your mind or want to sell it on and you don't want the new owner moaning they can't fit their set of 10s on. I use the same size nut file as the string gauge if there's one in the set, or the nearest size up and don't have any issues. I haven't measured them but I think they may be slightly wider than the stated size to prevent sticking.

Note that the StewMac file holder (127mm long overall) is shorter than those Uo-Chikyu files (150mm), so I don't think they will fit, as the holder appears to have closed ends to the slot.

My Hosco 10 file is quite bendy, but is fine for existing slots. If I ever need to cut a blank from scratch, then I'll start with a 13 until there's enough of a groove to keep the thinner file centred and then carry on with that. The nut will invariably be too high and need filling down, so the wider slot section will vanish.