GREGMW Posted June 17, 2004 Report Share Posted June 17, 2004 G,day all I want to order some tools etc from Stewmac and was wondering what size nut files I should buy? I realize its a very broad question but this is the first project so I dont want to buy the full set. Any other options ? thanks Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapbarstrat Posted June 17, 2004 Report Share Posted June 17, 2004 you might want to give some clue as to what the string sizes are. The heavier string slots can often be done very well using a feeler gauge with sandpaper wrapped around it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitman32 Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 I use a set of needle files I bought at home depot...I use the half round and three square file profiles to slot the nut. I know alot will probably dissaprove, but it works great for me. Ohh, and the set was only $16 (they are nicholson brand) here is the site with a list of the needle files-- Needle Files Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GREGMW Posted June 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Gee both of the replies make me start thinking I may be wasting some money? I am going to use 009 - 042 strings. Everthing I have read seems to say that the nut slotting is a critical part of the project ,so that is why I was going to spend the money on the files, but the needle files or (feeler guages) would be a lot cheaper if they do the same job! Thanks Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hy_dro66 Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 I'm not trying to discourage you in anyway, but even if you get the ones from stew-mac there is still a lot of practice needed to pull of a nice nut slot. Personally, I have a set of stew-mac nut files...however I do repair work as my job, so they're worth every penny. I've already made my money back and them some. Another way to go is a triangle file. They work very well and I still use them for basses. The slot ends up trianglular but after you're finished slotting you will sand the top of the nut off and you can't even tell. A triangle file probably costs, at the most, a few bucks for a good one(you don't need a large t-file, small ones actually work best). Get a few different sizes and see which you like. Really it all comes down to which feels most comforatable for you. Honestly, if you aren't planing on making nuts on a regular basis then you might not want to spend the money on the stew mac stuff. Have fun with your first project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmmr Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 watcha think about these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hy_dro66 Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Honestly, they would work fine. Plus they would last a long time(if they are really diamond coated) That seems a little cheap for a real diamond coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pex657 Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 hy_dro66: you think you can send me one of your precut ones already? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GREGMW Posted June 24, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2004 Thanks for all your help & info. Looks like I have saved some bucks to buy something else? Gregw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.