Cheap Nut Files

[luke_lee]

Hi All,

I just wanted to share what I have been using to do my string slots.
All you need is a feeler gauge and a Dremel with a fine grinder blade. Basically you are just turning your feeler gauge into a file, you will get a range of thickness for about $10

I round the bottom edge of the selected gauge with a file and sandpaper.
Then grind slots into the edge of the gauge at a slight angle. I like to leave the burr it helps to cut the material. It also give a slight tolerance so you can match you string diameter to the thickness of the feeler gauge and string won't be tight in the slot.

[Nick]

Thanks for the tip Luke (And welcome to the forum too!). Have you used these on wide bone nuts? Just wondering how they'd behave.

[luke_lee]

Nick,

Im not sure what you mean by wide, but 5mm bone they are fine. I start the wider slots with a saw or triangle file.

sample

[Kim]

Welcome to the ANZLF Luke

Your feeler gauge saws are a good tip. When I fist started out I used CIG oxy tip cleaners. They are a little too soft really, however if you cut all your slots to depth with a razor saw first and only work the pull stroke they get the job done OK...maybe you could try a razor saw with your feeler saws, its a good way to keep your cut on track.

Cheers

Kim

[Nick]

Thanks Luke, yeah you were on the money, I was thinking the wider acoustic nuts as opposed to the Fender style 3mm wide ones.