Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello OLF'rs,
I'm winding down on my second build. Will definitely do two more for Son and Daughter ( hmmm should I try a Mandolin...) I'm wondering if anyone does nut slotting with anything other than the standard files from Stew or LMI. Just don't know how many times I can go back to the catalog with my credit card in hand if ya know what I mean. Thanks in advance for any insight. Greg

One of my friends that builds guitars (doesnt post here on the forum) Made his own set of nut files by using an old set of feeler guages. He cut the sides of the feeler guages in somewhat of a sawtooth pattern. Works like a dream and I think he bought the feeler guages at the flea market for a couple of dollars.

I bought my nut files on ebay, but there are certainly other ways to accomplish the same thing.

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Reguards,

Ken H

12fretter welcome to the OLF!

Dan Earlywine shows how he slots a nut using only an X-acto saw in the video that comes with Stew-Mac guitar kits. This technique, which is essentially turning the saw from side to side, may also be shown in the free-for-download Stew-Mac guitar kit instructions. You might want to check it out.

You can get some milage from machinist's files such as these, especially in combination with the razor saw:

http://cgi.ebay.com/12-PC-SET-F-L-GROBET-SWISS-MADE-MACHINIST-METAL-FILES_W0QQitemZ220198794653QQihZ012QQcategoryZ633QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

but if you end up making very many nuts, the Stew-Mac or LMI files are the way to go.

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

Stew-Mac sells a set of gauged saws that pretty much cover the rough in for any string size. A lot less work to cut the slot to depth and clean up with the files than to file the complete slot. However, I only bought the 0.010" and 0.020". That probably wouldn't break the budget too much. However, you can get by with files alone if you really, I stress REALLY, only plan to build 2 more.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Saws/Gauged_Saws.html

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

I used to use stewmacs files, then I bought a set of the Norman files, which are actually more like little saws. The norman system is much better than stewmacs files, especially for bone.

Welders torch-tip cleaners only cost a few dollars. I used them at first, but found it took a long time to cut through. I recently got a decent set of nut files & it was well worth it....

tip cleaners


Allied Lutherie carries Ibanez files. I like these cause they come to a taper at the ends.
http://www.alliedlutherie.com/files.htm

Anybody lave a link to the Norman System?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

There are ways and means!!

OK, we're all agreed that the BEST tool for any job is the RIGHT tool for that job, but those tools are expensive, especially if you still aren't settled into the idea that you are going to sell your children to buy tonewood in the future!!

I'm trying to build a mando at the minute using as few "real" tools as possible, just to see......

OK slotting nuts...

ever seen an abrafile?

a thin circular file held in a frame like a coping saw.



I got to thinking one day.......

ever looked at a wound guitar string REAL close?

it looks just like a rope saw...... or a circular file.........

could you use a string a gauge higher than the slot you want as a file if you pulled it tight?

I did this when I put 12s on my strat.

worked a treat, for ZERO outlay!!

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My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick

Thats how I did my first. Great minds think alike! right Martin

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

These are usually sold on eBay, but I did a search and dont see any right now. They are basically just a saw using feeler guages..... much like the ones my friend made.

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Reguards,

Ken H