Playing with my nuts

Danhedonia

Noted duckfat enthusiast
Sorry for the troll title ...:grin:

I've been doing set ups and "this n' that" with/to my guitars for eons; I'm pretty decent with just about every aspect of a set up except refiling nut slots. Recent events have convinced me that it's a bigger deal than I realized, and I'm seeking general advice.

* Stew Mac files? They seem ... very, very overpriced. Alternatives that work well?

* Any good online resources?

* Personal advice? I think my biggest fear is, of course, overdoing it and having to swap nuts ... which seems like a bit of a chore. I know to take things slow (because you can always do more, but you can't undo too much). Any wisdom you care to impart?
 
Nut work isn't hard at all really. This tool from StewMac: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tool...Safe_Slot_Nut_Guard_and_Feeler_Gauge_Set.html is REALLY slick.

You can do the same thing with a 5 dollar set of feeler gauges ( "tappet gauges" at most auto parts houses). Basically put a straight edge across the first couple frets, stack the gauges till it's touching (aka fret height) add .014-.020" to it and then file your slots down till you touch the feeler gauge. Piece of cake. I outline it in this thread: http://markweinguitarlessons.com/forums/threads/ask-a-hack-luthier.56580/

It's pretty much failsafe way to do it. The Stewmac nut files are fine, I haven't really found any that are vastly better than anyone else.

Once you get it to the depth you want, give it a couple passes rocking back and forth and it'll work great. The mitchells abrasive cord works well too for cleaning slots out.
 
Thank you! I already use feeler gauges for uh, spark plugs actually (! - original intended purpose!) and certain truss rod adjustments.

I'm very appreciative of the input - any further thoughts on file sets? $12.99 seems suspiciously cheap, and $90 like too much ... how much should a decent set (or good alternative) cost? FWIW, we're a 'handy' household, so any tools that could be multi-purposed would be better.
 
Are you just going to do your guitars or are you opening up shop? That's the question I have. If you're opening shop to do work for others then spend the money and buy quality that makes the work faster, easier, and more accurate. If it's just for you then scope out tools that will work for you. The feeler gauge holder above, I could make that easily with supplies from Lowes. Just not that much to it. When work on my own stuff I like it done right but I also don't mind spending the extra hours it takes because I lack precision tools.
 
A set of torch cleaning files from Home Depot ($5) will work for cutting nut slots. They only last through a couple of nuts, though.
 
Just my guitars. I've got a couple dozen, though. And work on them fairly regularly (I live in a very varied climate).

Really appreciate the responses. Maybe I'll do the cheapies to see how I like it; if I do, will replace with the Stewmacs.
 
Oh, and I can tell you from experience that making a bone nut releases a stench the likes of which you can't imagine.
 
I can imagine it. I've had giardia in the 3rd world. Let's talk smells.

OTOH, bleeding heart that I am, can't imagine doing a bone nut.
 
I can imagine it. I've had giardia in the 3rd world. Let's talk smells.

OTOH, bleeding heart that I am, can't imagine doing a bone nut.
At Utah State University, there was an annual charity run: The Giardia Downhill Spring Runoff. The smell factor was never mentioned.
 
At Utah State University, there was an annual charity run: The Giardia Downhill Spring Runoff. The smell factor was never mentioned.

When I was in the Idaho Nat'l Guard, I got a case of giardia that went undiagnosed for about six months. I felt fine, but had the runs constantly. Fun memories!

shitbricks0
 
Bump because I need quick guidance: which of these looks better?

A: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_Files.html

B: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Double-edge_Nut_Files.html

Will be purchased in next few days, would like input from those who were kind enough to help before or anyone who thinks one is preferable to another.

If it were me I would buy the individual files for the string gauges I use. Nothing wrong with the double files, but...
The cost is the same but you might not get 3 that cover the 6 gauges necessary, which means you might have to buy another

There is always the risk of accidentally using the wrong side and cutting a slot too wide.
 
Bump because I need quick guidance: which of these looks better?

A: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_Files.html

B: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Double-edge_Nut_Files.html

Will be purchased in next few days, would like input from those who were kind enough to help before or anyone who thinks one is preferable to another.

The double edged are easier to hang on too. We use them to rough in close and than the final with the individual files.
 
Many thanks for the responses. I will be hoping to receive (birthday time) the double edged.

I will hope to check out the podcast.
 
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