I totally understand that. I cut nuts pretty much daily. I've used the nut cutting rods; they work okay. They cut slowly, but you can cut decent slots with them and they're less than $10/set.TEETERFAN wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 4:42 pm I rock my files as I work the slot, also. Being frugal, my nut “files” are a variety of hacksaw and coping saw blade segments that I have thinned with belt sander to provide different thicknesses. I also dull them, a speedy cut is dangerous. I finish things with folded pieces of 320/500/1000 grit wet or dry.
I only cut about a dozen new nuts a year. If I did more, real fret files would be a good investment.
Understand what you're getting with these. They're thin and the cutting area is limited. If you decide to use these, you should start the slot with an xacto type saw first. You have to hold both ends and work slowly. You'll have to clean them as you're using them, because they can clog. But, you can cut nice slots with them, if you take your time.
Holmer Guitar Nut Slotting File Saw Rods Slot Filing Set Needle File Set Luthier Replacement Tools Tip Cleaner Files.
https://a.co/d/9hccaK1
There are other listings on Amazon for these files.
Another alternative is simply a diamond needle file. A set costs $10. In almost every set there's at least one with a knife edge. Again, it's best to start with the xacto saw, go slow.