Alternatives to nut files

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Red Dogg
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2020 12:46 pm

Alternatives to nut files

Post by Red Dogg »

I'm just to the setup phase of my kit and will be needing to notch the nut real soon
. It appears that I'll have to dole out $100 or more for just this one use. Is there any alternative to buying a whole set of specialty files?
tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: Alternatives to nut files

Post by tippie53 »

in the long run this is an investment. I tried many thing but found nothing did the job as well as real nut files
there are other places to get them
this is the cheapest out there not the best but at least you have some control to the slot width

https://www.amazon.com/Alomejor-Guitar- ... 1826&psc=1

the ones I use are these
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353247001267?_ ... 101224.m-1
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
ruby@magpage.com
Posts: 1564
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 8:03 am
Location: Chestertown Maryland

Re: Alternatives to nut files

Post by ruby@magpage.com »

If you get the really cheap ones, you can extend their life with a couple of techniques. First, cut the excess height off the blank to start with rather than later so you don't have to cut through material that will eventually be gone. And second, use an Exacto hobby saw to make your initials cut so the file is removing less material. Here is a sequence for you - one of many

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruby1638/ ... 488198220/

I cut off the excess at just a bit more than my fattest string - usually ,053 - above the 1/2 pencil line

Click left and right, text below. Good luck
Ed M
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