Slotted Bone Nut from Stew Mac

[mdutko]

Great looking forward to that.

Thanks again
-Marc

[mdutko]

any advice on this

Shaped Martin Intonated Saddle
Compensated and Pre-shaped saddle?

-Marc

[mdutko]

the top of my fretboard measures 1 11/16th" as does the narrow side of the nut john supplied...I am going to order an extra so I have one in case i mess up. The other end of the nut john supplied does measure 1 3/4" Do I order the 1 11/16th? Guess my question is where the measurement is taken...Im assuming at the fretboard side. Thanks

-Marc

[tippie53]

you want to measure the width of the fretboard. they are usually 1 3/4 or 1 1/16 and the thickness may vary from 1/8 to 1/4 in.
you can practice using wood plastic , almost anything and feel free to call me I will be happy to help. The 1st one is always the most intimidating one.

[Mitch]

I made my own custom nut files by filing small notches into the edge of feeler gauges. I have some small needle files for finishing touches. Worked surprisingly well.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-d ... gauge.html

Feeler gauges also come in handy in setting the nut slot depth and the truss rod. You can get them at any auto parts store

http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/De ... 7AodsFQA7w

I don't mind buying tools (actually I look forward to it), but nut files seemed pricy and specialized.

Mitch

[tippie53]

as a tool maker I have made the slotting files from feeler gauges.
My problem with them is that they are fine for a few guitars. the steel used on feeler gauges is all together different from a file and are short lived to say the least but I agree for a few guitars a year , they will do the job but will require sharpening.
Tooling is an investment , cheap tools are just a cost.

If I had to rate the nut tools

Decimal files are my first choice

stew mac gauged files a 2nd

feeler gauged files 3rd

rifler files
JUNK not for nuts.

[mdutko]

Thanks guys, great idea will save me some $$

Any comments on the preshaped saddle from stew mac?

[tippie53]

a 3/32 thickness . That should get you in the ball park. Typical Martin saddle should do you. It may not be uncommon to sand them a little to get to fit the slot.