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Possible alternative to nut files?
I am trying to find a cheap alternative to nut files, other than the ones already known (nozzle cleaning rods etc.). Came upon some sets of nozzle cleaning drill bits used for 3D printer nozzles (you can Google it - they also show up as ”jeweler drill bits, mini/micro drill bits”). They have them in sizes that match the strings diameter.
Would drill bits work for deepening the slots in a bone nut (not cutting from scratch, just deepening the existing slots), using them just like a file? Did anyone try these before?
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Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Epiphone Les Paul Tribute 1960 Last edited by NU9; 09-25-2021 at 01:35 PM. |
#2
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I've found them to be a bit too thin to apply any kind of downward force, particularly for the B and high E string slots. A set of feeler gauges will work better, in my experience. For the .017 B and .013 E for example, you can get a .020 and .015, scuff up the edge and make a file that works very effectively. For the larger strings, I'd combine a few different feeler gauges which, when wrapped with ~400 grit sandpaper, would equal a few thousandth's of an inch wider than the slot I was filing.
This worked well, but I got tired of it (the sandpaper wears through quickly) and eventually just bought a set of StewMac files. |
#3
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Possible alternative to nut files?
If you don't mind the slot appearing wider than the string, a tapered pippin file from LMI will do a nice job. Since the bottom of the slot is round, the string will still sit in the center. Except of course, if you have a Fender headstock with a very slight break angle. The tip of the file is about .025 narrowest, which increases up to about .090. You can have any slot depth and width with just one tool.
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#4
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Besides successfully getting the job done, the bottom of the slots are perfectly radiused to match the string. |
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Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Epiphone Les Paul Tribute 1960 |
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Per ac's request, I will post some photos later. |
#8
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I failed to upload photos here, so I created an album in Flickr. I'm glad ac asked for the photos because I have a guitar on which I sized the the first two slots the same as the string gauge five years ago. They were tight, so i used this exercise to re-size them .001" larger than string gauge.
Note the captions in the photos. https://www.flickr.com/photos/186387...h/51519542342/ |
#9
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Thanks much for the photos!
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#10
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I didn't see any text captions anywhere, but I think I get the idea from the photos.
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#11
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Click on the photo, then look to the left side and below. You'll see the comment under the photo name.
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#12
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My method is explained in post #3 of this topic: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=426528 One of these days when I get around to it I'm going to pick up a set of the diamond slotting files from MusicNomad. Sweetwater carries all the sizes. I'm not in a hurry, as I've been using my alternative method for many years without any problem. |
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Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Epiphone Les Paul Tribute 1960 |
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Just ordered a set of micro drill bits and a small hand vise and will give them a test on some bone scrap pieces I have laying around, to see if they are reliable for deepening the nut slots.
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Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Epiphone Les Paul Tribute 1960 Last edited by NU9; 09-27-2021 at 05:45 AM. |
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After receiving the micro drill bits, although they are able to function as mini files and deepen an existing slot in a piece of bone, I was not able to use them on the actual nut, because the mini vise holding them gets in the way, as it is pretty thick.
I ended up using feeler gauges with 600 grit sand paper (I made sure I used the proper gauge for each string, so that the gauge + the added thickness of the sand paper was spot on - I used a digital caliper for that). Very easy!!! Turns out this is the easiest way of deepening/adjusting nut slots, without investing in expensive nut files.
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Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Epiphone Les Paul Tribute 1960 Last edited by NU9; 10-01-2021 at 03:29 AM. |