Proper nut file selection question.

[FranK_S]

I want to purchase a set of nut files. I am not an experienced luthier, just someone who would like to be able to fine tune the nut slots for best action.

My question is this. I use light gauge strings.
.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 (sometimes .054)

The nut files I'm looking at don't match up exactly with my string gauges. Both E strings are the one's I'm looking at for help in selecting the appropriate file size.

My choices for the Hi E string are file sizes .010 or .013 (String size .012)

My choices for the Low E string are file sizes .050 or .056 (string size 0.53 or .054)

What files would best suit those 2 strings and anything I should be careful of would be appreciated too. Thanks in advance! -Frank-

[mmapags]

You want your nut files to be a little bigger than your string gauges so that the string does not bind in the nut slots. At Stewmac you can buy them individually and thiers are probably the best quality for the price. Just pick the ones that are the closest size that's wider than the string diameter for each string..

[FranK_S]

Thank you. I was looking at these.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Nuts,_sa...&xst=3&xsr=458

[SteveS]

While it is best to use a file slightly larger than the string diameter, if you use the same size or a tad smaller, the slot can be enlarged by rocking the file.

[nacluth]

I agree that the file should be slightly larger than your potential string gauge. Near the same size creates the possibility of a string getting bound in the slot. I do tons of setups for all different types of players and strings with .016, .020, .029, .039, .049, .059. Now I see that Stew-Mac didn't have those exact sizes, but close enough would be fine. Good luck.

[FranK_S]

Originally Posted by nacluth

I agree that the file should be slightly larger than your potential string gauge. Near the same size creates the possibility of a string getting bound in the slot. I do tons of setups for all different types of players and strings with .016, .020, .029, .039, .049, .059. Now I see that Stew-Mac didn't have those exact sizes, but close enough would be fine. Good luck.

When you say "slightly larger", how much larger? Is 0.004" too much?

[nacluth]

No, .004 larger is not too much, but if you have .004 on each side (i.e. .008
larger) may be too much. Tighter tolerances maybe better on the smaller strings and not so big of a deal on the larger ones.

[FranK_S]

Thanks Ryan.

[enalnitram]

Frank, how many guitars are you planning to work on per year? Here's a budget solution. techies will poopoo it, but it works. it's a little slow going, but accurate. string gauges you like, super glue, and popsicle sticks. i've used it. it will work especially well if you only want to fine tune the slots. a file will be more aggresive than these will be. you can grind down in the slot, without fear of easily going 'too far'. and did I mention that it works? store-bought is not always better.

[shortymack]

Neat idea. One question though.....How will those work on the first and second (unwound) string slots?

[enalnitram]

Originally Posted by shortymack

Neat idea. One question though.....How will those work on the first and second (unwound) string slots?

They don't. But I don't use files for those, either. for those I use those exacto razor saw thingees. they're about $8 apiece at my local hobby shop (I think?)

[Hendra]

I am getting a set of nut file for my learning as well. Browse around and find this. Better file size selection and more cost-effective.

http://www.warmoth.com/Nut-Files-Set-of-8-P45.aspx

[murrmac123]

Originally Posted by enalnitram

Frank, how many guitars are you planning to work on per year? Here's a budget solution. techies will poopoo it, but it works. it's a little slow going, but accurate. string gauges you like, super glue, and popsicle sticks. i've used it. it will work especially well if you only want to fine tune the slots. a file will be more aggresive than these will be. you can grind down in the slot, without fear of easily going 'too far'. and did I mention that it works? store-bought is not always better.

or, of course, you could always make one of these, and just change the string for each slot ...

[enalnitram]

Originally Posted by murrmac123

or, of course, you could always make one of these, and just change the string for each slot ...

Neat! Did you make that?

[murrmac123]

Originally Posted by enalnitram

Neat! Did you make that?

Thanks, and yes, I have to admit I did.

I have a set of eight, color-coded so's I have all gauges covered, pretty much.