Widening nut slots

[Quickstep192]

I recently found myself needing to widen nut slots to accommodate larger gauge strings. My StewMac nut slotting files just bound in the slots, so I switched to welding tip reamers, but they are too bendy in the smaller sizes and cut very slowly.

Are there other options?

[charles Tauber]

Nut files can be used to enlarge slots by a few sizes. It involves the technique of rolling the file while moving it back and forth. Keep the teeth clean. You can use wax on the sides of the file.

[bnjp]

If you can find Dan Erlewine's old nut making video, he does a good job describing what Charles is talking about. Using the gauged files to to create a wider slot by rolling them side to side.

[StrumChi]

Like the others have stated, the side to side technique should work. Just out of curiosity, what gauge strings are you using?

[mirwa]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

nut slotting files just bound in the slots

I use water and detergent with my nut files when cutting slots, gives a clean stroke, wipe the file down at completion and move onto the next one

Steve

[Rudy4]

I use a layer or 2 of 220 sandpaper wrapped over the blade of a fine cut hobby saw. Done correctly it will widen or deepen nut slots and leave a round bottomed slot.

Welding tip cleaners and many other suggested alternative "tools" to do slot work often turn out to be a really good way of chipping or breaking bone nuts.

[bnjp]

Originally Posted by mirwa

I use water and detergent with my nut files when cutting slots, gives a clean stroke, wipe the file down at completion and move onto the next one

Steve

I've never heard that trick, Steve. What kind of detergent?