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Nut slot files - a plea


GarethFlatlands
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Morning all,

I'm building a bass at home and am agonisingly close to the end. After cutting the nut slot and giving it a setup I'm done! I documented most of the build here.

https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/401447-jazz-neck-build-now-a-full-jazz-build/

In an attempt to save some money on a set of Stu Mac files, I bought some nut slot files from the US via Ebay and.... they're not good. They dulled incredibly fast (the D string slot isn't even cut to 0.4mm deep, and the file is almost smooth when you scrap a nail down it) and they're not going to do the job. You can see from left to right, the files for the A string (unused and the file grooves just about visible), D string (almost useless now) and the G string (barely removing any material).

IMG_20210127_104834.thumb.jpg.fb663f20092f9e6a3a6d7b609b7ec43d.jpg

Therefore, this is a plea to see if anyone has a set of proper files they know work and are willing to loan them to me for a few days while I finally finish my lovely bass off? I'm happy to pay postage both ways and a little extra for your troubles (or make a charitable donation). Mods, feel free to move this to another forum, but this seemed like the most appropriate.

Thanks

Gareth

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Don't you have a simple needle or triangular file, it will work with some patience. You can also take the G file, put some sanding paper "around" and file the D string slot and so on. You can even use this old trick with a string a bit smaller "wrapped" in sanding paper to file any slot. Or you can buy the real deal. They are expensive, but worth every penny. These Ibanez nut files are excellent : https://m.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_4449eb6x_nut_file_set.htm?o=3&search=1611753350

And don't forget to clean your files very often.

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I have a set of small files, and one of them was spot on for the low E so that slot is done! I keep thinking about trying the string trick and then dismissing it. I'm just very much a "right tool for the job" kind of person, and an improvised method makes me break out in a cold sweat. Maybe I should just give it a go.

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22 minutes ago, GarethFlatlands said:

I have a set of small files, and one of them was spot on for the low E so that slot is done! I keep thinking about trying the string trick and then dismissing it. I'm just very much a "right tool for the job" kind of person, and an improvised method makes me break out in a cold sweat. Maybe I should just give it a go.

I cut a nut using the string trick, takes time and the nut had tiny guide lines already marked which helped, but it can be done. There are easier ways, but then building a bass isn't the easiest way to acquire a bass either ...... :) 

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I've never used them as nut files but the file sets for cleaning welding nozzles are often labelled as nut files on ebay. Even Warman Guitars sell a set as nut files on their website. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Welding-Tip-Nozzle-Cleaners-Needle-File-Set-MIG-TIG-Welder-Metal-Work-A41-/323803281079?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

https://www.warmanguitars.co.uk/product/guitar-top-nut-file-tool-set-improved-xl-version-cuts-better-and-cleaner/

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1 hour ago, Maude said:

I've never used them as nut files but the file sets for cleaning welding nozzles are often labelled as nut files on ebay. Even Warman Guitars sell a set as nut files on their website. 

I've used welding nozzle filters as slot files for guitars and they're OK.

In the end I spotted two sets of Hosco s/h for £30. Better.

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58 minutes ago, skankdelvar said:

I've used welding nozzle filters as slot files for guitars and they're OK.

In the end I spotted two sets of Hosco s/h for £30. Better.

I've just ordered a set as I've a weird, high pitched, six string thing to do with thin screechy strings. 

I'll see what they're like. 

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On 27/01/2021 at 22:02, Maude said:

I've never used them as nut files but the file sets for cleaning welding nozzles are often labelled as nut files on ebay. Even Warman Guitars sell a set as nut files on their website. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Welding-Tip-Nozzle-Cleaners-Needle-File-Set-MIG-TIG-Welder-Metal-Work-A41-/323803281079?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

https://www.warmanguitars.co.uk/product/guitar-top-nut-file-tool-set-improved-xl-version-cuts-better-and-cleaner/

I'd just like to say I've just bought a set from Warman, and @Ricky 4000has bought from ebay. Both sets only contain narrow files, fine for a guitar but will only just about do the average G slot, not D, A or E. Also they aren't very coarse at all. 

Sorry for suggesting them. 

 

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1 hour ago, Maude said:

I'd just like to say I've just bought a set from Warman, and @Ricky 4000has bought from ebay. Both sets only contain narrow files, fine for a guitar but will only just about do the average G slot, not D, A or E. Also they aren't very coarse at all. 

Sorry for suggesting them. 

 

I'll be sending you a bill for my wasted £1.60 🤬

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