Nut slotting files

[Rexel Matador]

What do people here use for cutting nut slots? The Hosco double sided file set appears to be the only available option - I was just wondering if there's anything else out there to consider because it's quite an expense and I want to get it right!

[KiOgon]

I use StewMac's,  https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Nuts_and_Saddles/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_Files.html

[Rexel Matador]

58 minutes ago, KiOgon said:

I use StewMac's,  https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Nuts_and_Saddles/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_Files.html

Thanks! I didn't actually know they did them in bass sizes. I've never actually bought anything from them, having been put off by the idea of shipping stuff from the US, but they seem like a great option.

[BigRedX]

Crimson Guitars in the UK do them too. But only in guitar sizes AFAICS.

[songofthewind]

I got a set of Hosco ones off eBay couple years ago. Much cheaper than elsewhere. They seem to have jumped in price recently.

Try Tonetech.

[Hellzero]

I'm using the Ibanez set, because I have too many strings : https://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_4449eb6x_nut_file_set.htm?ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjIiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D

[Bassalarky]

You could try starting off with a needle file and use old strings (as files) to get the final fit and finish. Works surprisingly well if you take it slow with the needle file and just use the pointy bit at the end for the smaller slots.

[Rexel Matador]

14 minutes ago, Bassalarky said:

You could try starting off with a needle file and use old strings (as files) to get the final fit and finish. Works surprisingly well if you take it slow with the needle file and just use the pointy bit at the end for the smaller slots.

That's pretty much my current method, but as I've done a few now I think it's probably time to make the investment!

[nilebodgers]

I use these: http://www.japarts.ca/Uo-Chikyu/Uo-Chikyu-Products-Nut-Files.asp

I haven't got a 0.130 yet, but I have the rest for normal bass and guitar setups.

I have tried the Hosco double-sided files, but I found that the slots they cut are so inaccurate and oversized as to be pretty much useless. (at least for guitar, the larger bass sizes may be better)

[Stub Mandrel]

Scalpel.

[Rexel Matador]

46 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Scalpel.

I don't understand how you'd cut a round bottomed slot with a scalpel - what am I missing?

[RedVee]

I purchased a Rickenbacker but the strings didn't lie fully in the nut slot, so I just used the string as a file........Perfect fit all round!

 

[Stub Mandrel]

13 hours ago, Rexel Matador said:

I don't understand how you'd cut a round bottomed slot with a scalpel - what am I missing?

You scrape, rather than cut.

[Rexel Matador]

12 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

You scrape, rather than cut.

Interesting! I'll give it a try

[Stub Mandrel]

1 hour ago, Rexel Matador said:

Interesting! I'll give it a try

A rounded blade is best, takes off very small amounts.

[BlueMoon]

On 13/01/2020 at 18:21, Hellzero said:

I'm using the Ibanez set

Me too.

Six files from 0.032" up to 0.130"

Very pleased with their quality 

[Hellzero]

So am I. Mine have little blue "handles".

[BlueMoon]

Yeah.....they're the ones.

[yorks5stringer]

I got a set of these.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gas-Welding-Tip-Cleaner-Needle-file-set-Jet-cleaner-Nozzle/220417704077?hash=item3351eb408d:g:ohoAAMXQ71xRYR0i

[tom1946]

260 quid for a set of nut files? 

[paul_5]

21 hours ago, yorks5stringer said:

I got a set of these.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gas-Welding-Tip-Cleaner-Needle-file-set-Jet-cleaner-Nozzle/220417704077?hash=item3351eb408d:g:ohoAAMXQ71xRYR0i

This. 

[Dan Dare]

I got a set of fine files - round and knife edged - from an engineers' supplier that used to be near to me (now sadly closed down). They work well. Worth checking that option?

[lownote]

On 13/01/2020 at 19:28, Bassalarky said:

You could try starting off with a needle file and use old strings (as files) to get the final fit and finish. Works surprisingly well if you take it slow with the needle file and just use the pointy bit at the end for the smaller slots.

Been there done that successfully.  Not ideal but a bit of wiggle room actually improves the sound IMHO, if you're looking for double bass cloning.  I guess not ideal if you're going for crisp light clearly defined tonality.