GarethFlatlands Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 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). 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 Quote
Hellzero Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 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. Quote
GarethFlatlands Posted January 27, 2021 Author Posted January 27, 2021 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. Quote
Beedster Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 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 ...... Quote
Cuzzie Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 Hosco files are great and not that much money if you can find them, especially second hand Quote
Thunderbird Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 the files you have are best used by putting in a dremel or a drill and slowly move back and forth with the tool cleaning away the debris once in a while until the job is done very easy not as easy if you want to do it with the nut on the bass but why would you lol Quote
GarethFlatlands Posted January 27, 2021 Author Posted January 27, 2021 Thanks for the tips and tricks everyone, I've had a couple of offers of loans of Hosco files so I should be sorted. I'll invest in a set if I decide to do any further bass building in future, but this will get me over the finish line for now. Quote
Maude Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 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/ 1 Quote
skankdelvar Posted January 27, 2021 Posted January 27, 2021 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. 1 Quote
Maude Posted January 28, 2021 Posted January 28, 2021 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. Quote
Ricky 4000 Posted January 28, 2021 Posted January 28, 2021 For £2.60 inc P&P, they'll do me fine! If not, I have a mig set that I've not used in 10 years. They'll come in handy for that. 👍 Quote
Stub Mandrel Posted January 28, 2021 Posted January 28, 2021 17 hours ago, Ricky 4000 said: For £2.60 inc P&P, they'll do me fine! If not, I have a mig set that I've not used in 10 years. They'll come in handy for that. 👍 £1.90 Tell you what Ricky, I'll do your sourcing for 50% of the savings! 1 1 Quote
Maude Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 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. 1 Quote
Stub Mandrel Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 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 🤬 3 Quote
Ricky 4000 Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 1 hour ago, Maude said: Sorry for suggesting them. They work fine, I dunno what you're on about. 5 Quote
Stub Mandrel Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 Some of these files are very thin and the tapered round ones would be good for the base of slots: https://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Diamond-Tools/Diamond-Needle-Files 2 Quote
Maude Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 50 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said: I'll be sending you a bill for my wasted £1.60 🤬 If you include a payment of £1.60 to cover return postage and admin fees I'll gladly reimburse you. 😁 3 Quote
Teebs Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 2 hours ago, Maude said: @Ricky 4000has bought from ebay. Sorry for suggesting them. Still, helped @Ricky 4000 continue his run of useless purchases! 2 Quote
.jpg.2a95db90b70ff3f3317b0f7ee3970acb.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.