Nut Slotting File Sizes?

[wildwilly]

OK, I did search, really!

I'm working on a Tusq nut for a Stratenstien (Bitocaster, Ebaycaster) project, and even Mr. Erlewine seems a bit vague about what size nut slotting files I should use.  I'm typically using  Fender 3150Ls (.009-.046) with a Am Deluxe Trem and locking tuners.

These are the files that I have:

.013
.020
.028
.035
.046

Plus a .010 micro-saw

Does this seem adequate for slotting the nut?

 

[stubhead]

Sure, that's more than adequate. You can always wrap varying thicknesses of wet/dry sandpaper over the thinner files to get the width up. A set of cheap vernier calipers helps, as you can size the actual string widths, add a few thousandths and size your nut slot directly. (You don't want to accidentally sand the inside of the jaws of your good calipers). I collect weird little files, locksmiths and gunsmiths have 'em... These are handy:
http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts.asp?CategoryName=Rasps%2FFiles&NameProdHeader=Pippin+File - one file - four strings.
A thin file that only cuts on the flats is useful for widening slots without making them deeper too.

 

[-CB-]

I think I'm using...

For string gauges .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046

.013 E
.020 B
.020 G
.028 D
.040 A
.050 E

I repsect Frank Ford, and he would have you think its super critical, but I've found, a little loose is ok - AS LONG AS - you have a nice round bottom slot, not V bottom (the worst of the worst!) and not square bottom.  IOW, you need the right files, made correctly with round edges.  The Stew-Mac double edged files are ok in the larger sizes, a bit V shaped in smaller sizes.  The single size files are made ok though, and I've come to prefer them.

 

[Crappy]

You can make files by super glueing guitar strings to the edge of ice cream sticks.
It's not as fast as a file, but you get a nice round bottom in the slots

 

[SrDeMaFp]

You can make files by super glueing guitar strings to the edge of ice cream sticks.
It's not as fast as a file, but you get a nice round bottom in the slots

Wow, never thought of that! AWESOME idea, man!  :hello2:

 

[-CB-]

Cough.....

 

[RLW]

Cough.....

Pretty much what I thought...

 

[Crappy]

Not my idea, I read it in Dan Erlewine's book

 

[SrDeMaFp]

Oh, thanks anyway...? :dontknow: