Nut Files

[flester]

I need to adjust the slot depths on a nut as the 3rd string is a tad deeper. it think its the nut from this set
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/LAP-STEEL-GUITAR ... z7grAQ5CAQ
not sure what the nut is made of, just that its 'chrome plated'

will a standard set of nut files, for bone/synthetic nuts, be OK on this ?
http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Ty ... Files.html

[mick hearn]

If the nut is a plastic material you can get over this without a lot of fuss by filling the slot a little. Put a very small drop of superglue in the slot and then dust in some baking powder. This will fill the slot and go rock hard and with a stanley blade you can gently cut to the required depth.

[flester]

The nut is chrome-plated metal of some kind. Looking again I think its the bass strings that are too high and the slots need to be cut lower. In any case I never set the slot depths but just used the nut as supplied, so I wouldn't mind getting them cut correctly now that I've settled on the string gauges (its a self-build, see my posts elsewhere on the forum)

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=9 ... hoto%2cjpg

[nevada150]

I used a set of welder's tip cleaning files. Cheap as chips on e-bay and a good variety of sizes in a set.

[mick hearn]

Looked on Ebay and those welders files look ok and a lot cheaper than luthiers supplies. Jewellers files also do the trick. Be careful if you have not done this before. A few passes with the file and put the string back. Repeat the process until you get the required depth. I had to do the same with my National as the bass strings were a bit high. Played havoc with the bar on the first fret.

[flester]

May be able to borrow nut files but only if im sure they wont be damaged

[WineRider]

I just use welding nozzle files and they work on, bone, steel in fact any kind of metal. They are cheap and easy to obtain. I paid about £5 a set. Any welding supply company will have them in stock or get them quick.

WineRider

[flester]

Borrowed a set of nut files and had a go at it. I improved it though not as easy as i thought. Not quite flat at 1st fret but might quit before i ruin it!