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Guys...I use Stew Macs files to cut the nut slots on the new nuts...I find that the slots for the 1st.2nd,and 3rd strings could use a bit more overall width in the nut slots....When I restring,the strings stay in the slots pretty snugly and even though I use quot;Nut saucequot;and it helps,I feel I'd like the slots wider....I'm using the quot;slip stonequot; or vintage bone nuts..

How do you guys widen the slots? What tool,file,tricks etc.can you turn me on to? Thanks guys..

John

I've never done this, but I've hear people say to take a piece of sandpaper, fold it in half, and run it back and forth a couple times in the slot.

I use a set of Files I got at Radio shack. They work great for 8 Bucks !
from : localhost/www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

I tried the sandpaper one. It works fine. I used 320 grit and I personally wouldn't try on an any coarser grit as the grain would seriously damage your slot. Then try 400 and higher to smooth it up if you're not happy I guess. I don't have much experience but that's how I'd do it and I did it last time. 220/240 should be ok for the 3 last strings' slots though, with a little smoothing on higher grits.


Originally Posted by PierreI tried the sandpaper one. It works fine. I used 320 grit and I personally wouldn't try on an any coarser grit as the grain would seriously damage your slot. Then try 400 and higher to smooth it up if you're not happy I guess. I don't have much experience but that's how I'd do it and I did it last time. 220/240 should be ok for the 3 last strings' slots though, with a little smoothing on higher grits.

Thanks guys....The problem I have is getting the sandpaper into the small .010 cut lot? The paper is wider than the slots are?

Mhmm... My Stew mac file is .12 and I use .11s strings. The 240 grit fit well in the slot. Try with 400 maybe? If you have nails long enough, try and apply pressure more on the slots' sides. And I'd suggest on the bass side of the slot, so that if it's too wide at least it doesn't get too close to the treble side and falls off the edge of the fingerboard.
You gotta make sure it's folded in half just fine. Make the crease thinner with your nails if necessary. I had to do that before it fit.


Originally Posted by PierreMhmm... My Stew mac file is .12 and I use .11s strings. The 240 grit fit well in the slot. Try with 400 maybe? If you have nails long enough, try and apply pressure more on the slots' sides. And I'd suggest on the bass side of the slot, so that if it's too wide at least it doesn't get too close to the treble side and falls off the edge of the fingerboard.
You gotta make sure it's folded in half just fine. Make the crease thinner with your nails if necessary. I had to do that before it fit.

Thanks buddy....I think I have the .012 file also? The ones with the colored rubber ends right? I thught .012 was a bit too wide for .010s and thats why I didn't use that file.The sandpaper trick and some patience should get me there..

Yeah I think I have those. Double edged ones eh? What do you use to cut the .10 slot? I should try with the saw someday.


Originally Posted by PierreYeah I think I have those. Double edged ones eh? What do you use to cut the .10 slot? I should try with the saw someday.

I make a nick with a .009 saw and then slot from there with the .010 double side Stew Mac file..That file is pretty flimsy.

Try quot;flossingquot; the nut with an old string. It works better with wound strings, but...

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John, You might want to just get and .11 file. I use 11's and I start with that file if its a little tight you can try slipping a single edge razor blade in there and move it from side to side. It works OK for me!

Just don't over-widen it. If the plain strings don't sit snug enough in the slot, and can move side to side, even slightly, you'll get those pingy ghost notes, when you play the note open.

Thanks guys for all of the great info.

I use an acetylene torch cleaner to widen nut slots. Much easier to use than a string. Very cheap and can be purchased at any home improvement e.g. Home Depot or welding supply store. rob from : localhost/store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/TCx.html


Originally Posted by The Golden BoyTry quot;flossingquot; the nut with an old string. It works better with wound strings, but...

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More great info! Thanks guys...I Like the torch tip cleaners...Great idea..