Question for the luthiers

[rspst14]

Hey guys, when slotting a nut for 10-46 gauge strings, what gauge file should I use for each string? I can't find files that match each string gauge, should I just use the next highest size for each slot? I've found 10, 13, 26, and 36 gauge files, but I can't find 17 or 46. Should the slots exactly match the string gauge, or can they be a tiny bit wider? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Ryan

[kmcguitars]

Re: Question for the luthiers

I use a jewler's file That I got(of all place's)Radio shack. You can also use
the old round wound string in a bind.

[rspst14]

Re: Question for the luthiers

http://www.monteallums.com/Product_links.html

I was thinking about ordering one of the nut slotting tools. Basically, I don't want want to spend $100 on a set of gauged nut files, when I'll probably only need to use them a few times.

Ryan

[kmcguitars]

Re: Question for the luthiers

What i forgot to say is the round jewler's file is tapered. So you only use
the part that matches the string gauge. I only cut 2 or 3 nuts a year, So
it dosen't pay for me to get pro tools ( I'd like em tho ) with a X-acto
saw, jewlers files and a dremel tool I do O.k. Ya just gotta take more time
and buy extra nuts in case ya spoil one.

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Question for the luthiers

Ryan - I've had some success using files a bit smaller than the string diameter. You can always make the slot a little bit wider, but you can't make it narrower once it's cut. I keep a set of the ends of old strings handy to get the width & depth just right.

Here's a great tutorial on making a nut from Frets.com. Hope it helps.

Chip