sink factor with a Tusq XL nut

[RockinProf]

Hi again,

I always make my own string nuts out of bone. I was out and got a Tusq XL blank. It’s easy to work with and the fit nut looks good. The manufacturer says to cut to .01” (the relief between the fret and string at the 1st fret when fretting behind the 2nd fret) and after an hour of play time it will settle out. I’m curious about what that means. I generally use a digital gauge and cut bone file to .005” (using the same measures). How much sinking should I expect if I go to .01 as the Graphtech suggests?

Thanks!

[Clint 55]

I haven't noticed a sink factor. I just try to be conservative when cutting.

[RockinProf]

I haven't noticed a sink factor. I just try to be conservative when cutting.

Thanks, I’ll cut to .007” for a little room to see if I have to keep going. .01” feels just wrong so that’s splitting the difference at least.

[JB_From_Hell]

I think nut height is forgiving enough that you should be ok. All of my stuff is setup with either a very little relief at the first (measured as you describe) or the string barely touching, and there are no problems.

[GuitarDoc]

I've made lots of nuts (mostly bone however) and have never noticed a "sink factor".

So, is Graphtech admitting that their Tusk blanks are actually too soft to be used as nuts, or are they just expecting that those that cut the string slots are not going to be doing it correctly?