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nut files question.

Posted by colin mcgrath on October 16, 2012 at 4:58pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

https://www.martinguitar.com/kits-parts-a-tools/luthier-tools/detail/51-luthier-tools/flypage/375-nut-files.html?sef=hcfp

Has anyone used these files? The price seems right but I am not sure. Is it even worth it? I just use regular stuff to slot the nut, but I was thinking about moving up to more specific tools.

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Replies

  • Thomas "Duck" Petry October 19, 2012 at 10:35am

    An old saying from my days as an aviation mechanic..."cheap tools can make simple repairs more expensive". They are also handy for throwing against the wall in one of those sonofabitch moments.

    • Slowpaw Steve T > Thomas "Duck" Petry October 19, 2012 at 6:54pm

      and another phrase i learnt from an Irish craftsman i knew many years ago, something i always remember...

      "measure twice, cut once"   (-;

      • Thomas "Duck" Petry > Slowpaw Steve T October 19, 2012 at 7:31pm

        As an Irish pub friend of our says, "I'll drink to that"! :)>

  • colin mcgrath October 19, 2012 at 9:52am

    Ron, yes I actually have the set of cleaners. They are not as strong as I was hoping for.

    Don, that is kind of the thoughts I was having.

    thanks guys.

  • Don Barnhill October 18, 2012 at 6:33pm

    By the time you're through messing around trying to save a buck on tools, investing in the proper tool will put you miles ahead trying to make something "cheaper" work. Sometimes! Not always! With files, clamps and measuring tools, I go for the best. Also drill bits and--- well, you know what I mean :)

    Also, you do a better job with "focused" tools!  The StewMac files I resisted for years because of cost and just recently, started purchasing them... What a difference!!!! They're better than you would think and allow you to do your work faster and cleaner!

    My apologies, my 2¢

    :)

  • ron carlson October 18, 2012 at 12:02pm

    I recall reading somewhere where builders were getting good results using the various sizes from a set of Acetylene  torch tip cleaners. I'm not sure if they were actually notching with these or just shaping or fine tuning with them. I have never tried this but it seems worth looking into.

  • Slowpaw Steve T October 17, 2012 at 2:12am

    check my thread from April...

     

    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/i-was-going-nuts

    • colin mcgrath > Slowpaw Steve T October 17, 2012 at 9:27am

      I missed that thread, thanks.

      I might be trying that. Some more investigation needed.

  • David L. October 16, 2012 at 5:43pm
    If possible I would ask for more info from the seller regarding the gauge of the slotting files because from the picture they look like a set of normal mini files rather than proper nut files. If they are just a set of mini files you could probably get them cheaper elsewhere.
    There is an old discussion from the uk group with a couple of ideas for cheaper alternatives
    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/thebritsarecoming/forum/topics/...
    I work on 6 string guitars so a full set was a good investment for me otherwise I would have stuck with the notched feeler gauges.
    • colin mcgrath > David L. October 17, 2012 at 12:54am

      It looked like the set I could get at the home store, but with some thinner files. I have read all the discussions on using less costly tools. And have done those tricks to save the money. I am probably beating a dead horse here.

      But the effect, and time spent on jilling around with non specific tools leave me wondering. And I do have 6 string gits and will be trying for more of a turn over. Also looking at the stew mac equivalent, the 5 piece set is about $15, this one is 15 piece.

      Thank you for the response.

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