Nut Files

[richinva]

I've searched a bit for this ("which nut files to buy", etc. in the search engine), to no avail, so.......

I'm in the market for nut files. I'm not in the market for notched feeler gauges, cutting torch tips (got those), needle files, (got those) checkering files, (got those ) or anything else. I would appreciate some assistance regarding which nut files to get. I work on electrics and acoustics. I see files from StewMac, Warmoth, Guitar Parts USA, Luthier Mercantile, etc. I won't say that money is no object, but I want a good set of files that can be utilized for whatever sizes I need and that will last longer than making two nuts......

Is there a set and/or brand that most people prefer over another?

Many thanks, and again, I am not trolling for anything here other than I want what I want!!!

If that sounds bad, I'm sorry, but I'm sure that the pros don't use torch cleaning tips........at least on a regular basis.........

Rich

[Mike Simpson]

I have only used the Stewmac nut files, I just bought the bigger sizes for bass.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Nuts,_sa...ing_Files.html

[piece of ash]

I would bet you the files from LMII and Stewmac come from the same factory...

I think it's a wash quality wise...

[SacDAve]

I have the set from warmoth they work fine but I did break the .010 in no tine. Plus I remarked the sizes on them with a felt marker. Bad eyes and weak markers not a good combination. It’s the only set I’ve ever used so can’t give a comparison. I will have to agree with your thoughts right tool for the right job no substitute. I would also like to try the StewMac gauged saws they look like a time saver. Another tool I bought that’s a great for nut slotting is the string spacing ruler if you don’t have one add it to your list,

[crazydave911]

The ones I have from Warmoth says on the box;

Hiroshima Files
UO-CHIKYU Brand
Made in Japan

I have used them a little over 2 yrs on all sorts of nut material.They still work fine,

Dave

[Bolide]

There's no reason any of the files from StewMac, or other reputable sources, should not last a lifetime, provided that: you don't try to use them to both rough out the slot and bottom it, use knife and triangle files for roughing out and save the slotting files for the finish; and chalk the file up before putting it away so it doesn't rust between uses (files should never see oil, chalk is the preferred method of preventing corrosion with files).

If you either own more than three guitars, or use at least one often enough that the frets need to be groomed on a yearly basis, the files will pay for themselves quite quickly.

imj, the gauged saws probably account for the sale of many nut-blanks each year: A good knife file will hold a fine line far better than trying to follow the line with even the finest miniature backsaw, unless the backsaw is in some extroardinarily precision jig.

[ugmold]

I bought a set of the Warmoth Nut files, they have served me well, only wish I had more sizes.

http://www.warmoth.com/%2FNut-Files-Set-of-8-P45.aspx

[ievans]

I recently picked up the 8-piece set of Ibanez nut files (.10-.54) for $65. Ordered from here:
http://www.ibanezrules.com/parts.htm

Ordering was a little primitive (by email, and paid with Paypal) but the guy shipped everything quickly.

[hockeygoon]

I have the double-sided ones from Stewmac and a few between sizes like the ones Big Mike linked to. Work great, I actually prefer the double-sided ones, they are nice and rigid.

Stwe Mac double-edge nut files

[Kennedycaster]

I use the Warmoth set. They work great. Never had a problem with them.

[otterhound]

I bought mine at the Martin guitar builders store . They are made by Sobret .

[richinva]

OK, looks like consensus was Warmoth. So be it, ordering now.

Thanks to all. Have a great weekend.

Rich

PS SacDAve, thanks for the tip about the string spacing rule. I am going to try Terry Downs' Excel version for the first couple, might help to get my head wrapped around spacing, etc., plus saving a few bucks.

[David Collins]

Have you checked the past discussions on this?

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-tech...nut-files.html

[richinva]

Originally Posted by David Collins

Have you checked the past discussions on this?

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-tech...nut-files.html

I had not, but it appears that I got the B- set?

Rich

[David Collins]

I believe so, though to be quite honest I haven't kept up that precisely on exactly which files are coming from which manufacturer or distributor.

If those are the ones you got, they are perfectly fine files (I grade pretty hard, based on some pretty picky criteria). I still have a few of those mixed in with my current file set, and the only picky gripe I really have with them is that the rake angle is a bit strong, leaving them a bit prone to wander when starting a slot. Once you get used to using them though, you develop a technique for holding and guiding them and it really becomes a non-issue.

When I grade on durability, I'm putting them in the context of cutting hundreds of nuts. I believe the ones I'm currently using I've had for about 5 or 6 years, have cut thousands of slots with them, and they still cut fine though not quite as efficiently as they used to. For the average user they will make a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

I'd say that it was a good, safe choice. Far better than several of the other options.

[Codger]

I know I’m about to get jumped on, but I’m going to play devil’s advocate here. I don’t get the whole nut file thing. But first I’d like to say that I’m a huge fan of Stewmac. They may not always be the cheapest, but it’s always good stuff at a fair price, with great service. Some suppliers sell “ Good Stuff” and “not so good stuff”. You don’t always know until you’ve bought it. If Stewmac sells it, it’s good stuff at a fair price, even if it’s one of their “bargain” items. The only problem is that the do sell a lot of specialized tools to professional luthiers, and if you browse the catalog you get the feeling that you can’t possibly do some simple job until you buy $500.00 worth of specialized tools. That’s great if you are a professional and the dollars in your hand at the end of the day depend on the amount of work that you quickly, effortlessly, and correctly turn out.

I’m not a professional luthier, but have built several steel string acoustics from scratch and done whole lot of work on my own and friends guitars over ther years. I’ve scratch-made a lot of nuts from bone, corian, and other materials. A proper nut has only the necessary material in it and nothing more. Anything that is in the way or not needed should be removed. The string shouldn’t sit down in a slot. The slot should be about ½ the diameter of the string. All you really need to make as perfect a nut as you’ll ever see is a small mill fine, a fine saw (to start the slot) a set of needle files, some sandpaper, and some toothpaste to polish it up when your done.

[richinva]

Originally Posted by David Collins

...............
I'd say that it was a good, safe choice. Far better than several of the other options.

Whew!!! Thanks, one thing right this month.............

Again, thanks for all the help. I'll let you know what these look like. Not sure if I can do 20x, but I can try to snap some pics with a little bit of magnification.........

Rich

[richinva]

Originally Posted by David Collins

I believe so, though to be quite honest I haven't kept up that precisely on exactly which files are coming from which manufacturer or distributor.

If those are the ones you got, they are perfectly fine files (I grade pretty hard, based on some pretty picky criteria). I still have a few of those mixed in with my current file set, and the only picky gripe I really have with them is that the rake angle is a bit strong, leaving them a bit prone to wander when starting a slot. Once you get used to using them though, you develop a technique for holding and guiding them and it really becomes a non-issue.

When I grade on durability, I'm putting them in the context of cutting hundreds of nuts. I believe the ones I'm currently using I've had for about 5 or 6 years, have cut thousands of slots with them, and they still cut fine though not quite as efficiently as they used to. For the average user they will make a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

I'd say that it was a good, safe choice. Far better than several of the other options.

David,

Just to let you know, I received the files from Warmoth today, and they are the Hiroshima, Uo-Chikyu brand. 10,13,17,24,32,36,40,50. Just happened to get in a couple of bone blanks for my Tele, so we'll see what happens.

Again, thanks for the help, to all.

Rich