Filing Metal Nuts (Brass, Aluminum)???

electracoyote · #1 05-27-2010, 04:42 PM

What files would you use on a metal nut? I have seen brass nuts, and I am particularly interested in what kind of files are best for deepening the slots on a Danelectro aluminum nut.

I have a set of nut files, and I have gotten pretty good with them on bone and similar materials, but I'm not sure about metal.

Your experience-based help and advice greatly appreciated.

Hollywars · #2 05-27-2010, 04:45 PM

Cheap ones.

electracoyote · #3 05-27-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollywars

Cheap ones.

Huh. Really? Have you damaged a set of hardened steel nut files using them on a metal nut? Is there a better choice?

Hollywars · #4 05-27-2010, 04:55 PM

I assume a metal nut will be much rougher than a plastic or bone one, though I've never done it.

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 05-27-2010, 05:07 PM

I can't see steel files being damaged by an aluminium nut.

KUNGfuSHERIFF · #6 05-27-2010, 05:13 PM

I used a hacksaw to deepen the notch for the G on my old Alembic, which had a non-adjustable brass nut, and was VERY VERY CAREFUL.

Zooberwerx · #7 05-27-2010, 05:21 PM

I use mine on brass, bone, ivory (!), and graphite with no problems..

Riis

walterw · #8 05-27-2010, 10:55 PM

i use the same files, no biggie.

T-Bird · #9 05-28-2010, 12:22 AM

Hi.

Quality files.

Use the same files as You have previously and use either specific cutting liquids for different metals, or (denatured) alcohol for aluminium and WD40 or CRC 5-56 for steels and copper alloys.

Using chalk (as any machinist will tell You) will also prevent the shavings to clog the file and make the surface smoother as a result.

Regards
Sam

electracoyote · #10 05-28-2010, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

Quality files.

Use the same files as You have previously and use either specific cutting liquids for different metals, or (denatured) alcohol for aluminium and WD40 or CRC 5-56 for steels and copper alloys.

Using chalk (as any machinist will tell You) will also prevent the shavings to clog the file and make the surface smoother as a result.

Regards
Sam

Wow, I had no idea.

So if I dip the file in de-natured alcohol or rub chalk on it before filing, it will keep the shavings from clogging the file?

T-Bird · #11 05-28-2010, 10:42 AM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

Wow, I had no idea.

So if I dip the file in de-natured alcohol or rub chalk on it before filing, it will keep the shavings from clogging the file?

Yep, it's an age old "trick" of the machinists.

Using chalk will reduce the need to clean the file with a cleaning brush and when You do clean it, the grooves will clean up without exessive stroking (which dulls the file eventually).

Regards
Sam