how to enlarge nut grooves correctly/accurately?

[Zapp]

i'm going 5-minus-1 on my CVJ bass, with .125 on the bottom. I need to fix the nut for those sizes. how do I do that and:
1. keep the center centered... that is to trim both walls of each groove precisely equivalent so the even spacing holds, and
2. keep the bottom the bottom. no more, no less.

?????
I am intimidated.

[Jools4001]

To do it properly you will need a set of nut files such as these.

STEWMAC.COM : Double-edge Nut Files

But since a set of these will cost you plenty for a one time job, probably better to take it to a tech or someone that has the proper kit

[Zapp]

that's about what i figured. thank u

[stflbn]

Well you 'can' simply use a string itself as a file by rubbing it back and forth until the slot is widened. Not sexy, but it does work.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Well you 'can' simply use a string itself as a file by rubbing it back and forth until the slot is widened. Not sexy, but it does work.

A little difficult to do with flatwounds.

But it can be done. Wrap a piece of fine sandpaper over the next lower gauge of string and use that to work the slot. Not the best solution, but it will get the job done. And if the slot is not quite wide enough, add a second layer of sandpaper.

[stflbn]

Don't see any mention of flatwounds in the original post. I was referring to roundwounds... even better is Stainless which usually have a bit more rasp to them depending on the brand.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Don't see any mention of flatwounds in the original post.

Right - I was just having fun. But even with roundwounds it's a lot easier to do with a sandpaper wrap.

[Zapp]

I might give that a shot. i think I have an old 110 around here somewhere - i could wrap that up and saw away

[202dy]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Well you 'can' simply use a string itself as a file by rubbing it back and forth until the slot is widened. Not sexy, but it does work.

Not sexy. Nor precise. However, it is the preferred method when working on National and Dobro bridges.

The OP expressed an understandable concern about leaving the floor of the slot untouched. It takes a practiced hand with a properly sized nut file to do so. It is even trickier using a string and abrasive papers. Go slow. Check often. Probably be a good idea to color the bottom of the slot with some pencil marks in order to see the moment the "tool" bottoms out.

[JLS]

Drillbit/emery paper, if you don't have access to nut files.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by JLS

Drillbit/emery paper, if you don't have access to nut files.

This.

[Doug Parent]

Originally Posted by JLS

Drillbit/emery paper, if you don't have access to nut files.

Ah ha! brillant.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by JLS

Drillbit/emery paper, if you don't have access to nut files.

Yes, this.

I can understand the guitar setup DIYers problem when trying to find substitutions for a nut file to do a string slot as small as .007", but given the huge slots in our regular 4, 5, or 6 string basses, it never ceases to amaze me why more people don't use (or know) the drill-bit/emery paper method.

Thank god for networking, that way good, inexpensive methods spread out.

Regards
Sam

[Zapp]

does "drillbit" include dremel with that pinkish finger-like attachment, or is that too violent?

not wanting to complicate this thread further, I'm going to post similar question about the saddles. need to accommodate fatties

[96tbird]

How about emery wrapped around pieces of old string and fastened with super glue. Instant set of files.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by Zapp

does "drillbit" include dremel with that pinkish finger-like attachment, or is that too violent?

not wanting to complicate this thread further, I'm going to post similar question about the saddles. need to accommodate fatties

Sandpaper is wrapped around the shank of the drill bit to create a makeshift nut file. It is used the same way as a legitimate nut file.

N.B. Sandpaper has thickness. The thickness of the sandpaper times two must be subtracted from the size of the slot to determine the proper size drill bit. For example, if the paper is .020" thick and the slot is .100" the proper size drill bit is .060"

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Zapp

does "drillbit" include dremel with that pinkish finger-like attachment, or is that too violent?

not wanting to complicate this thread further, I'm going to post similar question about the saddles. need to accommodate fatties

BY HAND ONLY!!!!

[Zapp]

ok!