Nut shaping from a bone nut blank

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Permalink Reply by David L. on October 31, 2011 at 5:31pm

Hi Marcus,

I usually shape mine using a bench grinder wheel and I do it outside because it stinks when you do it (reminds me of the smell of having teeth drilled at the dentist).  To notch it you mark the position - 3 strings is easy to measure and for 4 this works well (you just print off the picture then fold it at the width you want the strings and then mark off the 4 positions

To cut the slots I am lucky enough to have a wife who bought me some nut files last year but before that I tried various things which have been discussed in this thread here http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/thebritsarecoming/forum/topics/...  The alternative methods I tried were used mainly on plastic resin nuts not bone so I am not sure how easy bone will be to notch with them.  To install a nut I normally use 2 or 3 tiny drops of superglue (just enough to hold it so if it needs altering at a later time it can still be got off).

 

Good luck,

David

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on October 31, 2011 at 6:09pm

Hand file best takes longer but you cant add bone back if you over gring.get or use a wide array of files and paper. You come up with a system your comfortable with. Your retired so no hurry right

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Permalink Reply by Marcus P. Clarke on October 31, 2011 at 8:12pm

I believe I can shape it ok with some practice. Do you cut a notch in the neck or shape it and glue it on top of the neck at the nut point.

David Lloyd said:

Hi Marcus,

I usually shape mine using a bench grinder wheel and I do it outside because it stinks when you do it (reminds me of the smell of having teeth drilled at the dentist).  To notch it you mark the position - 3 strings is easy to measure and for 4 this works well (you just print off the picture then fold it at the width you want the strings and then mark off the 4 positions

To cut the slots I am lucky enough to have a wife who bought me some nut files last year but before that I tried various things which have been discussed in this thread here http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/thebritsarecoming/forum/topics/...  The alternative methods I tried were used mainly on plastic resin nuts not bone so I am not sure how easy bone will be to notch with them.  To install a nut I normally use 2 or 3 tiny drops of superglue (just enough to hold it so if it needs altering at a later time it can still be got off).

 

Good luck,

David

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Permalink Reply by Marcus P. Clarke on October 31, 2011 at 8:16pm

Newly retired with plenty of time and files. Wondering about height and the string notches i.e. V shaped or saw blade cut?

c storz said:

Hand file best takes longer but you cant add bone back if you over gring.get or use a wide array of files and paper. You come up with a system your comfortable with. Your retired so no hurry right

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on October 31, 2011 at 8:45pm

Iv never messed with it but a dremil might be an options

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Permalink Reply by Marcus P. Clarke on October 31, 2011 at 9:23pm

I do have a dremel and some of the cutting wheels could be an option. I have built countless model ships so I'm pretty handy with it. ...Peter

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Permalink Reply by Huntz Meyer on November 1, 2011 at 6:11am

Hand file, sandpaper, and nut files. 

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Nuts_and_saddle...

I bought 6 (10,16,24,32,42,50) and have not regretted it.  15 minutes to make a nut.

Huntz

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Permalink Reply by David L. on November 1, 2011 at 9:14am

Sorry the 4 string spacer didn't load for some reason

This is an article on how to cut for a 6 string electric which explains it well http://www.eguitarplans.com/making_a_guitar_nut.pdf

David

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Permalink Reply by Marcus P. Clarke on November 1, 2011 at 9:23am

Thanks David great article on nut making. Going to burn up some blanks...Peter

David Lloyd said:

Sorry the 4 string spacer didn't load for some reason

This is an article on how to cut for a 6 string electric which explains it well http://www.eguitarplans.com/making_a_guitar_nut.pdf

David

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