Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on October 9, 2010 at 5:28pm

Two saw cuts - using my fret slotting jig and a gents saw, knock out the slot with a narrow chisel, clean up with a file if need be.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on October 10, 2010 at 8:36am

Like John said. I do the same thing except I make 3 cuts, then pry the pieces out with a small screwdriver, then file the bottom of the slot smooth.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by T. Anderson on October 10, 2010 at 9:09am

If im feeling crafty, I use hand saw and chisel. If I just want it done, I use the tablesaw and sled.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on October 10, 2010 at 9:12am

Or if I am making lots of them, I get the router table out and do it that way. You just have to be careful to exit the wood slowly so you don't knock a chip out of the exit side of the neck.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Roosterman on October 10, 2010 at 10:06am

Er.... superglue the nut on top of the fretboard ;o)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by NashvilleAl on October 15, 2010 at 3:04pm

Thanks for all the help. Sounds like I will cut with a copping saw, then chisel out.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BenBob on October 15, 2010 at 8:59pm

I found that a nice, square mill file is useful for cleaning up the slot and fitting the nut.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on October 16, 2010 at 2:32pm

Or, you can just cut off the end of the fretboard and glue the nut on top of the neck....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by NashvilleAl on October 16, 2010 at 2:53pm

I like that. What height of nut should I be looking for?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Craig Cox on October 16, 2010 at 4:52pm

here's one way to do it. add a piece of wood to the top of the headstock, something nice and contrasting perhaps, like this maple and walnut. leave enough space so your nut fits snugly. I tend to not glue the nut (or the bridge) to allow for adjustment and replacement.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on October 16, 2010 at 6:35pm

Al said:

I like that. What height of nut should I be looking for?

Height depends on personal preference. Some like it higher, especially if primarily playing slide. More experienced players and fretted playing may make a lower action more desireable.
I would recommend starting high, and not securing the nut in such a way as to make lowering it some later too difficult. I have seen unfretted slide setups at 3/16" or more at the nut. And I have setup fretted instruments at 1/16" or so, or as close as you can get without buzzy results.
As your playing develops, you will become aware of what you want, action wise.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by NashvilleAl on October 18, 2010 at 3:11pm

Thank for everyones help. Here's how my slots came out.

• ▶ Reply