Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lazylefteye on July 26, 2019 at 10:23pm

What about these:

https://www.cbgitty.com/tools-templates/cigar-box-guitar-nut-and-br...

I have a very similar set that seems to work just fine.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lonman on July 27, 2019 at 4:18am

I have feel gauges that I used a Dremel cutting wheel to cut small notches spaced very close to each other, thus making various slotting files for many string gauges. check this video out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslelQBTwP0

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on July 27, 2019 at 9:35pm

You are so right about the fuel-jet files. They can be purchased at any welding supply shop. <$20

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lonman on July 28, 2019 at 2:33am

harbor freight also has the fuel jet files. I use them as well

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on July 28, 2019 at 2:42am

What section of harbor freight & how much were they? I've asked in two stores and either they didn't know or these stores didn't carry them. I personally looked in the welding, no luck.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Derek Rose on July 28, 2019 at 3:33am

Many of us, me included, use the torch tip cleaners from Home Depot. They are in the welding tool section by the power and hand tools. Made by Lincoln Electric and around $5. 

Torch Tip Cleaners - Home Depot

They work great for shallow slots. But for cutting deeper slots or making a lot of cuts for doing multiple nuts (if you are doing a batch)  they can be tedious to use, so I snip them out of the metal casing and use a jeweler saw to hold them for improved stability and easier on your hands. I use a cheap jeweler (frame) saw similar to this:

Small frame jeweler saw - Ebay

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on July 28, 2019 at 9:22am

Well aren't you the smart one! LOL Damn good idea using a jewlers saw, something else i gotta buy.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on July 28, 2019 at 5:57am

I’ve seen those in Home Depot, they’re pretty much same as the cb gitty one, but half the price $3.97?  You’ll eventually need this tool anyway if you make your own nuts/bridges? And, no it’s not too much to file nut slots on a cbg? if you care enough to put quality in your instruments, then it’s only natural to go the extra mile.good luck to ya’ :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on July 28, 2019 at 10:11am

I've used the tip cleaners before and they work, just takes time.

Stewmac sells 4 string uke nuts that are already slotted and they work great, but I just use a brass or steel bolt for a nut nowadays. Just file a half round slot for the bolt deep enough for proper string height and the grooves are already done. ;)

• ▶ Reply