Selecting Nut-Slotting Files

[Tico]

Stewmac sells 12 widths.
http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools...ing_Files.html

Here are the widths of the files in thousandths of an inch:
10 13 16 20 24 28 32 35 42 46 50 56

I don't wanna spend $165 for all 12.
This is a hobby not my profession.
I want to work on my own guitars which have lights or extra lights with the following gauges:
12-16-25-33-43-53
11-15-24-32-42-52

Even if I bought all 12 files they still don't all match the strings I use.

Whadyado?
Do you use, for instance, a 0.010 file for a 0.012 string but wrap the file in, say, 800 grit sandpaper?
Should the string fit tightly in the groove, or is it best to have, say, 0.001 of space on each side of the string?

IOW which files would you buy for ONLY the above string gauges?

[PTC Bernie]

It's not as bad as you might think. If you use a .013" for the .012" E string you're only .001" wider than the string. To put it in perspective, a ream of paper is 500 sheets and how thick is that, almost 2"?

I agree though, unless you do a lot of your own work it's hard to justify $165 for something you'll use a couple of times over the next few years.

[Truckjohn]

They are worth every penny and then some.

I don't own a lot of specialized guitar tools. I have found that most of them aren't really worth the money for a hobby builder.

Several are worth it.... And nut slotting files are near the top of the list.

Thanks.

[jemartin]

This is a good question for the Build And Repair sub-forum here on the AGF. A lot of good luthiers there.

[Tico]

Originally Posted by jemartin

This is a good question for the Build And Repair sub-forum here on the AGF. A lot of good luthiers there.

Thanks.
I'll do that.

[73Fender]

Philadelphia Luthier Supplies on e bay has some sets as well. Not too expensive if memory serves

[mercy]

I just bought the sizes for my strings. What would help is if you put the same guage strings on all your guitars.

[Gardman]

It's OK to use files a few thou larger than your strings (and you would have less problems with the strings binding in the slots).

Plus, with many files you can make the slot a little wider by rocking the files a bit as you slot the nut.

From the list of files you gave, and the string diameters you use, I would probably go with

0.013, 0.016 (and rock it a bit), 0.028, 0.035, 0.046, and 0.056.

That should cover your needs pretty well.