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Hey Gang:

I have a set of these Ibanez files:



I don't use them for nut work anymore, as I have a complete set of the StewMac files. I was thinking it would be handy to have a couple of these cut lengthwise and ground down to make myself tools to clean up my slots at the bridge-pin holes. I cut the slots with a jig saw, but want to give them a more refined look.

I'm not quite sure how to go about cutting these lengthwise. Any suggestions?

-Mark

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Thanks Todd!

Hadn't thought about selling them and buying something made for this purpose - I'll look into that.

-Mark

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Pullman, WA

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I used dremel cutoff wheels to slice then down the middle, then cleaned
them up on a bench grinder. I bought the Stew Mac joint edge files for
this because they didn't have the tapered handle and I was able to get two
sets out of them. As Todd mentioned the trick is keeping them cool.

I originally made these as a low profile slotting file for resonator guitars,
so that you can set the bridge height without removing the cover plate. It
was years later before I thought about using them for cleaning up slots at
the bridge pin holes.

I really prefer the joint edge file for nut slots over the double edge
StewMac style nut files. I actually retired my old set of those in favor of a
set I compiled of Grobet, Ibanez, StewMac and other joint round edge
files. I also think if you're making these just for bridge pin hole slots, you
may be better off selling them and buying a decent needle file set.

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Hi David:

Thanks. Could you explain what a "joint edge file" is?

-Mark

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Pullman, WA

The more I know, the more I know I don't know.

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Those files you have in the picture above are joint edge files. They're not
made specifically for lutherie, and are made by a number of file makers for
jewelers and other trades. Grobet is usually the prefered, for good reason.


Grobet Joint Round Edge Files

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Excellent.

Thanks for the info.

-Mark

_________________
Pullman, WA

The more I know, the more I know I don't know.

trippguitars.com
OR
Find me on Facebook