Polishing a rough nut?

[Rue]

Is there a quick easy way to smooth a rough nut that I can try myself? I am game to try if I won't to any irrepairable (sp?) harm. It's just on the side of the e string...

[Roger Hargrave]

I think the october or november Strad had an article about making a nut. It was a little over the top, but it does show how important it is to know exactly what a nut does and how it does it. Just smoothing a nut won't get it working correctly. 

[Rue]

Thanks... I will see if I can track down the article. I was only wanting to smooth down the sharp edge though...not planning on taking anything apart.

Demolition was on next week's agenda....(jk)...: D

[captainhook]

A fingernail file or emery board will do what you want. Might be wise to remove the e string but not essential, if you are careful. I used to leave those edges sharp, on perfectly functional nuts, because they don't bother me when I play. Then a violinist complained because he anchors his index finger there in first position, so I now do it differently.

[Rue]

Thanks!  That I do have on hand.  I can do careful too!

[Bill Yacey]

For the string grooves, I don't think there is a better tool for the job than the radius edge nut files the guitar makers use. It creates a perfect bed for the string to sit within, with the majority of the string - bottom surface area resting on the nut surface. A slightly larger radius file can be used to chamfer the edges of the groove to remove any sharp edges.

[Rue]

I did use the emory board on the sides of the nut where it was uncomfortably rough. Worked like a charm . Thank you!

***disclaimer: no violin was injured during this procedure...expensive or otherwise...