{"product_id":"stewmac-gauged-nut-slotting-file-set-for-mandolin-medium-strings","title":"StewMac Gauged Nut Slotting File Set for Mandolin - Medium Strings","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the StewMac Gauged Nut Slotting File Set for Mandolin is evaluated as a compact, purpose-built toolset for luthiers and hobbyists who work on mandolin nuts. The bottom line: this set provides four tempered edge-cut files sized to match medium gauge mandolin strings, making it straightforward to cut round-bottom slots that seat strings cleanly and reduce buzzing. For anyone repairing or building mandolins who needs predictable, repeatable slot widths, this set delivers the right gauges in one convenient package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatched Gauges:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes four cutting widths (0.013in, 0.016in, 0.028in and 0.042in) so you can match the file to the string for accurate slot sizing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRound-Bottom Slots:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tempered edge-cut design produces round-bottom slots that help strings seat properly and minimize buzzing at the nut.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made of chrome-alloy steel for long life and consistent cutting performance through repeated use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwin Cutting Edges:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each file has twin 4in cutting edges, giving generous usable length and a predictable cut orientation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime Savings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sold as a set, the files save time compared with sourcing individual gauges and include a built-in 10% savings over buying separately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set is aimed at busy repair shops and hobbyist luthiers who work on mandolins and need a small, reliable selection of nut files for medium gauge strings. The precise gauges make it suitable for routine nut shaping, setup work, and quick string-seat corrections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less useful for those who exclusively work on other instruments or who require extra-fine or extra-heavy gauges not covered by the medium set; builders who need a wider range of sizes should consider supplementing with single files for light or heavy string sets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccurate, industry-recommended gauges for medium mandolin strings that simplify matching file to string.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRound-bottom cutting action reduces the risk of sharp notches that can bind or cut strings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChrome-alloy steel and twin 4in cutting edges deliver durability and usable length for multiple jobs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet covers only medium string gauges, so additional files are needed for light or heavy mandolin string sets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStewMac\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNut slotting file set for mandolin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNumber of files\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCutting widths\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.013in, 0.016in, 0.028in, 0.042in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCutting edge length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwin 4in cutting edges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChrome-alloy steel, tempered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StewMac Gauged Nut Slotting File Set for Mandolin is a practical, well-specified kit for anyone doing setup and repair on mandolins with medium gauge strings. It offers durable construction, the correct gauges to avoid string buzz, and a useful round-bottom cut profile, making it good value for shop use or dedicated hobbyists who want consistent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use these files for other stringed instruments?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the files cut round-bottom slots and can work for similar nuts and saddles, but the gauges are chosen specifically for medium mandolin strings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I match a file to a string?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChoose the file that matches the string gauge or one only a few thousandths wider; the set includes 0.013in, 0.016in, 0.028in and 0.042in files for medium strings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the files durable for shop use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, they are made of tempered chrome-alloy steel with twin 4in cutting edges designed for repeated professional use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"StewMac","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48239751233755,"sku":"B06X9X5Q7K","price":83.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/811Ly9DH8FL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770971642","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/stewmac-gauged-nut-slotting-file-set-for-mandolin-medium-strings","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}