Nut slot height/Action at the first fret

Slash'N'burn

I’m recutting the nut slots on my Les Paul, as the action is too high on some strings, and varies quite a lot string to string.

What is a good compromise string height at the first fret, for strings 1-3 ?  I measure with feeler gauges. The wound strings are at about  0.013” now which feels about right. 

Originally thought I’d like to go quite low on the treble strings, maybe 0.008” or so on the 1st string without any risk of buzzing when digging in, but then I read somewhere that hammer ons aren’t so good when the action is really low near then nut. Of course once it’s done you can’t go back!

I have stewmac nut files, it’s the original Gibson  plastic nut which is really slippery and slow cutting so at least no risk of going too far by accident! But someone’s wisdom here might give me something to aim for rather me than trying to go as low as I can then regretting it!

ICBM

Don't measure the open string height, it's dependent on the relief. Fret each string at the 3rd fret and check the gap between the string and the first fret.

Ideal - about .001"-.002" on the top E, progressively up to about .005"-.010" on the low E. You can usually get away with a bit more on the thin strings if you're not confident of getting it that accurate.

Slash'N'burn

Thanks, I have a problem trying that method though because the 1st fret is 0.006” higher than the rest (long story , despite a fret level I had done, better than it was originally though) 

But I will try and take your measurements and make it work for me with a bit of geometry, that’s what I’m after really progressively lower action towards the top E.  I like the neck setup with almost no relief so should be able to work out an equivalent open string height.