Die Filer From Bar Stock With Video and Plans

**jjr2001** · Jul 16, 2020, 09:08 AM

Thanks Marv, That looks perfect for using on my "micro lathe" (sherline) as an accessory.

Cheers, JR

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 16, 2020, 11:30 AM

jjr2001,

That is one fine looking piece of machinery! Nice workmanship too!
It appears you use standard files with altered tangs. Is that correct or have you found a source for purchasing machine files?

**jjr2001** · Jul 16, 2020, 01:04 PM

Thanks Dick, I just used some cheap imports since I did not want to modify my good ones.
Any file will due. With my file "chuck" design I can make a new chuck from a chunk of most
any metal to fit any file. Nice thing is that they can be driven from either end. The Filer is going
to be a great aid in the reduction of my filing time!

One mod would be a table with inserts. I could then make a snug fitting clearance hole for any size or type file.
Maybe for my next project!

Cheers, JR

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 16, 2020, 01:40 PM

jjr2001,
Thanks for the information. I have looked for quality machine files many times, but have never been successful. I used die filers back in my apprentice days.

**Crusty** · Jul 16, 2020, 02:59 PM

I bought an inexpensive set from Little Machine Shop and they're not bad, certainly better than the Nicholson set that I bought which are as likely to go skittering off a piece of steel as cutting (shame - they used to be good).

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 16, 2020, 05:01 PM

Crusty,
I would sure like to know where real high quality machine files could be purchased. Nicholson used to make a top notch file. I have had some for over fifty years. Taking good care of them is the key. Many people just toss them into a drawer and expect them to last. That is a lot to expect of a file.

**Crusty** · Jul 16, 2020, 06:33 PM

I'm in that shameless category - all my files are in the same drawer but since I've given up on finding good files I don't see much point in trying to keep those average ones in pristine condition. Like I said I was expecting much better when I bought that Nicholson set (granted it wasn't their premium line) and the cheaper ones I got from LMS are doing a better job. Apparently the folks at LMS make an effort to source good usable tools at affordable prices because I don't have a complaint yet about anything I've bought from them. In fact the $200 full index of US made Republic drills that I bought from them has opened a door to a new level of quality in my hole work. I've got a 1-60 Latrobe mini set that I keep at my drill press and those Republic drills seem just as good.

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 16, 2020, 07:11 PM

Crusty,
I have always had good service from Nicholson files. I’ve never had a bad one that I am aware of. I use a file card and pick to keep the files cutting well. I was also taught to use chalk on the files so they shed fillings and to keep the file from pinning.