Miniature die filer

**mklotz** · Apr 18, 2017, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Trojan Horse

mklotz, Here's a new cleaned up version you can print out and use whenever you wish.

Attachment 17540

Thanks for that, TH, much appreciated.

**Captainleeward** · Feb 17, 2018, 03:46 PM

Well thought out Marv. Cap

**Quivil** · Jun 11, 2019, 12:51 PM

Hey Marv, thanks for posting such a great idea. Somewhere I saw one of these that was set up for use on the bed of a lathe, using the chuck to supply the rotary motion. I love that idea.

Could you please add some words about the materials used? Specifically, the Scotch yoke, where I'd think there would eventually be some wear. Are the bearings bronze bushings?

best,

Nic

**mklotz** · Jun 11, 2019, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Quivil

Hey Marv, thanks for posting such a great idea. Somewhere I saw one of these that was set up for use on the bed of a lathe, using the chuck to supply the rotary motion. I love that idea.

Could you please add some words about the materials used? Specifically, the Scotch yoke, where I'd think there would eventually be some wear. Are the bearings bronze bushings?

The rotating part of the drive is a brass disk (though could be steel) to which is attached a ball bearing that rides in the channel of the steel yoke. The shaft to which the file is attached rides in bronze bushings. The frame is aluminum though it too could be steel.

Powering with a lathe has the advantage of permitting relatively slow filing speeds for more precise/delicate work. However, it means building some sort of attachment to hold it to the carriage or ways. Also, I would think that bending to use it in the lathe would be hard on the back.

Mounting in the bench vise is a lot more convenient.

Also, my device is meant for infrequent use. If you intend to do a lot of filing, consider making the one available from Metal Lathe Accessories, pictures here...

Die Filer

**old_toolmaker** · Jun 21, 2019, 08:31 PM

mklotz,

That is a great project and nicely executed with excellent workmanship. Thanks for posting!
I wonder if the brass disk would benefit from a conical upper surface to better deflect the swarf?

**mklotz** · Jun 22, 2019, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by old_toolmaker

mklotz,

That is a great project and nicely executed with excellent workmanship. Thanks for posting!
I wonder if the brass disk would benefit from a conical upper surface to better deflect the swarf?

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, a bit of slope on the deflector would be a good idea.

**old_toolmaker** · Jun 25, 2019, 09:26 PM

tonyfoale,

Die filers are machines of the past. I have used die filers years ago and like them.
A die filer certainly has its place and can do work with edges and corners that are sharper and more crisp than anything that comes off a belt grinder. Of course this is just my opinion but I also have some experience to back that up. I also have an old cast iron Delta 16" scroll saw that is capable of doing the same work. Scroll saws of today are not built like the old iron was.