Anyone know if an all american co. die filer can be restored?

Hi everyone,
Is anyone knowledgeable about a die filer. It is missing the support arm and roller for the file guide.
I would pay someone to make it, but do not have a blueprint, just photos that are on the web.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I am newbie, but eager to learn.
Thanks,
jon

A good start would be a few pictures. Post the links of the ones you found on the web.

The support arm does not need to be complex. My Butterfly die filer just has an unhardened little steel cylinder about 5/8" x 5/8" with a worn groove in it. I swing the arm over till the cylinder backs up the file,and pushes it a bit forward to make the file more square. Works just fine and is quick to adjust. i have a much more advanced filer that I hardly use as it takes much more time to get it set up. Plus,I put a variable speed motor on the Butterfly,which makes it SO MUCH better to use,and a LOT easier on the files. All these die filers run way too fast,which wears out the files just as running any other cutter too fast wears them out also.

almost certainly

george wilson said:

The support arm does not need to be complex. My Butterfly die filer just has an unhardened little steel cylinder about 5/8" x 5/8" with a worn groove in it. I swing the arm over till the cylinder backs up the file,and pushes it a bit forward to make the file more square. Works just fine and is quick to adjust. i have a much more advanced filer that I hardly use as it takes much more time to get it set up. Plus,I put a variable speed motor on the Butterfly,which makes it SO MUCH better to use,and a LOT easier on the files. All these die filers run way too fast,which wears out the files just as running any other cutter too fast wears them out also.

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Thanks George,
i was thinking of using flat stock 1/4"thick by wide by whatever length is needed.
I was going to us steel and put the slot at the coupling on the main tube holding the coupling.
Thanks again,
Jon

Is this the model you have? I can take better photos if you want and take some measurements tomorrow.

I'd use 1/2" thick stock. 1/4" is going to bend pretty easy,pushing your file backwards. The file might snap off if it gets bent too much.

george wilson said:

I'd use 1/2" thick stock. 1/4" is going to bend pretty easy,pushing your file backwards. The file might snap off if it gets bent too much.

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Thank you George
Jon
I will use 1/2" then by 1" or 1.5" , a36 steel is ok?

atwatterkent said:

Is this the model you have? I can take better photos if you want and take some measurements tomorrow.

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Thank you for the offer, that is very nice of you
I just picked it up yesterday and looking at it , appears to be a different model.
I was told all original except missing overarm support, and was told total wt of machine is 40lbs.
Well, i bought it , mainly cause it is just such a beautiful little machine. It was heavy, and figure it weighs about 85 lbs, so got it up his basement and down my basement, and set up a stand he sold me for 20ore.
I payed 170. , and have seen mice ones for 1000.
so , i do need to make a support and mo bellows for air to clear the metal dust.
If your arm has a roller at end that can move up an down i would appreciate a closeup of the arm at both ends.
Thanks,
jon

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george wilson said:

I'd use 1/2" thick stock. 1/4" is going to bend pretty easy,pushing your file backwards. The file might snap off if it gets bent too much.

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Hi george,
i noticed from the picture of the overarm that the roller is on a secound piece of metal that seems to be connected to the arm with. Small wheel bearing or something large , allowing the roller some extra movement?
i would like to try and make the arm as close to original in function, not a look alike.
Any advice?
thanks so much,
Jon

Yes, there is a roller imbedded in the end of the arm. I'll get a pic and wheel dia tomorrow. Too late tonight, sorry.