The Hobby-machinist Die Filer

Yes Charles. They are shorter and have straight round tangs. Google Parallel Machine Files.

This part is next. It is the guide for the Trunnion. Two are needed and they are mirror images, 1 left, 1 right..102_0899 (800 x 531).jpg
 
Frame roughed in. Many holes to drill and tap in the back and sides. Frame measures 3.250 X 8.000 X 15.750 inches. As I said, this is not your everyday Die-Filer.

"Billy G"

102_0902 (800 x 531).jpg
 
I have been using conventional files in my filer. It only has about a 1.25" throw. I cut the tapered tips off the file and keep the parallel part. I mount it inverted so it cuts on the downstroke. Some files lend themselves to this more readily than others based on their profile.
I use and old hand tightening drill chuck to mount the files on the shaft. It seems to work fine and is "quick change." Bill, I'm sure you will come up with something more sophisticated than that!
Hey are you cutting the aluminum plate on that table saw?
Watching intently.
R
 
I gave it a try for the first time. I won't cut aluminum on the Table Saw again. Too many things can go wrong in a real hurry.

"Billy G"
 
Thank you for this post, Bill! I had looked at the cast kit that rwm posted the pic of (available thru Metal Lathe in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania), but this looks like a very tasty alternative! Please keep us posted.

Dave
 
I gave it a try for the first time. I won't cut aluminum on the Table Saw again. Too many things can go wrong in a real hurry.

"Billy G"
I have a table saw set up with a special aluminum blade. I have cut up to 1". I know what you mean about something going wrong. It's a scary process. I am always afraid the blade is going to bind and launch a piece of metal at me!
R
 
As said, the files are kinda special and not your normal garden variety. You want the file to cut on the down stroke. And it would be best to have files with parallel sides so it files square or the same path on the full stroke. As far as holding the files in the machine, to each his own. I have a factory made die filer and it can chuck/hold just about any shape you give it. If you are looking for round files, say in the 3/16” round size a good source for them is to use a chainsaw file. Other than that, it’s the auction stuff on the internet for die files or pay the price for new. I’m always looking for files for my machine and it’s really hard to find any garden variety that’s gonna work…Good Luck, Dave.
 
How does this look? The file is complete, all 15 drawings. I need to import it to my computer.

"Billy G" trunnion.jpg
 
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Love your drawings Bill, as I can actually make sense of them (they actually look like drawings I saw back in Drafting Class). :)

The more modern notation (and that used for the Quorn and Bonelle) doesn't. Progress.
 
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