- Joined
- Nov 23, 2014
- Messages
- 2,609
I have an Oliver S-1 die filer and LOVE the machine (link below to my filer). A lot of my projects involve working sheet metal; used to do the fine work to a scribed line with needle files. My Oliver makes quick work of it. I've also made some punches and dies using the Oliver to match the punch (oddball shape) to the die. It cuts square (or angled if the table is set that way as Terry mentioned above) to the surface of the work, no way would I have held to a square edge with needle files by hand. Link to the work I did on the punch is below.
As Terry mentioned above, the files are scarce and expensive. They are called "parallel machine files" or "die filer files". Search eBay on either name and you'll see some options. They are available from Falcon Tool in Traverse City, MI (falcontool.com). Also available from American Rotarty Tools (www.artcotools.com). Also available from Federal File (fedfile.com). They run around $15 each. There's a seller on eBay (kentstools4you) who must have fallen into a slug of 4" long 3/16" diameter round #00 or #0 files. He sells 12 of them for $16 + $3.95 shipping. I bought a batch from him, they work well.
I've also heard of guys silver-soldering a piece of rod stock to the tip of a standard file, then mount that in the base of the die filer so the file will cut on the down stroke. Probably want a die filer with an overarm to do that or you'll snap the file if pushing too hard.
Also, great tip from Terry above about watching your fingers. I did the same thing, touched the file which pulled the skin down between the file and the work which was being pushed into the file. Got a blood blister pinch from the experience. Probably a right of passage for anyone using a die filer.
Bruce
http://hobby-machinist.com/threads/oliver-model-s-1-die-filer.53605/
http://hobby-machinist.com/threads/erector-set-part-number-nu-parachute-men-punch-and-die.59615/
As Terry mentioned above, the files are scarce and expensive. They are called "parallel machine files" or "die filer files". Search eBay on either name and you'll see some options. They are available from Falcon Tool in Traverse City, MI (falcontool.com). Also available from American Rotarty Tools (www.artcotools.com). Also available from Federal File (fedfile.com). They run around $15 each. There's a seller on eBay (kentstools4you) who must have fallen into a slug of 4" long 3/16" diameter round #00 or #0 files. He sells 12 of them for $16 + $3.95 shipping. I bought a batch from him, they work well.
I've also heard of guys silver-soldering a piece of rod stock to the tip of a standard file, then mount that in the base of the die filer so the file will cut on the down stroke. Probably want a die filer with an overarm to do that or you'll snap the file if pushing too hard.
Also, great tip from Terry above about watching your fingers. I did the same thing, touched the file which pulled the skin down between the file and the work which was being pushed into the file. Got a blood blister pinch from the experience. Probably a right of passage for anyone using a die filer.
Bruce
http://hobby-machinist.com/threads/oliver-model-s-1-die-filer.53605/
http://hobby-machinist.com/threads/erector-set-part-number-nu-parachute-men-punch-and-die.59615/