Filing Machine

sslry

sslry

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Just a note to talk about a filing machine kit from Metal Lathe Accessories in PA. http://www.statecollegecentral.com/metallathe/MLA-18.html
In 2002 I bought their kit and was very impressed by the quality of the drawings, by hand not CAD, the quality of the cast iron castings which machined "like butter", and the instructions which were clear and easy to follow. This was the most enjoyable project I have ever built. I have often made changes and adjustments to projects under way. This always costs time and effort. With this filing machine I stayed with the plans and directions all the way and it worked perfectly. As soon as I can find my photos of the project I'll send them along.

A motor is not supplied with the kit. I looked at one of the local thrift shops and there was a motor from a washing machine I believe. Bought it for $2 and worked perfectly for the machine. An example of the usefulness of the filing machine is cleaning up inside holes and outer edges of sheet metal lettering or numbers to be used on live steam locos. I've used it many times, certainly not every day but so often it is the perfect tool to remove small amounts of metal.
 
Frank Ford said:
I did one too, back in '07 - it was a good project, and I photographed the whole process.

It turned out red, and here's a link to the write-up:

http://www.frets.com/HomeShopTech/Projects/Filer/diefiler01.html
Click to expand...

Frank,

You have done a far superior job on the complete machine. My filing machine is the same but my installation with my $2 motor and mounting board is much simpler, yet effective. My hat is off to your work and to the numerous construction photos. I think I used the lathe a little more than you and the mill a little less but then it has been 11 years since the build. ~Jimfiling machine.jpg

filing machine.jpg
 
I have 3 filing machines. On the ONE I use,I rigged up a 1/2 h.p. D.C. motor with a variable speed control. It transforms the machine amazingly. All those die filers run way too fast,which is very hard on the files. The part you're filing can suddenly jump up and down and pinch your fingers. Slowing the file down helped so m ugh,I most fully recommend it if you want to preserve your valuable files and have a better controlled and more pleasant filing experience. We had women in the shop who were afraid to use the filer. After I slowed it down,they used it easily and accurately.

I have ione of those kits,too. Just too cool looking to pass up! I wonder if I'll ever get around to machining it. I have his "Loopy chuck",and his radius cutting attachment,too. He just makes neat kits. I do not need any of these kits!! My HLVH IS a collet lathe.


By the way,I would not mount the light switch like that!! Too easy for metal dust to get in there and short it out. Mount it vertically.
 
sslry said:
Just a note to talk about a filing machine kit from Metal Lathe Accessories in PA. http://www.statecollegecentral.com/metallathe/MLA-18.html
In 2002 I bought their kit and was very impressed by the quality of the drawings, by hand not CAD, the quality of the cast iron castings which machined "like butter", and the instructions which were clear and easy to follow. This was the most enjoyable project I have ever built. I have often made changes and adjustments to projects under way. This always costs time and effort. With this filing machine I stayed with the plans and directions all the way and it worked perfectly. As soon as I can find my photos of the project I'll send them along.

A motor is not supplied with the kit. I looked at one of the local thrift shops and there was a motor from a washing machine I believe. Bought it for $2 and worked perfectly for the machine. An example of the usefulness of the filing machine is cleaning up inside holes and outer edges of sheet metal lettering or numbers to be used on live steam locos. I've used it many times, certainly not every day but so often it is the perfect tool to remove small amounts of metal.
Click to expand...

I too have built this kit 10 or 12 years ago. I use it often for small parts. I also have a Keller which is much larger which I don't use near as much as most of my projects are small.
 
george wilson said:
I have 3 filing machines. On the ONE I use,I rigged up a 1/2 h.p. D.C. motor with a variable speed control. It transforms the machine amazingly. All those die filers run way too fast,which is very hard on the files. The part you're filing can suddenly jump up and down and pinch your fingers. Slowing the file down helped so m ugh,I most fully recommend it if you want to preserve your valuable files and have a better controlled and more pleasant filing experience. We had women in the shop who were afraid to use the filer. After I slowed it down,they used it easily and accurately.

I have ione of those kits,too. Just too cool looking to pass up! I wonder if I'll ever get around to machining it. I have his "Loopy chuck",and his radius cutting attachment,too. He just makes neat kits. I do not need any of these kits!! My HLVH IS a collet lathe.


By the way,I would not mount the light switch like that!! Too easy for metal dust to get in there and short it out. Mount it vertically.
Click to expand...

Slower speed and switch orientation are points well taken, thanks. I ran a Hardinge for a while in 1957. Solid machine. ~Jim
 
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