Die Filer From Bar Stock With Video and Plans

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 17, 2020, 04:52 PM

JR,
Congratulations on your Homemade tool of the week award!
Well done and well deserved!

**jjr2001** · Jul 17, 2020, 06:41 PM

Thank you Jon and old_toolmaker. It is always exciting to receive the tool of the week award.
The die filer is something that I have wanted in the shop for some time so I just put my other projects
on hold and "got er done"

Cheers and Keep Machining, JR

**Toolmaker51** · Jul 19, 2020, 09:58 PM

Ideally, a die filer uses "parallel machine files", and shank is at the end to produce a cut on the down stroke. In general, needle files aren't a bad alternative, long as you are not working into an acute corner, where tapered shapes will bind. It's a lot like band sawing, best results are with three or more teeth engaged in the cut. Files are more forgiving, teeth meet material at an angle.
When I started, die-filers were the only practical way to generate corners in a die, and taper beneath the cutting section, known as 'die-life'. Way before EDM, many contours were roughed out on a vertical band saw to start with; provided shop was equipped with a band saw welder...

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 20, 2020, 05:19 PM

Toolmaker51,

I have many memories of using a die filer to build dies. I began my career in 1966 and used die filers to aid in building both the punch and the die. I was employed as a mold maker for most of my career and we occasionally had to build trim dies for the die casting industry. With the advent of EDM the die filer eventually became a obsolete piece of equipment and faded from the scene. EDM changed the way we did things, but did not totally replace hand work. Manufacturing continues to evolve and always will. I still enjoy using some of the old ways from time to time.

**Toolmaker51** · Jul 21, 2020, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by old_toolmaker

Toolmaker51,
I have many memories of using a die filer to build dies. I began my career in 1966 and used die filers to aid in building both the punch and the die. I was employed as a mold maker for most of my career and we occasionally had to build trim dies for the die casting industry. With the advent of EDM the die filer eventually became a obsolete piece of equipment and faded from the scene. EDM changed the way we did things, but did not totally replace hand work. Manufacturing continues to evolve and always will. I still enjoy using some of the old ways from time to time.

Same here, internal band sawing/ die filing generate the type of satisfaction no amount of programming and watching the equivalent process EVER will. And while few die sets are memorable, I contoured 2 sets of brass furniture [later hand engraved] used on re-creation Pennsylvania flintlock rifles. Such decoration was not common on field rifles, more presentation pieces or desires of wealthy owner. That work era, and each region of Pennsylvania, had immigrant German gunsmiths whose style is distinctive enough to be recognizable today.
When filers pop up for sale, they don't remain long. I suspect purchases are made by artisans outside industrial use. Likely too, a market for a limited amount of newly built machines. Yes, a few companies still make correct files.
Mine being of Los Angeles California territory circa 1980's, probably not...

**jjr2001** · Jul 20, 2020, 11:05 AM

Thanks Toolmaker51, So far the needle files are doing the job. My application is for light duty work but if I happen
on some machine files I will want to see how my little machine works with them.

Cheers, JR

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 20, 2020, 05:26 PM

jjr2001,

I really like your die filer and I am considering building one at some point. Being a hobby machinist I like building tools and always have.

**Toolmaker51** · Jul 20, 2020, 06:16 PM

Wire and sinker EDM might be modern; but my tooling budget says keep the die filer.

**jjr2001** · Jul 20, 2020, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by Toolmaker51

Wire and sinker EDM might be modern; but my tooling budget says keep the die filer.

Yes indeed. That sounds like a very good plan.

**Toolmaker51** · Jul 20, 2020, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by jjr2001

Yes indeed. That sounds like a very good plan.

Been far from home quite some time. My stay here is peppered by little forays for bits that help out in my shop, from work supports on up. Once back and running I intend a very complete view to my version of Frank S's shop build, or Marv K's "Garaj Mahal" [though no equally clever label yet].