Die Filer From Bar Stock With Video and Plans

**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].

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 21, 2020, 06:07 AM

jjr2001,

I have a new old stock Unimat fret saw that can be used as a die filer but I am not going to “defile” it as it is a collector item.
I recently sold an old Delta scroll saw that could be used as a die filer. In fact Delta billed it as such in their old advertising.
Interesting how things in life come full circle!

**jjr2001** · Jul 21, 2020, 08:07 AM

Looking forward to the pics of your build TM.
Dick, I had a scroll saw but I seem to remember that the speed was not adjustable
and it ran fairly quick. It would be interesting to see how they retained the file!

Cheers, JR

**Toolmaker51** · Jul 21, 2020, 08:50 AM

File retention is quite simple. The round shank is gripped by a split collet clamp; not at all unlike big end of an engines connecting rod. Mine [commercial] is two speed via step pulley. Only a few have an adjustable yoke for stroke length. Most have an upright pillar from the base, a springy arm as a hold down. Real tough to maintain contours when part hops with the file.

**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...

**old_toolmaker** · Jul 21, 2020, 02:20 PM

jjr2001,

I had a variable speed motor and control on the 1940’s vintage scroll saw. The file was able to be held in the scroll saw chuck. Either round shank or parallel shank files could be clamped via thumb screw. I had rebuilt it with new old stock parts I found on EBay. The machine was all cast iron.
Dick