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Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:56 am
by Cobar
Having .003" of fine adjustment would make dialing in a slip or press fit a lot easier. I've only used a manual boring head a couple times. Did all precession boring work on CNC mills and now I'm running lathes. I need to see about finding a bridgeport and a lathe for my shop. Priorities, priorities....

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 7:41 am
by Netpackrat
HGR seems to have a pretty good selection right now, mostly varispeed units but looks like they have a couple step pulley machines for $2k each. The dirtier looking of the two looked like maybe its table is a lot less chowdered.

https://hgrinc.com/?all=1&view&aisle&fr ... price&pn=1

Their inventory comes and goes... I missed out on a couple that I liked before I actually bought mine. Glad I got it when I did because the cost of shipping has done nothing but climb.

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2021 11:49 am
by Netpackrat
Pressing on....

Image

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2021 1:16 pm
by HTRN
Afraid to power tap?

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2021 7:35 pm
by Netpackrat
HTRN wrote: Wed Aug 11, 2021 1:16 pm Afraid to power tap?
Yes.

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 3:17 am
by Netpackrat
So I took this picture a couple weeks ago but it's been a busy couple of weeks:

Image

The hole in the middle of the table looks off center because that is a half round file.

I need to take it apart and get some paint onto it now. Then I need to build the base/motor mount, hook up a VFD etc. There is one machining task left that I can save for later... Where I drilled the hole in the table to mount it to the base the drawing shows an arc milled in the casting so that the table can be set at an angle if desired. Earlier versions of the drawings show just a hole, and from pics I have seen, the casting itself was revised to allow for this feature.

I will probably add the arc later on once I have the capability to more easily make that cut. Whether that be via rotary table, or the arc function on one of the DROs I have been looking at getting. But in the meantime the unit should be functional once I get a base fabricated and the motor set up.

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:18 am
by HTRN
For something that small, I'd consider using Implement paint, like it Valspar tractor and Implement. You can get a quart can of it off of Amazon(conveniently in Ford gray) for $50 bucks and you can brush it on(I think you're supposed to use foam brushes). Don't forget to Add hardener or you'll be waiting years to fully cure.

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:21 am
by SoupOrMan
That's a sweet build. I first saw one of these on the This Old Tony channel on Youtube and thought "Why aren't these more common?" I guess people don't need that much filing in their lives?

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 5:32 am
by HTRN
Die filers are old-school tools for filing stamping dies. Today, stamping dies are largely done via wire EDM. They're useful for filing out holes. The guy who hired me picked up a sweet one a couple of years ago, in like new condition.

Then the gorillas from the loading dock were told to move it one day when he wasn't around, and bashed it a bit - still functional, but no longer has "that new machine smell" if you know what I mean. He was seriously pissed when he saw it.

I swear, the loading dock guys all must have tested Samsonite luggage at their previous employer.

I will say, that files for them can be hard to find - the teeth face the opposite way that handfiles do. I believe victor machinery still carries them, and Falcon tool still makes them.

Re: The Die Filer Build

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 5:58 am
by Netpackrat
I checked Victor and they sold out of them a while ago. I was able to find a decent supply of them on Ebay.

Funny you should mention Ford Gray... I bought a rattle can of engine paint in that color for this.