I made a filing machine from bar stock | Die Filer Build

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Long story short, I wanted a die filer, but the kits that are available are too large for my lathe to handle. This one is based on a design from an old Popular Mechanics Magazine (October 1947). Each of the components is made from readily available bar stock. This die filer is designed for files with a 1/4" round shank. Swill parallel machine files will fit. Alternatively, standard files could be adapted to fit with a bit of tube and some epoxy.
#homemadetools #maker #asmr

[@lewkyb]

your audio quality and editing is great, thanks for not adding music

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@Rufio1975]

Right on man! I love coming up with something and then it actually works.

[@MCsCreations]

That's just brilliant, Eric! Nicely done!!! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Thanks, you too!

[@CandidZulu]

Thanks for posting, great work! I too use a long bed Sherline with a milling attachment, love it!

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Awesome! It's a fantastic little machine.

[@CandidZulu]

I does punch above it's weight class very well! I noticed you're even milling steel with the head stock riser on. Sherline does not recommend that afaik, but it looks just fine too me. I just got the 13" C/S (after 20years of ownership) and that makes it even more versatile. Are those Falcon files proper die filer files? @@EricMeyerMaker

[@CandidZulu]

I found them, they will be discontinued when stock is depleted. Maybe making files at home is a good option. ruclips.net/video/SOw9WqMOHjA/видео.html

[@EricMeyerMaker]

I've made one so far from a chain saw file. The falcon ones are pretty nice, but the limited stock is a bummer.

[@CandidZulu]

Yeah, someone with a wire EDM should make proper die filer files from regular files. Should be quite easy.@@EricMeyerMaker

[@greggroos2271]

You need it the whole time you're making it! This is one of those tools that could build itself (or at least help a lot). Try a fine tooth carbide roughing end mill for side milling, they are cheap on auction and last a really long time. The Sherline will be happy running one.

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MortimerSugarloaf]

So badass, dude. Get to making those infills!

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Just started a couple today!

[@marianodiaz461]

Good build , now , if you put a cam inside another cam that can be rotated , and lock , you can make the machine with a variable stroke...

[@paulfrost8952]

👍 great work.

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Thanks!

[@MASI_forging]

Nice work dude 👏👏

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Thanks 😁

[@kimknowles3681]

Well done.

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Thanks!

[@aeroearth]

I'm impressed! Years ago I was offered a die filing machine for very little money and passed it up. I wish I hadn't. Years later I have need now to make some simple press tools for thin sheet metal parts.
Couple of thoughts. I assume that you have the file set so it cuts on the down stroke. The way the eccentric drive works you then have the filing cut action driven by the spring. You talked of an upgrade later so maybe you could consider using rolling bearings as in sealed ball bearings rolling on the cam surface which would eliminate the rubbing action on the cam. If you had rollers both sides of the cam you could then eliminate the spring and have motor power on the down stroke. Dies for press tools requires a relief angle away from the cutting edge to allow release of the punched part. If the filing table could be tilted by a few degrees that would facilitate generation of the relief angles.
Making things is very good for the soul! Subscribed.

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Thanks for the ideas!

[@Onionbaron]

I´m not sure risking white fingers due to vibrations is worth it... And I find it quite relaxing with handfileing...
But nice build video anyway!

[@johnmcclanahan2272]

If you want a die filer but don't want to do a complete build, find an old cast iron belt drive scroll saw to use as a starting point. You will want the belt drive so it can be slowed down.

[@Grumpyauldman503]

Just use a jigsaw with a file stuck in it!!

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Nice idea! What life do you expect to get from the cam follower? Do you intend to have a lubrication system?

[@EricMeyerMaker]

I think the cam follower will be fine. But I'm keeping an eye on it. I can remake it from bronze if I need to. There are oil ports on it now, but they are a pain to get to. When I get a permanent housing for it I'll build in a system.

[@robertskelton2576]

Find away not to cover it up. It's to nice to hide in a box.

[@EricMeyerMaker]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@carolynbatta9525]

These filers need a hold down….you will pinch your fingers very badly…all filers have a hold down…period.

[@EricMeyerMaker]

This uses files that cut on the down stroke. Hold downs aren't required.

[@carolynbatta9525]

Excuse me….wrong…..the file has to move up and it can grab the material. My machine was made in 1943 for the war effort. Just watch your finger tips! Check out Oliver file machines….hold downs are need for precision file work. But your machine is super cool with or without a hold down…!

[@EricMeyerMaker]

Maybe we're having miscommunication here. IME, hold downs aren't universally needed. I've been around several machine where they were designed/manufactured without the hold downs. The one I made I was based on a design from the 40s. Hold downs werent part of the original. The MLA-18 castings seem to be pretty popular and that one doesn't call for the hold downs either. They all seem to be working pretty well. Like I mentioned at the end of the video, I added a larger wheel to slow it down even further than what was shown on camera. I'm not getting any lifting.