File guide question

Will Batayte

Will Batayte

Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
640
So picked up one from TKS. kinda confused on how to use it. I thought it would clamp down of it's own accord but it just has two pins that are free sliding through the holes. I imagine you could use it in conjunction with a c clamp but if that's the case then why even bother with the holes and pins. I have no doubt the answer is something simple that I'm just missing but if anyone can enlighten me it'd be appreciated.
 
In the photo, they are using a vise to squeeze the the two pieces of the guide against the blade. Very inefficient. Bruce Bump makes a very good guide and Fred Rowe makes a great level to go on the guide. I feel Fred's guide is too big, but that's just my opinion.

Tim
 
That's a pitiful tool.

Send it back. Get o e from Uncle Al at riverside machine or Bruce Bump.

They are not cheap but are very good tools.

I've tried two different guides that did not have carbide inserts, they were both a waste of time and money.

Greg
 
tim37a said:
In the photo, they are using a vise to squeeze the the two pieces of the guide against the blade. Very inefficient. Bruce Bump makes a very good guide and Fred Rowe makes a great level to go on the guide. I feel Fred's guide is too big, but that's just my opinion.

Tim
Click to expand...

I make shorter ones if you have a smaller hand than average. 5 1/4 inches tip to end of loop.
 
I just made one thiscweekend. Took me about an hour. It's hardend 1/4" 1084. I would prefer one with carbide, but I needed it ASAP and I hardened it in brine, and tempered at 350f, so it's pretty hard. As it wears out, I'll order in a carbide guide.
 
the one from tks is for use in a vise and will work fine for squaring hidden tang shoulders, guard fitting.
very cumbersome if you want it to help with plunges on your grinder.
James
 
After buying 3 of the cheapo ones and wearing out the one that came with my bubble jig I got the one from Bruce. It works like a charm. Great investment!

This is a good place to only cry once. Bite the bullet and get a good one. You will save money in the long run. Just don't drop one that has carbide on it. The carbide will pop off or crack.
 
Well the idea was to add carbide to it myself. I read something about a guy who did it that way using carbide blades from msc. I guess I can just replace the pins with bolts and I'll have a way to secure it down. I just couldn't bring myself to spend $150 on one when I could make it myself for 1/2 that.
 
coldblooded357 said:
Well the idea was to add carbide to it myself. I read something about a guy who did it that way using carbide blades from msc. I guess I can just replace the pins with bolts and I'll have a way to secure it down. I just couldn't bring myself to spend $150 on one when I could make it myself for 1/2 that.
Click to expand...

The pins are there in tight holes to keep the alignment.

If you put screws in the pin holes, it will not be straight anymore.
You need both pins and screws

If you DIY and blue carbides on, how do you ensure even alignment of those carbides?

I suspect they are glued on first, then surface ground after.
(with a special wheel)
That's why is such a popluar product.
Even if you can SG, buying that special diamond wheel means it's just cheaper to buy one
 
There's gotta be a way to attach them so they are flat. The guy I referenced used jb weld I think. If I replace the pins with short ss tubes the drop bolts through the tubes it should accomplish the same thing right? As long as the stainless tubes stay below the surface of the file Guide itself so the nut and bolt wont crush the top. I could cut a few different sizes if neccisary.
 
coldblooded357 said:
There's gotta be a way to attach them so they are flat. The guy I referenced used jb weld I think. If I replace the pins with short ss tubes the drop bolts through the tubes it should accomplish the same thing right? As long as the stainless tubes stay below the surface of the file Guide itself so the nut and bolt wont crush the top. I could cut a few different sizes if neccisary.
Click to expand...

Give it a try if you want to.
 
Last edited:
Not to be a smart ass, but this is copied right off the TKS page:

"Comes with 2 pins to hold the 2 pieces together precisely when you put it in the vise."

My point is they didn't misrepresent what they're selling.

I can tell you from experience, the only way you're going to make one yourself for half the price of the quality carbide guides, is if you have a well equipped machine shop, know how to utilize the tools, and order enough supplies to make 25 or more guides.

An average Joe Q Public that doesn't have a mill and surface grinder, may be able to cobble something together with carbide for half the price, but it will be 1/100th the quality of tool, yielding a commensurate level of results.
 
That's crap and a flaw in design. I have one from Uncle Al and love it. However I must admit that I would rather have Bruce Bump's since it is stainless. Al's will rust and stick if you aren't careful.
 
Yeah I'm not complaining on what the site said. Or really complaining at all. I'm just trying to make a useful tool out of something I got without fully understanding. I was looking for a steel file guide and was wrong to assume it was simmilar to the others in application. But for use as a just a file guide (not while grinding) clamping it down will work fine. Although I may want to stick o rings on the pins to keep them from sliding. I only wanted to add carbide to help with plunge cuts on the grinder.
 
get a real one like everyone if recommending. buy one, cry once then smile everything you use it. jmo
 
Yeah probably will. I'll try using this one for now. If I still want one with carbide in a few weeks I'll bite the bullet.
 
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