Filework questions

S

Super Dave

Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
33
Trying to customize my first knife, a Case Hammerhead with some simple filework on the back spring. How to you get the first cut started with a file when working your pattern on the back spring? I am using a 3-corner file to make "V" notches spaced 3/16" apart. With the back spring securely clamped in the vise, and holding the file with the pointed end up, do you push the file downward or pull the file up to get the notch started? After I have my notches made on bothe sides of the back spring, I want to use a chain saw file to make "half moon" cuts between each V" notch. Again, how to you start the cut and keep the file centered between the two "V" notches? I already slipped with the chain saw file and screwed up the patterm. Any advice is appreciated.
 
The pointed end is where the handle goes. A file cuts on the push cut.
Bill
 
Super Dave.

I strongly recommend you do some browsing before you attempt this. I am by no means an expert but I do not want you to possibly ruin your spine.

There is lots of good advice here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=741

http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_vine_evans.shtml

http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_arrowhead_evans.shtml

http://members.cox.net/ddushane/filework.html

http://rocketknives.com/filework.htm

The last link is really good. I am going to assume this is your first attempt , if I were you I would practice on some junk steel first until you get it down.

You MUST post pics of your finished project !!! :)

Todd


oh and welcome to BF.
 
Thanks for the info and links. I did do extensive searches on this website and read articles elsewhere on the internet for several days, but at some point ya gotta put the tool to the metal. I'm a woodworker and got interested in customizing knives after stumbling on this site and seeing some unbelievable customer work. As a woodworker, I understand the old adage "measure twice, cut once", and "it's easier to sand some more off than to put some back." Never used a file, thought it would work like handsawing, where you make a gentle pull cut to get a start. Found with the file it skipped when ya pull and cut when ya push. Ya mean there's handles that go on the pointed end? Now ya tell me. I got a big blister on my palm. :jerkit: Compared to the beautiful worksmanship on the links above, mine is a butcher job, but successive tries will get better. I'll post some pics when I figure out how to load a picture! :confused:
 
The really cool way to post pix is to become a member -- then you can upload your pix directly from your own hard drive to the Bladeforums servers. Click on "Upgrade your forums experience, and help support this site" at the top of any page for membership details.

You can also post pix by using another host on the web. There are several tutorials floating around the forums; you might have a look at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371650
 
Something you can do to help hide blemishes and mistakes is to sand that down with somewhere around 600 to smooth it out , then if you have a buffer buff the heck out of it , by time you are done it will look much nicer (duh , of course :D ).
 
Follow-up question. Before drilling steel, you use a center punch so the drill bit won't skip and so it will drill exactly where you want it too. My question is-when you begin a filework cut with a round chainsaw file, is there a way to make a groove in the metal precisely where you want the file to cut? Would it help to start the cut by making a tiny notch with the 3-sided file, then switch and use the round file in the tiny v-notch to make a larger half-moon notch? Any tips for lining up and contolling the file during the initial pushes are appreciated.
 
Yes , that is how I learned to do it.
An idea I read on here, I think is to use a grinder and grind one side of your triangle file to that you have two very sharp and fine file edges , those work much better in doing fielwork I have read. Did that make sense ?
 
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