Uncle Al's filing jig

Tad Lynch

Tad Lynch

Joined
Nov 14, 2006
Messages
1,109
Hey guys, another thread mentioned Uncle Al's filing jig, and I have been thinking about getting one. They say that you can use the carbide-faced one on your grinder--What's yall's experience with using it on a grinder? How much use/abuse can the carbide faces take? What grit/speed are you grinding with? I would appreciate any info. Thanks, Tad Lynch.
 
I have one of these and absolutely LOVE it! Once you use it, you'll wonder how you ever got along with out it.

I've had mine for about 3 years. The only grit belts I've used is 400 gator and finer and there's no sign of wear.

Not cheap, but well worth the price.

-Mike-
 
Definately expensive but it is a GREAT file guide!
 
I don't use mine with a grinder, but with files. It does just fine. I'd mess up the shoulder probably if I used my grinder with it. Filing doesn't take long at all, and you can stick your nose right there and see how you're doing, something I don't think I'd try with a grinder running. I can see Tracy Mickly doing that however.
 
J.S. Carter said:
uhm this may sound stupid... but how does one use a file guide?
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I think you clamp the tang of a hidden tang knife in the jig, then file the shoulders down to the level of the guide.

edit to add, here is NickWheeler using one:

l_fcd3d649f242febd2ccde47ad640339c.jpg
 
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I have destroyed 2 hardened O1 guides on the grinder and my old style Uncle Al guide is not in great shape. I plunked down the LARGE green for this new one at Batsons and I haven't even been able to make a reasonable scuff mark on that thing with 36 grit zirconia belts. My only worry is that someone commented that it might wear out your files rather quickly....lol.:D
 
psycho78 said:
That is one expensive little piece of steel.....dang :(
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It's not the steel that is expensive on that one. You have to think that if you can't even scratch those carbide inserts with a 36 grit zirconia belt, how much of a PITA must they be to cut, shape and stick to that guide??!?!?!?!? But look up the prices on the ones that are made from straight O1 or D2 and figure that Uncle Al's new one will last you at LEAST 3 times as long. The only thing that I don't like about Al's is that it is not "spring loaded" lik some of the others. But his tolerances are so tight, the springs might not pop the thing open anyway. A reasonable tradoff nonetheless for something that will remains a "precision" tool for a long time. Al has always made nice toys for the knifemaker, his integral grinding machine being a prime example, but he really hit a home run with this one IMHO.
 
C L Wilkins said:
For filing shoulders, I have had better luck with the filing jig than the guide pictured above. The guide would be good for the plunge done on a grinder.

With the filing jig pictured below, you will have nice straight, square shoulders. At least that has been my experience.

fileguide.jpg


Craig
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I have one of those too. I is a nice piece of gear and you can flip over the plate when one side gets worn. The only issue that I have with it is that for me. it is a bit harder to "eyeball" the blade/shoulders and get them square than with the more conventional style jig.
 
Keith_H said:
I think you clamp the tang of a hidden tang knife in the jig, then file the shoulders down to the level of the guide.

edit to add, here is NickWheeler using one:

l_fcd3d649f242febd2ccde47ad640339c.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks! :D:thumbup::foot: That thing could be one handy lil contraption!
 
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