Well Duh...how simple was that! Shop Tip

[RobertHankins]

This is one of those shop revelations that will help some and others will laugh at because it is so obvious.

If your using a file guide (If not it really helps) to file the slots on guards this tip is for you.

Be sure to place an extra piece of steel the same thickness as what you are filing in the bottom of the filing guide. This will keep the shoulders square. When you tighten the bolts you will see that the bottom half of the filing guide is cantered toward each other without support. This leaves about a .005 area that is not square on the shoulders of the guide.
Resulting in a slot or shoulder that is not square. This is where the little gaps happen that mess up your work.

Another thing I do is to place a small squeeze clamp on either side as I tighten the bolts. This also helps keep the shoulders square.

 

[Whit]

Well I must be dumb! I was wondering how to do with that problem for awhile now. Makes perfect sense. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Bruce Evans]

I also have been needing to figure out how to do something like this with mine.The blade always wants to tighten more to one side than the other
Great idea.
Bruce

 

[Jack142]

Bob,
I'm a newbee, so I got a question. What is a filing guide, what does it look like and where can I get one ?
I looked in the Jantz catalog and didnt see one.
They sound real helpfull.
Thanks
Jack

 

[RobertHankins]

Jack,
A file guide is nothing more than two pieces of 1/2" thick x 3-4" long X 1" or so wide piece of steel, with bolts that allow the blade to be clamped in between.
One side is threaded the other the guide slides on the bolts.

I used O1 and hardened it myself "No Tempering"
I had Rob Frink make mine he did great, just be sure you get him to install guide pins.
You will find him around the forums and he will know exactly what you need. You just need to specify the size.
Glad I could help!
Robert