Which size checkering file do you prefer?

Which size checkering file do you prefer?

  • 20 lines per inch

    Votes: 6 75.0%

  • 30 lines per inch

    Votes: 1 12.5%

  • 40 lines pre inch

    Votes: 1 12.5%
  • Total voters
    8
Thanks again for the input guys. I'll give the 20lpi a try since the coarser ones seemed like they are hard if not impossible to find.
 
I wonder how a thread restoring file would work for this? I can find them in 8tpi and up, much cheaper than checkering files too. If just doing reeding on spacers, I imagine that any angle to the cut would barely be visable.

Here is a thread restoring file close up...

file1.JPG



-Xander
 
Interesting thoght, Xander.

I have a 16TPI thread file somewhere. I migh try and find it and see how it cuts. My concern is that it really needs grooves to follow, and won't really cut clean grooves in smooth metal.

Update - Tried it - it won't work.
 
Last edited:
I have a 20, and sometimes wish I could find a 10. Like most have said, I don't really see much use in knife making for anything finer than 20 LPI.
 
bladsmth said:
I have a 16TPI thread file somewhere. I migh try and find it and see how it cuts. My concern is that it really needs grooves to follow, and won't really cut clean grooves in smooth metal.
Click to expand...

Good luck. Thread cleaning "files" are pretty soft and not very keen. They're sort of useful for marking the spacing, then cutting the actual grooves with triangle files. Other than that I haven't had much luck; they cut so poorly that it's really difficult to keep the cuts even and crisp. That could be just operator error, though :o
 
bladsmth said:
Interesting thoght, Xander.

I have a 16TPI thread file somewhere. I migh try and find it and see how it cuts. My concern is that it really needs grooves to follow, and won't really cut clean grooves in smooth metal.
Click to expand...

Well, starting a line with a three corner file and then going from there might work.

james terrio said:
Good luck. Thread cleaning "files" are pretty soft and not very keen. They're sort of useful for marking the spacing, then cutting the actual grooves with triangle files. Other than that I haven't had much luck; they cut so poorly that it's really difficult to keep the cuts even and crisp. That could be just operator error, though :o
Click to expand...

I have seen vast differences in quality of these files just like regular files. I can see these possibly working on softer metals like Cu, Sn, brass and bronze, athough SS and NS will likely be too tough. Still think its worth trying as a proof of concept. Hope it works!


-Xander
 
I bought the file I mentioned above and took it to an EDM shop near me. He charged me a $100 minimum to cut it into 2 ea. 2 line files, and 2 ea. 3 line files. Just tried it out today and it worked very well. Now, I need to buy a 3 Square Slim Cut 00 file to deepen the grooves.

Markb - did you just use the jimping file to make the grooves or did you use another one ?
 
Patrick - just talked to Tom about a file to dress up the lines cut with a Grobet Pillar Checkering File, 6", cut 00. He is with b2bprofessionaltools.com and is an ex Grobet rep. You can reach him at (760) 322-6037. He is very knowledgeable and a nice guy. If you ask him, he may give you a discount.

markb - that is a beautiful job. Whats your secret? I have jimped 3 knives and none of them look as good as yours.
 
That's the first time I tried it. Used a square to layout and light cuts starting on the far side half of the spine then work it down to the near side corner. That probably is clear as mud.

That file was new and very very sharp, I think that has a lot to do with it.
 
I have not found any 10 or 15 LPI checkering files, I have ordered a 20LPI. Was wondering if I could Make a few passes with the 20 then go back with a needle file on every other mark to finish out with then file off the 20LPI marks.

Jim
 
I have a 20 and have just started using it. I also would like a courser one.
 
Last edited:
james terrio said:
Good luck. Thread cleaning "files" are pretty soft and not very keen. They're sort of useful for marking the spacing, then cutting the actual grooves with triangle files. Other than that I haven't had much luck; they cut so poorly that it's really difficult to keep the cuts even and crisp. That could be just operator error, though :o
Click to expand...

I had high hopes, but I had the same experieice.

Not worth owning.



If you have the ability to get the the part into a mill and can access the flat or convex area you can use a thread cutting tap as a form cutting tool

Having a selection of taps, you can physically look at the taps and choose the thread pitch in person.
 
Last edited:
I'm buying a 20 LPI to checker the handles on my knives, and to do some jimping. Seems like it will make a decent grip.
 
This is a very old thread, but good info since it is not a common subject.

Metal Checkering files start at 20LPI and go up to 75LPI. 20 and 30 are the most commonly used ones.

Just a note for anyone who doesn't know the difference, but wood checkering files/rasps are a very different thing than metal checkering files. Also, thread restoring files are a round or square file-like tool for cleaning crud/rust out of nut and bolt threads. They are not a flat hand file, and will not work for jimping..
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top