Shopsmith Forums

I found a thread about a year old on this, but it didn't contain a solution. Has anyone located a source of SS-style machine files for the SS jigsaw? Thanks!

WHat I do is use bandsaw blades that break, chop them into 5 1/4 pieces grind off the teeth near the ends and I have an almost endless supply of perfectly good blades that cost me nothing. How can you beat that?

Dan:)

But I am looking for a source of metal files that I can use on my jigsaw to file small inside surfaces of some aluminum pieces that I have cut out. Thanks.

dan1999 wrote:WHat I do is use bandsaw blades that break, chop them into 5 1/4 pieces grind off the teeth near the ends and I have an almost endless supply of perfectly good blades that cost me nothing. How can you beat that?

Dan:)

Dan
That's a good Idea. I will have to try that. Thanks

I tried to source some a while back, with no luck. I eventually found a set on craigslist from a fellow that was selling a bunch of Shopsmith stuff. They do show up on ebay. Here's some info on the files that I cvopied from my earlier post when I was looking for a set:

The type of files that SS used to sell for metal work with the old style jig saw are called PARALLEL MACHINE FILES. The length of the SS files is approx. 3.25", the shank diameter is .25".

Files have a lingo that is all their own in describing the shape, or profile of the file. Half round, square and round are obvious. The triangular shape is called a three square file; the long arrowhead type triangular shape is called a knife file and the sharp pointed double ended oval shape is called a crossing file. The rounded oval shape is called a crochet file. The depth and coarsness of the filing surface, called the cut, is described by a numerical system. The higher the number, the finer the file. The SS set are 2 cut.


Alec

Thanks, Alec. The search goes on. . . .

If you're trying to smooth aluminum, would sanding work as well as filing? If you google "scroll saw files", there are a number of manufacturers of files and sanding sticks made to fit scroll saws. If your jigsaw uses a pinless clamping system, you may be able to cut down some of the 5-inch "scroll saw files" to fit.

Gary

Thanks, Gary. Good tip - I'll take a look at those.

I think I would experiment with either automotive point files (from auto parts store) or Die Sinkers' files like these:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#die-sinkers%27-files/=3cy0aa

vnapple,
check out http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm msc industrail supply. look under die files.