Ron J Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 I found a year old post about checkering metal using thread files. Z pointed out that a 3 corner curved wood checkering file works. I'll buy that - a file is a file. That being the case, wouldn't a regular checkering tool with a couple rows work as a spacer? I'm speaking of the Dem-Bart style with pin held tips. Not too expensive and I would assume easier to keep spacing correct. Anyone tried this? Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doble Troble Posted November 20, 2006 Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 I've made checkering tools for wood. I suppose they'd work for soft steel too. You'd want to make them longer than for wood so that you could get a reasonable stroke, and you'd want to make the teeth as narrow as you could get them (which even with needle files isn't too narrow, and it would take a lot of time, and each tooth is a PITA [i know what I speak of]). After cutting the teeth you'd have to harden the cutter - this will tend to dull the teeth and I suspect that post hardening stoning would be required. How the hell did the old timers make files? What a pain it the butt! How are files made today? I can't believe I never thought about this before. Maybe there's a good reason that a good file is so expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron J Posted November 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Making checkering tools - you're a better man than me. This got started when I saw a bolt release checkered on top. The file costs 35-50 bucks. Not happening. Then Z says he does one line at a time with a 3 corner file. I'd never get the spacing right. So I thought why not a 32 LPI 4 row tip? I think you're right - it's a "file" pass on steel as opposed to a bunch of short stokes. No idea how files are made, but if you look close at a Nicholson #50 rasp, it isn't teeth. It's a series of little spheres in a weird pattern like a leopard. Kinda pricy, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montea6b Posted November 20, 2006 Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Walnut - that sounds like an old thread that I may have started. I ended up getting a thread chasing file from an auto parts store. It is four sided and double ended, giving 8 different thread spacings from 9 to 32 TPI. I tried using the 32 LPI on some scrap steel to set the lines, then deepened with a needle file. I never got the diamonds up to full point, but it looked promising if you were patient enough. I gave up before I got that far. I wanted to try it on a bolt handle, but didn't feel confident enough to try on a Talley knob I have. I ended up opening the wallet and springing for a pre-checkered model from Brownells. (and it is FAR better than I could ever hope to attain!) I may try it again on a bolt stop release... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron J Posted November 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Yes, I think it was yours. I wouldn't try a bolt knob either. The bolt release I believe was done by making a little pad, checkering it and then silver soldering it on top of the release. I had thought I could weld/fill the area between the bump and angle down to the rec ring, then checker. I may buy a tip and mess with it for 3-4 dollars next order from Midway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamprat Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Have you tried grinding off the cutting edges on normal files? Take a triangle file ,grind off two sides, you have a cutter that will go down at a 45 degree angle. Different files,different angles. Swamprat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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