Looking for a file guide

6

629hugo

Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Messages
191
Does anyone on here sell a file guide? usaknifemaker.com has some but neer in stock... Or are there other places that sell them? I want one that is tapped on one piece with through holes on the other for the bolts plus pins for alignment. Thanks in advance.
 
I use Bruce Bump's file guide. I purchased it through the exchange here on Bladeforums. It uses alignment pins and screws. All stainless with tungsten carbide inserts. Works great for my application.

Adam Buttry
 
Uncle Al's (riverside machine) sells the best file guide in the business. Bruce Bumps Stainless Guide is second in line. If Bruces stainless version had tighter pin fit it would be the best.
 
I have Bruce's file guide and have no issues at all with pin fit. Uncle Al's is very nice but a bit more expensive. Keep in mind though, carbide faced guides are fantastic for grinding on the belt but they eat up your hand files. You may want a carbide faced guide for the grinder and a separate hardened tool steel guide for hand filing.
 
I am more interested in a guide for hand filing. I cant find a non carbide faced with pins and bolts. I think Jantz has one but only has pinholes and no bolts??
 
I do not have any experience yet making knives but... I have been doing a lot of research and just bought some blocks for just such an application. 1-2-3 machining blocks , machinist blocks, set-up blocks are all terms I searched on the big auction site. Got a pair for less then 20 shipped to my door, figure if they mess up and dont last I am only out 20 bucks. Found this idea by searching around the web.
 
I have the same one Stan has from Jantz and a Bruce Bump stainless with carbide inserts. No problems with alignment on either one. Stan is correct, the Jantz guide has precision ground shoulder bolts that maintain alignment. Tolerances are tight enough that it will get sticky if you dont keep it clean and oiled.
 
I have two guides from Bruce Bump. I find that I use the side without carbide almost as much as the side with. Best of both worlds as they are hardened. Jess
 
Bill Burke said:
Uncle Al's (riverside machine) sells the best file guide in the business. Bruce Bumps Stainless Guide is second in line. If Bruces stainless version had tighter pin fit it would be the best.
Click to expand...

Are the screws loose enough to compromise flat alignment of the carbides?
 
PT Doc,

The pins are what align the two pieces of the guide. The screws provide some additional alignment I suppose, but their purpose is to open and close the guide like any clamp. The pins on mine are a snug fit and align the two halves (i.e. the carbide inserts) perfectly every time. I've completely separated and rejoined the two halves many times and never had an issue. I've verified it with my surface plate and a light source, and it's always dead on.

Adam Buttry
 
I have one from uncle Al
I use it for hand filing as well and love the thing.
I made thin brass inserts to prefent the blade from scraching.
Not cheap but I find it worth it
 
PT Doc said:
Are the screws loose enough to compromise flat alignment of the carbides?
Click to expand...

The guide I have is pretty loose to the point that it will rattle. If I put it on a blade with a taper the pins are loos enough that one side will be missaligned though most of the knives I use it on have the sides surface ground paralell so it is not much of a problem.

This guide was given to me so I can't really complain too much. at some point I will get pins that are slightly over size and put them in.
 
Bill Burke said:
The guide I have is pretty loose to the point that it will rattle. If I put it on a blade with a taper the pins are loos enough that one side will be missaligned though most of the knives I use it on have the sides surface ground paralell so it is not much of a problem.

This guide was given to me so I can't really complain too much. at some point I will get pins that are slightly over size and put them in.
Click to expand...
Bill, I've never heard a complaint about loose pins before. Somebody drilled yours out, mine are usually too tight and need to be honed out.
 
Bruce,

Do you make yours to order? I still need one that will stand up to the grinder as well.
 
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