I was watching some Youtube videos on making a die filer, and once again got the itch to make one. I have all the materials needed on hand, except the motor and of course, the files themselves.
Then I got to thinking. I already have a large belt/disc sander, a small belt sander and even an oscillating sanding attachment for the drill press. With the right sanding media, any one of these tools can be used for wood, plastics and metal. I have used all three with pretty good results.
Given the fact that I'd need to purchase files, or adapt existing hand files for use with a filer, is it even worth the effort? Does a die filer do anything that sanding can't? I know these machines haven't been made for quite some time, and that tells me that there are better (cheaper?) alternatives. Add to it that shop space is extremely limited, so another machine will make it that much more crowded.
Other than the fun of making a new machine, is it worth the time and effort to make one? Those that have one, do you use it very often?
Then I got to thinking. I already have a large belt/disc sander, a small belt sander and even an oscillating sanding attachment for the drill press. With the right sanding media, any one of these tools can be used for wood, plastics and metal. I have used all three with pretty good results.
Given the fact that I'd need to purchase files, or adapt existing hand files for use with a filer, is it even worth the effort? Does a die filer do anything that sanding can't? I know these machines haven't been made for quite some time, and that tells me that there are better (cheaper?) alternatives. Add to it that shop space is extremely limited, so another machine will make it that much more crowded.
Other than the fun of making a new machine, is it worth the time and effort to make one? Those that have one, do you use it very often?
Full of ideas, but slow to produce parts
