Member postings for File Handle

Just to add I used Jason's suggestion of using a chuck. Worked well, big improvement. I now feel stupid. it did occur to me to do this some time ago, but didn't thinking the centre of the chuck wasn't hollow. After Jason's suggestion I looked at my small chuck and realised that removing the arbor solved the issue.

So thanks again.

Keith

Thanks for further comments all. Nearly bought one when the Model Engineers show was at the Yorkshire showground, some time ago now, but they were out of stock. It has been at the back of my mind since then, but I have never made the plunge. Really wanted to get my hands on one to see how good they were.

Thanks both. It is mainly to use in brass, so looks a possibility. Also tap small BA threads in brass, so does look a possibilty.

Has anyone used one of these please. Interested in any feedback. Thinking of one to use in my pillar drill to give a more sensetive feed. Seems a cheaper alternative to a dremel type drill in a stand. Any thought welcome.

For me Win 10, error from program file folder, but OK when unzipped to desktop.

model making saw blades that fit in knife handles will cut brass, mine have 42tpi.

Thanks for all of the comments.

Realised, when I checked, that i can use my 0-1/4" jacobs chuck by removing the 3/8 mandrel. Don't know why I didn't check this before as an option, thanks Jason. Will also see if I can apply pressure to get a pin vice to grip better.

Die is pretty new, but a cheap carbon steel one.

Brass rod / wire is a bit soft, but not sure were I can get harder from.

Cheers

Keith

Thanks Jason not tried a drill chuck, I have a very small one that I mount in my pillar drill chuck when using very small drills. However in some cases the rod will be longer than the depth of the chuck, needs thread at each end. But if it works I guess I could obtain a second one and drill through it. Will have another try with the pin chuck first to see if I can increase its grip.

Thanks old mart. I have some, tried gripping them in the vice to hold the rod, but found that the rod slipped. They were a cheap set, is that the issue? Or can i modify them to increase their grip? I might be doing something wrong with them.

I would welcome suggestions for the best way of holding brass rod when cutting say 12ba thread with a die. The best way I have found to grip the brass is a steel strip drilled and slit with a saw so that it can hold the rod when gripped in a vice. It works well, but does tend to distort the brass visibly.