Author Topic: Files for dovetails  (Read 5397 times)

eseabee1

  • Guest
Files for dovetails
« on: August 20, 2009, 07:02:33 AM »
looking for a triangle file with ta safe side for cutting dovetails in barrels anyone knoe whwre to get one or do I have to make one

Offline Randy Hedden

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2250
  • American Mountain Men #1393
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2009, 07:08:08 AM »
Brownells has them, but they are a little expensive if I remember correctly.  I make my own by grinding one side on a water wheel grinder.

Randy Hedden
American Mountain Men #1393

eseabee1

  • Guest
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2009, 07:12:47 AM »
ok thanks that is what I was wondering

erdillonjr

  • Guest
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2009, 04:56:10 PM »
Make your own. It is much cheaper. Ed

eagle24

  • Guest
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2009, 05:07:33 PM »
If you buy the brownells file, you won't be disappointed.  It is kind of pricey, but worth every penny IMO.  Very good quality.

Offline Roger Fisher

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6805
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2009, 05:26:15 PM »
Make your own. It is much cheaper. Ed
Yes, be a little self reliant!!  Be sure that you get the 'cutting corner edge' sharp and not rounded... You will see why when you cut the dove tail corner.  Cut across with a sharp hack saw and mind your depth - get them same depth both sides and don't go tooooooo deep.. knock the standing remains off with a small chisel then cut said angles.  go slow do not round the base/bottom and cut inside your marked lines............ so that sight or tennon does not fall out :D

eseabee1

  • Guest
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #6 on: August 20, 2009, 08:09:28 PM »
I got a pratice piece of barrel off of Jim at fort chambers gunshop before I tackle my barrel

Offline rick landes

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 404
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #7 on: August 21, 2009, 07:04:13 PM »
I like the 3 square dble cut single sided dble safe sided file from Brownells. It only cuts one side. I like to be able to cut my dovetail wider or deeper, not both at once.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2009, 07:04:51 PM by rick landes »
“No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." Thomas Jefferson

Offline Stophel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4532
  • Chris Immel
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2009, 07:42:25 PM »
The ones from Brownell's are EXCELLENT quality, straight and not tapered, and will last quite a long time, even given how rough I am on tools.  When you get one, grind down the corner that is opposite the cutting side. That sucker is sharp, and will slice your thumb wide open...
When a reenactor says "They didn't write everything down"   what that really means is: "I'm too lazy to look for documentation."

Offline T*O*F

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5123
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2009, 11:04:38 PM »
Quote
The ones from Brownell's are EXCELLENT quality, straight and not tapered
They also come in different cuts.  DO NOT order the "fine cut" one like I did.  A dovetail takes about 3 times as long using it.
Dave Kanger

If religion is opium for the masses, the internet is a crack, pixel-huffing orgy that deafens the brain, numbs the senses and scrambles our peer list to include every anonymous loser, twisted deviant, and freak as well as people we normally wouldn't give the time of day.
-S.M. Tomlinson

Offline rick landes

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 404
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2009, 11:46:22 PM »
The ones from Brownell's are EXCELLENT quality, straight and not tapered, and will last quite a long time, even given how rough I am on tools.  When you get one, grind down the corner that is opposite the cutting side. That sucker is sharp, and will slice your thumb wide open...
You bought the same one I did. It does cut flesh very well!
I never thought to grind the corner off...
ya know what they say "ya just can't fix stupid!"
“No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." Thomas Jefferson

Offline David Veith

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 611
    • davids painting
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #11 on: August 22, 2009, 02:43:34 AM »
I like to safe them on my belt sander. I can get them flater
David Veith
David Veith

eseabee1

  • Guest
Re: Files for dovetails
« Reply #12 on: August 22, 2009, 03:25:38 AM »
I actually got a real good deal today on one I went to an antique store and just by chance the guy had some old gunsmithing tools all in real good condition got 20 different files and chisels and even a 100lb anvil for $75 in the files he had three safe sided triangle files thought I did good