File Guide and Jig Together?

[Mark Barone]

I use a jig and hold the blade on by a c clamp or a vice grip. The end of the clamp becomes the starting point of the plunge. But then it’s tough to get that clamp exactly positioned when flipping sides. I thought I could keep a file guide on the blade all the time but obviously that creates a problem in having the blade sit flush against the jig. Any tips when flipping the blade over. I am having success with Ed’s tip on doing the plunge last, but would still like a consistent starting point on both sides. I still think freehand is witchcraft so I think I will be a jig guy for a long time.

 

[Gliden07]

I never used a jig but thought what if you took a triangular file and filed a small notch were you wanted the plunge line. You would have a reference when you flipped the blade in the jig. Then after you were done with the plunge you could turn that V notch into a Choil?

 

[Chris Railey]

You only need one side at a time with a file guide so integrate it into your jig. Drill and tap two holes one above and one below the knife and use screws to affix the single side file guide to your jig. Butt that thing against the edge of your platen each pass and bam. Drill and tap two holes on the other end for when you change direction. If you do not have a tap use wing nuts.

 

[Randy Lucius]

Take a look Creative Man jigs. Purchased one at Blade last year to work with folder blades. They are an Aussie company but they have stock in the U.S. so you don’t have to pay international shipping. Very well made and wear items are easily replaceable.

 

[Mark Barone]

Take a look Creative Man jigs. Purchased one at Blade last year to work with folder blades. They are an Aussie company but they have stock in the U.S. so you don’t have to pay international shipping. Very well made and wear items are easily replaceable.
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Yes that’s what I need. I actually already have the creative man guide by luck. I’ll check it out.

I never used a jig but thought what if you took a triangular file and filed a small notch were you wanted the plunge line. You would have a reference when you flipped the blade in the jig. Then after you were done with the plunge you could turn that V notch into a Choil?

The V is a good idea, I usually do make a small choil first but it’s usually round.

 

[Mark Barone]

You only need one side at a time with a file guide so integrate it into your jig. Drill and tap two holes one above and one below the knife and use screws to affix the single side file guide to your jig. Butt that thing against the edge of your platen each pass and bam. Drill and tap two holes on the other end for when you change direction. If you do not have a tap use wing nuts.

Hmmm that makes sense. I have to see if my jig has enough room for that.

 

[Gliden07]

Yes that’s what I need. I actually already have the creative man guide by luck. I’ll check it out.


The V is a good idea, I usually do make a small choil first but it’s usually round.

Yeah I would use the point of the V as the reference to start your plunge. When you were finished go back with a round file and make the V Semi-circular with a round file. And the V would help prevent the round from getting crooked after the fact. Another thing that v would be very shallow.