123 Blocks

M.R.B

Member
Hi All,

I am working on a hidden tang kitchen knife, but need a file guide for doing the shoulders of the tang. Any idea of how to rig up a 123 block to get even shoulders? Since the corners of the block aren't threaded, I think I would have to find a bolt machined close to the individual block holes. The closest I can find is 5/16, which still has some wiggle room. Anyone ever use one as a file guide?

Thanks
 
123 blocks are hardened but they just are not very hard. A file will skate on them but a grinder will happily grind them.
I have seen guys use regular bolts tightened up enough to limit the wiggle in them when used this way.
 
123 block seems like it would be a bit bulky to me. I just use a piece of steel screwed to the jig over the blank. I position the blade at the angle I want the plunge line and the steel piece is parallel to the platen.
 
If I need to bolt 123s together, I'll normally just run a 5/16 bolt through the non threaded holes and put a nut and washer on the end. To keep the edges flush, just bolt them together on a flat surface.
 
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