Toolmakers Adjustable V Blocks P4

[@butchsourbeck1369]

The only thing better than hand filing is watching someone else do it. Fine work sir thank you for all the content

[@mossyhollow3732]

My mentor met a file salesman (yeah this is from about 40 years ago) and the guy said the worst thing for a file is a steel file brush. The high carbon steel will dull the file. Of course the more brushes he sold the more files he sold. Use a block of wood or soft natural, not plastic, brush. Oil them with cutting oil and never motor oil. I appreciate you sharing your skills Tom.

[@lwilton]

That kinda depends on how you use (or misuse) a file card. You are supposed to drag the card across the file parallel to the cut of the file. If you do that, the steel teeth of the card just follow the grooves in the file and pick out any stuck dirt. You can use soft stuff, but if it is softer than what you have been filing, it won't be able to pick out any stubbornly lodged bits of swarf in the file teeth.

[@mossyhollow3732]

@@lwilton Ultimately it's a consumable like a saw blade but the story was fun to hear. I try to keep mine oiled and use a scribe for stubborn swarf.

[@Engineerd3d]

Tom, lovely filing there. Don't listen to these guys, this channel needs more filing tips and tricks. It's amazing how versitile a tool a file can be.

[@CleaveMountaineering]

I learn more and more about filing all the time. Cold chisels too!

[@MrJackandEmily]

Some poor buggers have never known the joy of filing.

[@forrestaddy9644]

Tom, my trick for filing handsome (and accurate) radii When you need to hand file a radius, I've found a "faceting" - a series of calculated flats - convenient to generate a true radius. I borrowed the technique from the old time spar makers, the people who fashioned masts and booms in the days of wooden ships and irion men. Look in the old shipwright books where they show how a square timber is first made into an octagon, then a sixteen-a-gon or whatever and so-on until you have a round spar with the correct diameters and tapers called for in the marine archetect's drawings. Say you want to dress a quarter round radius (r) on a 90⁰ corner. The first facet is on a 45⁰ angle and the first step is to calculate its width and its intersection with the work face. From plane geometry we know the 45⁰ flat is tangent to the radius and a radial line to the point of tangency is perpendicular to the first facet and at a 45⁰ angle to the work faces. Lines drawn from the intersections of the first facet to the work faces bisects the 45⁰ tangency and the work face, thus its angle is 22 1/2⁰. The tangent for 22 1/2⁰ is 0.414. The width of the facet is therefore 2 x 0.414 x r. If the radius r you with to file is 1/4" (0.250") the width of the first facet is 0.207". The second two facets (rushing through the math) are at 11 1/4⁰ and 0.100" wide. And so on until you have enough facets of equal width to blend into a smooth radius. One caution: do not file past the line of radius tangency to the work face. This blurs the crisp reflection making that particular highlight uneven and ugly not to mention inaccurate. This technique (I call it "blended facet radius") performed with care can produce remarkably accurate results. If you remember the first two double tangent factors (2 x 0.442 and 2 x 0.199) and the two angles (45⁰ and 22 1/2⁰) you can file the first two facets by calculating widths with r and eyeball the rest to equal flats. It sounds over-technical but after your first few trials of anguished calculation and anxious estimation of angles the process will gel into a simple trick of hand work (causing a watching noob to think to himself "How'd he DO that?").

[@xenonram]

He said that at 10:38

[@oxtoolco]

When Forrest talks I listen. Good to hear from you brother. All the best, Tom

[@forrestaddy9644]

@@xenonram Yeah, he did. I saw it. His was an eyeball oriented corner radius filing procedure. A noob lacking the cultivated eye would be hard pressed to emulate it. My contribution was to inject a little math in the process and discuss the steps in greater detail. If you hand file corner radii by calculated faceting, you're sure of accurate consistent results. You go right from sharp corner to accurate smooth radius in controlled steps where the radius gage is a handy checking device not a creater of frustration. Later as the noob develops skill and an eye for the geometry, he can wing it. Call it circular interpolation via incremented vectors instead of rectangular coordinates. OTH, I've been doing this stuff for 60 years but I still break out the calculator and dividers when I have fussy radii to do. Not everyone has Tom's eagle eye and sure instincts.

[@WireWeHere]

It's interesting how techniques are used in different ways depending on the trade. Blacksmiths turning square stock into round stock do the same with a hammer instead of a file.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

@Forest Addy I am following this conversation. I calculated a different facet width for the second facets. Can you confirm? 2 x 0.099 x 0.250" = 0.0495"

[@alexwilson3749]

Your description of your day job sounds interesting! Would be great to see some of the things you’re building there if possible!

[@jeffbuckles]

If you haven't already, go back and look at some of his very first videos. They show some of the things he worked on there.

[@TheMetalButcher]

I look at an endmill that small and it shatters. Tom Lipton throws a part with it and doesn't. Truly a wizard.

[@radardoug]

Keep that filing content coming. It's the real "art" part of your craft. I've found that a little quality time with a file can turn a turd into a gemstone and what little bit of technique I know I've learned entirely from your videos. It's a very relaxing and rewarding pastime. I find myself draw filing parts that won't even be visible!

[@billdlv]

Nice hand work Tom. Glad the part was not damaged and you were able to finish with the grinding relief.👍

[@TheTsunamijuan]

Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge with us Tom. Its been a huge inspiration and source of enjoyment for me!

[@rasmusjakobsson7661]

Greetings from Sweden mr Wizard! I just want to thank you for all your great videos. As a hobby machinist with zero clue all your knowledge have been a great help for me!

[@ROBRENZ]

Nice work Tom, those V blocks are beautiful! cant wait to see them come out of the oven. ATB, Robin

[@SteveSummers]

Yeah, the best learned lessons result from mistakes 😁. I make my share. Thanks for the videos Tom.👍

[@RedneckIrishman]

Good to see you here Steve! Now Get off the computer and build that wall 👍😜😜😂😂😂

[@Rsama60]

Oh going down memory lane. I was a tool and die maker, well my apprentice ship in Germany is looooong time ago (1976-1979). I am an engineer now and work in a completely different field now. I enjoy your videos, as you said: preserve the skills.

[@InssiAjaton]

There is a great saying: "Anybody can learn of his or her own mistakes." And continues: "The really smart ones can learn of other peoples' mistakes" That was before the KZbin. Keep on making and explaining, including any of your mistakes!

[@girliedog]

Thank you so much for this informative demo, I learned a lot about filing.

[@matthewperlman3356]

Not just a useful tool in the shop. Those are a true work of art

[@tonyvancampen-noaafederal2640]

The filing philistine believes that "Hammer to fit, file to hide, paint to cover" is a valid workflow. The true professional uses all of the tools in the box to accomplish great work. Metal will be worked, milled, filed and ground to shape. If it needs to be fitted into another object say a piece of wood, there is no shame in using lamp black, inletting dye, or some other method to mark out the contact points, which can then be removed with an appropriate tool chisels and files for wood, a Biax for metal. Yeah, Covid has me spending way too much time watching Mark @ Anvil; Keith @ Vintage Machinery etc. Great work, please keep it up.

[@Keith_Ward]

I have always heard, "Build to print, beat to fit, paint to match" as primarily a slam on engineers and designers who design things but have never built much. The CNC craze has gotten to be quite boring to me. Everyone and their brother just wants to jump straight to CNC having no prior machining experience, that why this channels and a few others are so great. Certainly CNC has its place though.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Great work on that file, being a woodworker I have found that hand work is way better than using a router to round over. And your work on this confirms that thought.

[@WireWeHere]

What a beautiful addition a pair of those would be to my crank truing stand. The conversation piece value is knocking on priceless.

[@robertwatsonbath]

Thanks Tom. The “Bob Ross” of filing.

[@fpoastro]

Great video. You may likely have them, but if not grab yourself a couple pairs of seaming tongs from one of your fleamarket ventures or a cheap pair from the local vinyl siding shop, for folding your bagsl closed. They make a super nice, crisp, bend and you can fold a bag like that up, dead tight, dead crisp, and hammer each fold down. Plus at the end it give you that rewarding straight line obsession high.

[@DenHvideHund]

"if this is your first visit to my channel" - You better go watch all of Tom's videos.

[@kevinreardon2558]

Wait a few weeks and watch them again. After a few months you kinda catch on as to what is he is trying to tell you. Deep stuff.

[@user990077]

9:40 "Lets do a little filing. I won't torture you to much on camera with filing...". OK, I will file that away in my memory as I watch 15 minutes of filing which we all know you do very well from previous content. Nice finishing, thanks for sharing.

[@geoffkeeler5106]

Thanks for the video Tom, excellent stuff as always! Good to see your technique for radii filing, in my opinion superior to "following the curve round" that so many people seem to favour, although admittedly this seems more logical at first. A proper apprenticeship should master the hand tools before being let loose on the powered stuff (with which Mr Bozo can make a far swifter and more dramatic appearance, as we all know only too well).

[@mccullenj]

Your sharing of your knowledge and experience is greatly appreciated.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Enjoyed the rare Oxtoolco video. Tom Lipton does not need a Bridgeport as long as he has some files.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Love the filing..so calming and therapeutic "Ommmmmm"

[@hdheuejhzbsnnaj]

Tom brings the poet's sensibility to craftsmanship.

[@jtkilroy]

Looks like that oil wicked into the paper and allowed the part to move, instantly I might add. Always enjoyable Tom, looking forward to the next installment.

[@14768]

Um, no? It was already moving significantly several seconds before that happened.

[@andyZ3500s]

@@14768 right before he added the oil he started milling above the ramp and was no longer supported underneath. The oil being wicked underneath didn't help. The farther that the mill moved away from being supported the situation was going to get worse. I do agree with you and think that it was already starting to go.

[@pbmachines972]

When ever I come across a tricky machining task I think to myself what would Tom Lipton do🤔👍🏻

[@thomasbecker9676]

Grab a file.

[@xenonram]

WWLD

[@hamiltoncomputers]

Best advise today!

[@RonStoppable102]

I think that too but I usually botch it up a bit on the way to the finish line

[@oliverjenks]

Pull out an obscure tool that fits the task perfectly. Then tell the story how he picked it up in a flea market for 6 bucks. Full respect to Tom though, he always impresses me.

[@Smallathe]

Well... now I fell half bad... on one side at least I'm not the only guy that his mill makes mistakes... on the down size my mill makes much worse ones! (I never make mistakes, of couse! ;)... wonderful work sir. Always a pleasure to see the elegance!!!

[@fredgenius]

I just LOVE watching you work!!! Thanks Tom

[@glennstasse5698]

Looking forward to the heat treatment segment. Several others have had varying results. Getting the parts out of the bag and into the oil quickly enough seems to be a problem.

[@erickieffer8440]

I have nightmares over what the heat treat oven will do to my stuff.

[@highpwr]

No oil. AIR hardening (A2)

[@howder1951]

Great video Tom, I am always in the mood for meatloaf and a bit of Tom-filery. Just wondering if you could talk a little blurb about the rolling technique you were demonstrating in contrast to following the contour with the file. I have always favoured the former in contrast to a lot of my work mates, and I am wondering you could discuss the difference in the two styles, or if it just is a preference. Thanks and cheers, enjoyed this video very much!

[@mattmanyam]

You *roll into" your chips when you use the "wrong" way. Plus, after learning the "right" way (which is admittedly kind of counter-intuitive) I find it results in a much more evenly distributed radius (in my experience).

[@mhc6777]

@@mattmanyam Thanks mattmanyam - I've normally rolled towards the file direction for no particular reason but your explanation or rolling into the chips makes sense, I'll try it next time. And thanks Tom for another great detailed video.

[@jeffbuckles]

Here's an upvote for "Tom-filery" :D

[@garandm1d]

Somewhere I read that the file is the hardest tool to master. Excellent video as always.👍

[@TomZelickman]

Watching you work the files is absolutely mesmerizing. Hope you are doing well, sir. - Tom Z

[@jthewelshwarlord6331]

Ah, filing. My favourite. Tom, you should do a video dedicated to filing ASMR.

[@FernandoFCosta]

Nice, concise intro!

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Tom, Nice video, always nice to see hand finishing... Cheers Paul,,

[@HEADDYNAMICS]

Tom, I sure hope you come out with the next episode soon. Thank you for everything you share

[@danieltaylor9970]

Top work as always, I often read the quotes at the end, nice bbt quote, not sure anyone else caught it!

[@deneychuk1]

An option would be to stack two parts kind of like adjustable parallel, that way you actually have more contact surface with magnetic V block.

[@tuffymartinez]

Thank You Tom....I truly appreciate your showing ALL of your process even when "Dingus McGee" makes a flub-up....my small garage shop across the Carquinez Strait from you I love challenging myself with unique projects of my own invention...Enjoy your FUN show.....( would it have been possible to just use a small stop rod from the side along with the mag. v-block to prevent any movement ?)...TM

[@PeterWMeek]

In spite of having several differences of opinion on some techniques, **I** like the filing section. The people who (used to) make vacuum tubes enclosed a bit of something and arced it off to consume the remaining oxygen after sealing the glass envelopes. It's what leaves the mirrory patch inside the tubes. Such a bit was called a "getter". Of course, since very few vacuum tubes are being made these days, the word getter can now be repurposed to help KZbin machinists "Getter done!"

[@markschweter6371]

Once I learned to draw file, it's my go to for a finer finish with any file. I noticed the swarf comes off in nice little chip-like curls.

[@bignut6983]

Great video as always Tom thank you

[@Paddington60]

Well done Q, like the intro!

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

Master of filing...Oh yeah LIKE IT

[@Kvasir87]

“Tool Collector” that almost makes it sound it wasn’t a problem 😂

[@altonwhipkey2411]

I just love it when you screw up, a good laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joshtargo6834]

When I used to model car bodies for Honda, we would always make the largest fillets first, and then flow the smaller ones around them.

[@not2fast4u2c]

He Also has a Serious Addiction for collecting old Hammers ..LOL

[@jobkneppers]

Tom, I really love your masterfull work. I also know the fulfillment from filing. "Wondering away while filing" as in a relaxed way to combine work and output. I like it too but I'm also sometimes in a hurry to get the job done. CNC works but also not all the sides are chamfered or filleted when you're done. Did you ever thought about using a "Makra" tool or the more expensive Swiss original (Reisenhauer?; I can't remember the exact name) which allows you to put a kind of precise but cosmetical for sure, chamfer or radius on your part with speed? It's like a miniature router upside down with a really tiny follower bearing on top. I never witnessed the use in any machinist video from the guys I like to watch (Rob Renzetti, Stefan Gotteswinder, Adam Booth etc.) I'm curious of your answer. I hired a guy who was familiar with it and was unhappy until I bought it for him here too. Then he became happy instantly. I was hesitant, because I paid good money, but now I don't want to part with it no more. Just like my first bandsaw which came in really cheap, and that was the only reason to buy it at first, now I don't know how to work decently without it. Live and learn. Best regards, Job (I know this is not a constant radius, but the small one is a lot of filing work saved as a start)

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Job, I have not heard of this magical device you speak. Time to do some research I see. Thanks for telling me about a tool I don't have! All the best, Tom

[@KISSMYACE3203]

Stefan has a homemade version, and Robin has a homemade version as well, but his uses abrasive belts.

[@jobkneppers]

@@KISSMYACE3203 I think I saw both but these are different designs. Reishauer is the Swiss brand and Makra makes a more affordable version. Look for Makra KEG 250.

[@ianowen5123]

Hi Tom I noticed that Hilger Watts box you have the adjustable V blocks in, do you know what was originally in that box? I know Hilger Watts make precision levels as I've recently purchased one. I see they also made optical equipment, theodolites and other scientific equipment

[@LarryDoolittle]

For your dull files, there is a company, File Sharpening Co. in Zenia, OH. I sold their service for many years and they do a wonderful job on files. Better than new when they are done.

[@kevinreardon2558]

I like the new intro.

[@wallbawden5511]

On the mag block on the surface grinder we put other bits around the job we are doing so it adds extra holding force could you have done this

[@keylock9064]

tom I was screaming at you to hand feed that baby. Stay safe your one of the few remaining and the very best

[@jasen963]

It’s good to see you show any mistakes that you learn from, it proves your only human ( Not to sure about this old tony his a robot or something 😋)

[@samdude1953]

I'm wondering what diameter that tiny windmill was. I guess Tom cranked the RPM up to max!

[@longcaster]

My goodness, you are a brave man. Hand filing when you have not put on your chaps (like for chainsaw) thick welding gloves and full head covering, thank you. :-)

[@bobtherat99]

I like the filing tips. I don't have a lot of machines but I do have a lot of files

[@dudleycornman1624]

Wouldn't the mag v block work with a blocker on the end?

[@ramosel]

it's been a long time since we had our filing addiction satisfied. 450 or whatever.... not a Ray Bradbury fan??

[@rennkafer13]

When he said that I replied "c'mon Tom, it's 451"

[@wrstew1272]

Where did you get a made in the USA Nickelson file? New Old Stock, or stash? Anyone out there know of a source?

[@Grove332]

451! They even wrote a book about it!

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 enjoyed as always. What are your thoughts on 17-4PH for making tools? I like the ease of heat treatment. I know it's limited to 45C or so, but are there any other reasons to use a tool steel over it? Thanks Tom!

[@georgepatterson69]

Thanks for sharing Tom

[@szaborubin2856]

Beautiful work as always, I've been loving this series you're doing.

[@n1663r]

Wrap the parts in the paper.....helps keeps them from touching inside the bag. And a little wood roller to press the seam air tight.

[@timkusicko4921]

I always liked filing in shop class. When I worked on a survey crew we would draw file the machetes razor sharp.

[@RookieLock]

I love filing too, lol. I only wish i had as many files as Tom does.. Then and only then I would call myself a filing nerd..

[@johnleake708]

Tom... what brand of files do you prefer? You seem to have an unlimited supply of files.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey John, I buy them all the time. My current preference is Grobet Pillar files. I can blame Robin Renzetti for enlightening me on pillar files. Nicholson also makes nice pillar files. Lots of new old stock for a deal on something bay.... All the best, Tom

[@johnleake708]

@@oxtoolco I have seen more than a few on the 'bay as well

[@nigeleleven2172]

Not sure this is too geeky, but if your first facet removes ~60% from the corner to the scribed tangent marks, and the second ~50% of the new corner (x 2 corners) to your tangent marks, this helps get a good start to circular radii. Said another way, if you wanted a 1” radius, you could scribe 1”, then 0.8, then 0.6; you have accurate marks for the 45 degree facet and 22.5 degree facets. even if you don’t scribe these lines, you eye can judge 60% and then 50% fairly well.

[@christurley391]

Thanks for the video.

[@InverJaze]

I'm still watching. Oh, there's some more filing action.

[@rgmoore]

Tom, I'm super happy to see another video from you! How about some nice hot meatloaf?

[@markschweter6371]

I bought a roll of SS foil @ work to make 'disposable' pan liners for drying chemicals. Yep, sharper than handling a fist full of razorblades. And, yeah.... first fold is the hardest! %^D

[@maint_guy6977]

The not so secret place is UC Berkeley If go back through the videos Will see a tour of all the multiple shops on campus

[@xenonram]

Watch John Saunders from NYC CNC tour with Tom video.

[@davidwarren1143]

Will plans be available

[@oxtoolco]

Shoot me an email. The answer is yes! Cheers, Tom

[@a.bakker64]

Tapping the file. Do you ever use chalk?

[@oxtoolco]

I do use chalk and wax sometimes but I find they also interfere with the visual feedback. On certain materials its almost mandatory. Cheers, Tom

[@ohhpaul7364]

Tom, after watching your intro I was curious if you may have lost all of your hair due to one of the experiments gone awry? I'm just kidding, I do have a real question though. I thought that square edges down in a groove like the grinding relief grooves you are making here, are a bad idea. Something about stress riser is what I was thinking of but my memory is hazy and I am just a novice and watcher of the machining trade. Would this not be a concern for the tool? I don't mind filing, the man who taught me some blacksmithing and fabricating had me doing it for weeks sometimes. It can be rather relaxing. Hope you are having a good summer regardless of the madness surrounding us at the moment. Thanks for the videos.

[@oxtoolco]

For a highly stressed part you are correct. In this case the parts are not under any particular stress so a square groove will probably be fine. Cheers, Tom

[@Mike_Regan]

First! I'm a machining numpty but really enjoy your videos. You make it seem simple. Well, maybe not simple but logical. 😁

[@ericgelman2792]

👍 to filing

[@Wulfmoon9]

I have to agree some of the best things I have learned was from my own mistakes.

[@malayrojak]

A more brutal one I need to learn from Mark Twain: "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble; it's what you know for sure that just ain't so."

[@GregsGarage]

I just realized how crappy my filing skills are... Looks like I'm going to spend some time practicing my corner blending.

[@heatshield]

The buttons you have on screen at the end cover up a lot of that end quote. May I suggest looking at your vid on a phone before signing off on it? Tons of people are watching on phones primarily. Just a little constructive criticism here. Beautiful work as always. Especially liked the intro. I too am in a not so secret government facility that houses semi-sentient random misbehaving rocket parts. Cya round. 👊😎

[@oxtoolco]

Oooh. Good point. I did forget to preview this one. Thanks for reminding me. Cheers, Tom

[@1jtolvey]

ROCK-ON -TOM !!

[@aerogfs]

There are few things as pleasurable as sharp files...

[@oldshaky]

Nice Job!

[@gentharris]

Anytime I mess with heat treat foil and don,t get cut its a lucky day!!!

[@bcbloc02]

All of miy files are worn out and my hacksaws too. None of them ever cut as good as Tom's........................................or maybe it is the operator??? :-)

[@oxtoolco]

You might be using an inferior viscosity of elbow grease..... But then again it is Brian Block the man of limitless energy. On second thought I think your files and hacksaw blades are dull. All the best, Tom

[@billlee5307]

Am I hearing the youngsters moaning, "filing?"

[@gusmcgussy3299]

Lol im only 40... And even guys my generation are that bad lol.... Seriously

[@altonwhipkey2411]

Who is Dingus Mcgee?

[@davezjr6024]

I wonder if you could get away with purging one of those bags with argon? And also im a little hungry could you make me some meatloaf???

[@richardsweet5068]

Filing ? you will be using a hacksaw next. (as I do as I do not have a power saw, No room)

[@paultavres9830]

Showing my wife the difference between a unfinished part I bought then after I filed and buffed corners and edges of another matching part She said wow it feels like butter

[@gleaseman]

Blinked and it was over!

[@iancoulston6452]

If you set playback speed to 1.75x Tom Lipton sounds exactly like Robin Renzetti. Spooky.

[@johnryan1386]

Literally can’t hear a thing over the audio of the steel bag