File Under Useful
By Dan Kitchen
Microlux, maker of miniature tools, has come out with a filing machine. It won’t help with your taxes, but it’ll take the tedium out of filing metal, resin, plastic, or wood.
Though filing machines are usually heavy dudes, Microlux has made one for the serious hobbyist. The tool works like an inverted jigsaw, but with a file instead of a blade. The machine cuts only on the pull stroke and only on stock up to 3/8″ thick. Just clamp it to the edge of your bench and begin filing.
By attaching a separate transformer, you can adjust the speed between 1,800 and 6,900 strokes per minute. That, combined with the choice between a coarse or fine file, gives you a lot of control over the level of finish and the speed of removal.
The Microlux filing machine is being sold exclusively through Micro-Mark, so there’s no street pricing. Micro-Mark is selling it for $80.
Microlux Filing Machine [Micro-Mark]
February 6th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
This looks pretty good - does anyone have any experience with one of these?
February 6th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Hey, a Die filer! In the old days, full sized version of there were a machine shop staple. They even made special files for them. Of course, today, TRY and buy the files
February 6th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
That’s a heckuva idea. Makes you start thinking about making your own files with a jigsaw blade tang and inverting the spare saw.
Be easy to do and would be used quite frequently.
Julian
February 7th, 2008 at 3:19 am
Coulda used one today! However, I’d really like files made to fit my cordless jigsaw.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
You can get a file/abrasive stick to mount in a scroll saw from Rockler (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11341) among other places. I’ve never used them, but I’ve eyed them many a time…