Checkering files in Canada?

Son of a Woodcutter said:
Excellent info. I have had some tips from some guys that I know, watched a few vids, Mid-way has a few great ones, and I am a woodworker so figured I would be in for a good shot :) A CGN user has contacted me with s starter kit that they may be looking to get rid of
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I use my checkering files/tools on other stuff than guns - checkering can make a nice accent to boxes, mills, knife/tool handles, etc... ;)


Son of a Woodcutter said:
Are checkering files for steel? Somebody else mentioned this on page 2 as well.. Figured the checkering was in the wood? Maybe I am referring to it incorrectly
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yes, technically, I guess they are both files, though the wood checkering ~tool~ does not really resemble a file, it does cut like one. Steel checkering files can be found on Amazon and Brownell's - Grobet (Amazon) makes nice files, though I have never used a metal checkering file, don't know who makes Brownell's files. A metal checkering file would be used anywhere you can't get a knurl, or press/machine in the checkering. i.e. the textures on the tops of hammers, front and backs of pistol frames, etc. steel/metal checkering files can also be used for straight serrations.

so, no, you are not referring to it incorrectly :)
 
That starter set would be a good start, My eyes bother me after 1/2 hr or so, but I work damn slow these days. The one at Trad ex sounds like a deal.
Get some old fine tooth brushes to brush out as you work, and it will polish up the wood a bit after you are done.
I use them when putting finish on, truoil or what ever, but a little one and brush it in with the brush and wipe off the excess and brush again.
 
Son of a Woodcutter said:
Are checkering files for steel? Somebody else mentioned this on page 2 as well.. Figured the checkering was in the wood? Maybe I am referring to it incorrectly
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Do a web search for checkering file, then look up checkering tool. Pick what you need.

From what I can tell of the TradEx Canada link picture, that is a two line tool. Maybe I'm seeing it wrong, but the expanded picture does appear to show another row of teeth behind the first one. Ok if it is the correct width. Probably isn't. Esp for flat top checkering, which was likely hand done in the first place, you are probably best off with some single line checkering tools.
Trying to follow the lines that are already there, with a mismatched tool is misery while waiting for disaster.

You CAN make your own, but you likely will be as happy as a clam, just buying a couple dembart cutter tips and a handle, and going slow. If you decide you want to make a habit out of the stuff, buy carbide after you dull the tools you have.
 
Now you have me thinking, I wonder how my checkering file would work to put a edge back in these cutters, they have a bit of curve to them. would only be able to do the singles, but use them the most.
But I think carbide would be the way to go, never tried any.
I just blew up the picture and you could be right, looks like it could be a double.
16 LPI is the most common.
 
marshall said:
Now you have me thinking, I wonder how my checkering file would work to put a edge back in these cutters, they have a bit of curve to them.
But I think carbide would be the way to go, never tried any.
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Pretty sure you'd wreck an otherwise decent, expensive, checkering file.
 
marshall said:
Now you have me thinking, I wonder how my checkering file would work to put a edge back in these cutters, they have a bit of curve to them. would only be able to do the singles, but use them the most.
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I would think that you could give them a bit of a refresh with a stone .... even the double/triple lines ... though they would get smaller and your 16lpi would wind up more like 15 3/4lpi ...

for the cost I don't think trying to refresh them is worth it.
 
While back I was doing a maple stock, those buggers are hard, ( last one I would do) and cutters getting dull, I did sharpen it , roughly. I seem to remember using my dremial fine cutoff wheels, worked O.K. for a while. it was just the singles. Yes I am afraid of messing up my checkering file , it is like new, but don't use it much
 
Son of a Woodcutter said:
Think I’m gonna have ago at making one. Thanks though!
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It's possible to make them up. I've done that but it was a long time ago and I distinctly remember a never again attitude when I was finished.

If you make a visit to a store that sells machinist tooling, you will find files in many different sizes and shapes with the proper angles an profiles already present. After that, it's just a matter of grinding it to the length you need. Don't forget to leave a tail on it though so you can attach a handle. The last set of files I purchased for such uses cost less than $5 for a package of 4. When they wear out, throw them away. Much easier and likely cheaper than resharpening them.

The cutters for sale at Tradex are fine for one or two touch up jobs but they don't look like very good quality to me.
 
bearhunter said:
It's possible to make them up. I've done that but it was a long time ago and I distinctly remember a never again attitude when I was finished.

If you make a visit to a store that sells machinist tooling, you will find files in many different sizes and shapes with the proper angles an profiles already present. After that, it's just a matter of grinding it to the length you need. Don't forget to leave a tail on it though so you can attach a handle. The last set of files I purchased for such uses cost less than $5 for a package of 4. When they wear out, throw them away. Much easier and likely cheaper than resharpening them.

The cutters for sale at Tradex are fine for one or two touch up jobs but they don't look like very good quality to me.
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I do believe he was referring to the cradle.

Son of a Woodcutter, do you have a copy of Gunstock Checkering and Carving by Mont Kennedy? Worth a look through.
 
bearhunter said:
It's possible to make them up. I've done that but it was a long time ago and I distinctly remember a never again attitude when I was finished.

If you make a visit to a store that sells machinist tooling, you will find files in many different sizes and shapes with the proper angles an profiles already present. After that, it's just a matter of grinding it to the length you need. Don't forget to leave a tail on it though so you can attach a handle. The last set of files I purchased for such uses cost less than $5 for a package of 4. When they wear out, throw them away. Much easier and likely cheaper than resharpening them.

The cutters for sale at Tradex are fine for one or two touch up jobs but they don't look like very good quality to me.
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Yah, as Trevj mentioned I meant the cradle :) Good tips on the files, I wish I knew of a place like that. Sounds handy!
 
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