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A small file slip cost me a whole afternoon
Was fitting a new bolt catch and took off a tiny bit too much material. Now it doesn't engage right and I need to start over with a new part. Anyone have a trick for keeping files steady on small parts?
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burns.jenny7mo ago
Thirty years ago my old boss told me to treat every file stroke like it costs five dollars. The trick is never about keeping it steady, it's about stopping before you think you should. On tiny parts I always use layout dye so I can see exactly where the metal is getting removed. That mistake you made is the best teacher for knowing when a part is done, not almost done.
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brianhill7mo ago
Call that wisdom you can't buy.
3
josepha327mo ago
Five dollars per stroke? That's unbelievable!
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kellyjones4mo ago
Layout dye is the only way I've ever gotten repeatable results on small parts too.
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