file set for old jig saw

[easterngray]

I have also been watching SS jig saw file sets on ebay - the last set sold for 84 dollars! Wow! Has anyone found an alternative source for these? Alec

[mtobey]

I have a fine friend in Chicago, a Maniacal Serb(aka Mad Serb), who has some. PM me or use my CP email. Mt

[easterngray]

Thanks Mt - PM sent! Alec

[mikemarkvii]

I went to my toolbox and found a set needle file set that I usede to clean/fix threads etc. They are readily available for less than 5$ at napa etc.
My problem is finding 10 wt. NON detergent oil for the gearbox. I used atf instead. What does everyone else use.

mike

[bettyt44720]

while first impression is that the small needle files would work, the teeth or cutting edges of the file would be going in the wrong direction thus wanting to lift the object being filed rather than holding it to the work table. Bob

[woodeneye]

I have threee of these files (Two half-round and one flat).

Sorry, I do not have the round file

Let me know what the three worth to you.

If the price is right, they're yours

[mtobey]

I was at my friend's shop Saturday. I checked to make sure that what he has will work. They are proper and good USA quality. !8.00 each plus shipping. Not a big savings but these are definitely NOS.mt

[easterngray]

I recently picked up a set of files for my old jig saw and thought that I would fill you guys in on what I have learned about these handy tools.

The type of files that SS used to sell for metal work with the old style jig saw are called PARALLEL MACHINE FILES. The length of the SS files is approx. 3.25", the shank diameter is .25".

Files have a lingo that is all their own in describing the shape, or profile of the file. Half round, square and round are obvious. The triangular shape is called a three square file; the long arrowhead type triangular shape is called a knife file and the sharp pointed double ended oval shape is called a crossing file. The rounded oval shape is called a crochet file. The depth and coarsness of the filing surface, called the cut, is described by a numerical system. The higher the number, the finer the file. The SS set are 2 cut.

My internet inquiries have led to a couple American companies that still make parallel machine files. One of them only sells wholesale. They are going to contact SS to inquire if they interested in carrying them - in that the old style jigsaw is now discontinued they probably aren't, but you never know; Perhaps SS would be willing to make a onetime purchase of a bunch for those here that are interested in a set. The other company sells retail but normally stocks only much larger 8" PMF's. They said to call to inquire about smaller PMF's, so I did. The fellow was nice and knew what I was looking for - he said he's get back to me next week.

The fellow I bought the set from said that these were an original SS set. They are marked Nicholson File, a great American company from RI that was bought out by a larger company in the 70's. From Ed's earlier post, evidently Disston supplied SS as well.

If I got any of this info wrong, I hope someone will correct me.

All the best to you Shopsmith "Good Neighbors" out there! - Alec