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Martin Models Die Filer

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Kim:
With all the filing I anticipate doing on my clock project, I’ve been thinking that I need a Die Filer.  So, earlier this week, I did something about it.  I finally picked up the Die Filer casting set from Gary Martin, of Martin Models.

I’m quite excited about the prospect of having a die filer in my shop, and about having a new little project to do!  ;D I got the 3 casting model without the belt pulley since I'm planning to use a V-belt to drive the unit.  I also, as you can see, opted for the square table, rather than the round one.  It felt like I got more table area with the square one, though I doubt it really matters much either way.


After spending the requisite time fondling the castings, I can tell you that they seem to be very high quality, and have plenty of meat on them.  I should be able to hit all the critical dimensions quite easily!  ;)

I decided to start with the table.  And my first step was to make the table flat.

I have a 2.5” insert face mill that I’ve never used before, and I thought this would be the perfect time to break it out and use it.

After an absurd amount of time figuring out a decent way to hold the casting, I finally got around to facing off the table.


It took many passes and a lot of clamp leapfrog, but I eventually got there.  The face mill performed admirably.


Next, I’ll work on the underside of the table.

Thanks for checking up on my new project that I started even before I completed my other one! Nesting projects is a time honored tradition in this hobby, it seems.  :Lol:

Kim

Dave Otto:
Hi Kim

Looks like you are off to a good start, it will be fun to follow along and see how everything works out for you.
I recently tore my Keller down for restoration because I have been making a new sheet metal cabinet for it to mount on. It is copied from some photos of an original one that I collected some years back. I figured that I should get it done while I'm still working in the shop at my day job. That R word gets closer every day.
I have all the repair work done and new paint, maybe I will post some photos when it is complete.

Dave

crueby:
Oh boy, another Kim project to watch!  Buckets o popcorn are ready!   :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:




And is that a brass 1 2 3 block that I  see behind the steel one under the table casting?




I have to agree on the quality of the Martin castings, the ones I have gotten were great!

Kim:
Thanks Dave and Chris!  :cheers:

Yes, Dave, you should DEFINITELY share some pictures of it with us!   I always love to see pictures of your work!

Chris, it's a goldenish colored 123 block, not brass though.  For some reason, one set I bought was coated.  Not sure exactly what the coating is, but it gives it a golden look.  In that picture it does look like it could be brass.  But when you see it in person, it's very clearly not brass!  :Lol:

But that could be a fun project, make a set of 123 blocks in brass! Sounds like a good Christmas present for your favorite model machinist, doesn't it?  :Lol:

Kim

crueby:

--- Quote from: Kim on May 18, 2025, 02:36:11 AM ---Thanks Dave and Chris!  :cheers:

Yes, Dave, you should DEFINITELY share some pictures of it with us!   I always love to see pictures of your work!

Chris, it's a goldenish colored 123 block, not brass though.  For some reason, one set I bought was coated.  Not sure exactly what the coating is, but it gives it a golden look.  In that picture it does look like it could be brass.  But when you see it in person, it's very clearly not brass!  :Lol:

But that could be a fun project, make a set of 123 blocks in brass! Sounds like a good Christmas present for your favorite model machinist, doesn't it?  :Lol:

Kim

--- End quote ---
That would be fun! And make the blocks with holes and threads to match the hold down clamps for more versatility?  Hmmm, how to get the elves to make me a set?!   :thinking:

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