Making Your Own Tools (Split off the Show Us Yer Stuff thread)

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I'm probably gonna have to be real frugal as to how I go about affording this hobby, though.

You can make a lot of your own tools with swiss files if you are careful. I have more that I've made than that I've bought. Old bolts don't cost much. Here are a couple examples to give you the idea. Of course, I chose the oddest looking ones to give you the idea of what can be used.

[RollingThunder]

Now that is a great idea, Will! What a fantastic idea, in fact!

Um ... now what exactly is a Swiss file? If I can pick one up and the hardware store, maybe I could convert some old sorry bolts to something a bit more useful. After all, I'd be willing to bet that ain't the first time someone got that idea! Hehehe.

[HorsePen Henry]

I use drill rod stock for some a mine and it works real good. I use these tools for both silverworkin' and leatherworkin' so they have to be hardened and tempered. A hacksaw and a bunch a files and you are in the tool makin' business.



A sample of the type of silverwork I do.
Ladies brooch for Delaware and Shawnee women. I didn't make this one, it is about 150 years old. It's from the early I.T. days of Oklahoma.



Here is a set of armbands that use the same style of engraving as cowboy or indian silverwork of the early I.T. days.



Horse Pen

[RollingThunder]

Very cool stuff Henry!

OK ... so now I gotta give this a shot ... LOL. Got a picture of the files so I know where to start. I never worked metal so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Glad you found the swiss files, RT. The best thing I can say is to outline your stamp shape first, next contour it (give it a bevel or whatever if needed) then start putting the fine lines and grooves in it with the swiss files. Work carefully so you don't take too much off at any one time. Keep stamping a damp scrap until you have it looking the way you want. Expect to take it all down and start over if it isn't to your liking. Like anything, it takes a little practice to get faster at it.

Very good silver work, X-pen. You could really make some cool western gear combining the silverwork with your leatherwork. You could do a good job on some pommel holsters with silver. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[RollingThunder]

Whoops. What I meant will, was do you have a picture of the Swiss files? lol. My bad! DOH

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Since we were hijacking the Show Us Yer Stuff thread, I split these posts off on their own since it's a good topic on its own right.

RT, Swiss files are little bitty files for small stuff. They're used by hobbyists and professionals that need to do fine work. You can get them at Harbor Freight if you don't mind inexpensive import stuff. Here's a link to show you what they are:

http://www.pro-polishing-tools.com/swissneedle.html

[RollingThunder]

Thanks for splitting this off, Will.

As for the files ... I have a harbor freight locally, but would these be the same as this?
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?number=32211-00

If they are, I have a set of those for sharpening my punches.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I can't tell by the pic, RT, but they probably are the same. If you can make little narrow vee-notches and various round and angle cuts, you're in. Give it a try and see. If you have a couple stamps to get the idea, start in by looking at the impressions the ones advertised make and duplicating them. Drop by Harbor Freight and look at theirs and compare. Heck, I think a set is only 12 bucks or something.

[RollingThunder]

Looks like it might be then, because the Tandy set is the same price. I'll start lookin' for some big older bolts and see what I can come up with!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

You can use new bolts, too.    I ran out of old ones long ago and now use new stuff when needed.

[RollingThunder]

Um yeah. I guess that there would be one of them "No duh" moments. DOH! LOL.

[Ace Lungger]

When I started, M.W. and Outrider both helped me along the way, just make your tools. So I did! But I have got lazy, and they have them on sale for $3.33 I buy them, but if I need something special thats to you guys, I do make my own!
Later ACE