Toolmaker’s File

[finn]

I picked up this old mechanized file a few years ago, mostly as a display piece. I’m starting to downsize now, and really don’t have a place for it anymore.

I heard them referred to as a toolmaker file, but not sure that’s the correct term. Any ideas?

Also don’t know if has any more than scrap value, so I am looking for input and recommendations before I scrap it.

(Looks like the picture cropped)

 

[LeonardY]

It's called a die filer.
That's not the correct type file for it. They are very useful for a machinist.

Here's a good explanation.

All American Die Filer | Dales Shop

 

[finn]

Yup. That’s what it is.
I’ll look for a plate that might have the manufacturer name.

I bought it at an estate sale down the street. The deceased was a tool and die maker from Metro Detroit and was well into his nineties when he passed maybe eight years ago. I suspect it was still being used in the seventies, but it looks pre war, judging by the casting style.

 

[555]

A friend found one in Ohio a few weeks ago.

 

[finn]

It has H&H cast in the base. Anyone heard of them?

 

[oldmachinenut]

I am interested it it, would you sell it?

 

[Provincial]

I saw one of those 50 years ago. It was handed down from a diemaker, who made dies for punch presses. It was identified to me as a "diemaker file." The owner explained that it could be set at an angle, to provide the relief for the punched part to clear the female die as it sheared from the sheet and fall through to exit.

 

[Stuart in MN]

They still sell die filers, they can be useful for some projects. Adam Savage (from Mythbusters) put one together from a kit a year or so ago.