three sided file fer dovetails,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[bob1961]

where can i find a good file that most ya guys use....i've looked at the ones at home depots and lowes but they don't look right fer some reason....would hobbie shops have the ones i need...........bob

 

[WRussell]

For high quality small files, it's hard to beat jeweler's supply places.
http://www.riogrande.com/
for example has a great catalog(s) - they have one for jewel parts & materials (gold for that pan liner) and another for tools.

 

Bob, Pm me with an address, I've got a couple I'll send you. You'll want to grind one side flat, but you can have them. Also when I start my cuts, I use a hacksaw blade in one of those miny handles, that the blade slides into. it seems to give me more control. You might also want to put a piece of masking, or duct tape on either side of where you're gonna make you cuts, to protect the barrel from an Awe Sh*t!!!. I got a box of about fifty of them, some better than others, some new, some with rust. Used the worst ones to forge some wood dogs, they're like a big staple, so I could square some 4" to 6" logs on my table saw. Bill

 

[jmckenney]

Bob, you can find a dovetail file from http://www.brownells.com/Default.aspx, I've used them but to me their more of a finishing file than actual metal remover. Rather than take hours to file in a dovetail take a small triangle file, grind off the teeth on one side and take your time to keep the bottom flat and sides square.
When I put in a rear sight I'll use the hacksaw blade as mentioned earlier to remove the majority of metal, then use the triangle file and undercut the dovetails until the sight almost goes in, then I take a small cold chisel(sharp, single bevel) and raise the dovetail front and rear slightly.Light taps with the hammer is all it will take to upset the metal slightly. Tap the sight into place then stake the raised metal back down with a small slightly rounded(dull) cold chisel. This will lock the sight in place and cover/hide any bobo's . :results:

 

hide any bobo's .

Boy you mus be from around Sebawing (sp), or Ubly, :crackup: if ya spell ****oo's that way. Sad thing is I understood ya. Bill

 

[Packdog]

I use a small triangle file with one side ground off flat. I finished the flat side off on a course and med. stone to get it good and flat and a sharp edge on one side of the file. They can be found at the hardware store or Lowe's.

On the rear sight I use a chisel with the the bevel ground to fit the 60 degree angle.

Regardles of file or method, I have never got a dovetail to fit perfect without taking a little off the point of the lug or sight. Just a little on the point.

Take your time. Start with the underlug closest to to the muzzle for your first one and work back toward the breech. Less presure up there if you get to deep. It doesn't take to many to get the hang of it. If they are loose then stake them in place with a small center punch.

Good luck.

 

[bob1961]

thanks all and once again ya guys are the greatest on the greatest site on the web :hatsoff: ................bob

 

[fatboy]

I got mine at Lowes a Nickolson or Simmons not sure and ground the one side smooth seemed to work just fine .