This drawing shows a tool "Simple File Guide" which supports the use of common or garden files under muscle power to make flats on round sections or cylindrical segments on flat sections with significantly better precision than can readily be achieved otherwise. In conjuction with a dividing head or a simple indexer based on use of the lathe gear train, the File Guide can help you to make good looking and sufficiently accurate polygon sections eg square or hex or matched flats on opposite sides of a shaft. The process makes use of the lathe, without power, to position and hold the work piece while the File Guide limits the motion of the file to ensure that only the desired excess metal gets removed. Depending on the application, the File Guide may be held in the Tool Post and the work piece in the chuck or the File Guide may be held in the chuck and the work piece in a machine vice mounted on the carriage.
View attachment Simple_File_Guide.pdf
View attachment Simple_File_Guide.pdf
