Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: toomanyknots on January 26, 2014, 09:45:46 am

Title: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: toomanyknots on January 26, 2014, 09:45:46 am
The only ones I have used are the ones from home depot and stuff from the set of 5 or 6 for like 10 bucks. They work ok for wooden overlays, but on horn they suck pretty bad. Now I also use one of those round hacksaw blades, which work great and are real fast to cut on wood or horn, but they leave deep scratches in the nocks on horn that can't be burnished out. So I was wondering if anybody knew of a better quality needle file, or a round hacksaw blade that wouldn't leave deep scratches?
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: NeolithicMan on January 26, 2014, 09:47:57 am
chain saw blade sharpening iles work good but if you can afford Nicholson need files (or any rasp/file from them) they last forever and work extremely well
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: osage outlaw on January 26, 2014, 09:48:31 am
I use chainsaw files. 
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Pat B on January 26, 2014, 10:03:39 am
I use a $1.50 chain saw file and when it looses it rasping effect I buy another.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: toomanyknots on January 26, 2014, 10:36:25 am
Sweet, I did not even know chainsaw files existed,  O:). I will pick one up soon as I can. Is there a good size for nocks I should order?

EDIT: I guess this is a stupid question,  :), I probably want like 1/8" I guess. Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Mark Smeltzer on January 26, 2014, 10:51:05 am
Chainsaw file.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Del the cat on January 26, 2014, 11:07:09 am
A tile saw is cheap, long lasting and v effective, finish off with a small dia chainsaw file or regular needle file.
You can use the bare blade, but it's better in a saw frame as they are a bit soft and flexible..
Del
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: PatM on January 26, 2014, 11:10:06 am
Sweet, I did not even know chainsaw files existed,  O:).
My goodness toomanyknots. That's almost as bad as not knowing about a Farrrier's rasp.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Pat B on January 26, 2014, 11:11:32 am
Go to any hardware store and buy one. Get the smallest they have.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: hunterbob on January 26, 2014, 11:13:12 am
I bought a set of chainsaw files at ace hardware comes in a set of two. They work great.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: toomanyknots on January 26, 2014, 11:33:07 am
Sweet, I did not even know chainsaw files existed,  O:).
My goodness toomanyknots. That's almost as bad as not knowing about a Farrrier's rasp.  :laugh:

Yeah, thats pretty bad,   ;D.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Bryce on January 26, 2014, 01:33:49 pm
Nicholson 1/8th saw file.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: mullet on January 26, 2014, 08:58:46 pm
I've got some sweet Nicholson's needle rasp that work a lot better then chain saw files. PM me if you want to work out a trade. I brought quiet a few to the Classic last year and will bring  more this year.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: seabass on January 26, 2014, 09:40:43 pm
Eddie,i bought a needle rasp at woodcraft for 6 bucks.they are awesome.cuts wood like a rabid beaver.i think Daniel is looking for something more subtle.needle rasp will tear up a horn nock.you still need to get one Daniel.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: osage outlaw on January 26, 2014, 09:48:22 pm
Save one back for me if you can Eddie.  I'm sure we can work out a trade for one at the Classic.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on January 26, 2014, 10:18:57 pm
Harbor freight sells a needle file set for $3. contains ten files.
When you wear it out, buy another one.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: DavidV on January 26, 2014, 10:56:15 pm
Harbor freight is worthless, don't even bother. Nicholson files are great but I think chainsaw files are best for cutting nocks.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Will H on January 26, 2014, 11:48:03 pm
Seabass,I think Eddie is referring to the 4" Nicholson rat tail file that I turned him onto a while back. I also have the needle rasp from woodcraft. The 4" rat tail can't be beat IMHO
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: toomanyknots on January 27, 2014, 01:21:21 am
I've got some sweet Nicholson's needle rasp that work a lot better then chain saw files. PM me if you want to work out a trade. I brought quiet a few to the Classic last year and will bring  more this year.

Woah, never heard of a needle rasp. I might do that, thank you.

Eddie,i bought a needle rasp at woodcraft for 6 bucks.they are awesome.cuts wood like a rabid beaver.i think Daniel is looking for something more subtle.needle rasp will tear up a horn nock.you still need to get one Daniel.

Your probably right. I have to do what Del does right now, and switch from the round hacksaw blade (I guess it's called a tile saw) to a file, but my file doesn't work too well right now, as it is a bit bigger than the tile saw. I ordered a nicholson chain saw file smooth cut off of ebay today, I will wait and see how that works. 
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: dwardo on January 27, 2014, 04:42:11 am
I find wrapping some tape around the handle if a chainsaw file helps it survive a few more drops on the floor.
Without it they just snap in two
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: nathan elliot on January 27, 2014, 05:20:55 am
Just to be contentious - dremmel tile cutter >:D
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Gsulfridge on January 27, 2014, 06:22:55 am
I used/saw Will's needle rasp in action down at the Classic last year.  Very impressive!  I'd love to get my hands on one.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: TRACY on January 27, 2014, 07:34:44 am
5/32 chain saw file. Just bought a 2 pack at the big chain hardware store for $4. Had 5/32, 3/16, & 7/32. File and sandpaper, you can make any nock you desire ;)

Tracy
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: mullet on January 27, 2014, 08:18:18 am
Will's right, it is the 4' rat tail rasp. It works great on horn, wood and bone. I found someone down here that orders them for me.
Title: Re: Anybody know of a good quality needle file for cutting nocks?
Post by: Marc St Louis on January 27, 2014, 10:23:23 am
I use an Italian shaping rasp that I bought from Lee Valley, it would be D in the picture.  You can buy them as a package or separately.  I also use a 1/8" rat tail for finishing