file replacement for surge

[DUVELKE]

hi all,

I want to add different file on my surge.
The standard one (cross cut side) doesn't bite enough according to me.
Anyone same feeling/experience?
I love the diamond coated side, but seems that the other side will start a relation with my wifes fingernails.
Anyway that's where I start to like the surge, SDS interface makes it easy to tune it to my own needs.
Got a good standard file of 2mm thick, about 100mm/4inch long, not too rough, and will start to grind it to match the interface.
Pictures later on.

regards,
Duvelke
 

[Inzelique]

Very interested to see how this works!  The t shank holder was one of the major reasons I got a Surge and I always wished Leatherman would make larger set of different "blades" it can hold.  Say 3 different files, A hack saw blade that is the correct thickness, a marlin spike, ect..

[MultiMat]

The Surge file/saw holder has SO much untapped potential , I wish Leatherman would exploit it's potential more.

Keen to see how the Duvelfile works out mate 

[evil510]

The Surge file/saw holder has SO much untapped potential , I wish Leatherman would exploit it's potential more.

No worries Mat. I'm already on it   I'm all for exploiting untapped potential. The standard saw blade works beautifully on wood but not for metal. I mainly use a fine toothed metal cutting blade on mine for the aluminum and plastic panels I so often cut through. One of my favorite blades is carbide tipped. While it leaves a rather rough, jagged edge, I haven't found anything that it won't cut, even ceramic if need be. I've also made a custom shaped shim to make aftermarket t-shank blades fit with no side play. Other implements in the works, not just for the t-shank adapter but for the clip/lanyard slot as well.....

~ evil ~


I am also looking forward to what you come up with duvelke.....

[DUVELKE]

Hi Evil,

Can you describe your shimming solution?
I was , while using a standard blade, thinking of some double sided tape and two pieces of sheetmetal on both sides to get rid of clearance.
Grinding of custom file is almost ready.
Put my pictures in this thread later this week.

regards,
D

[evil510]

Hi Evil,

Can you describe your shimming solution?
I was , while using a standard blade, thinking of some double sided tape and two pieces of sheetmetal on both sides to get rid of clearance.
Grinding of custom file is almost ready.
Put my pictures in this thread later this week.

regards,
D

Hey duvelke. I had the exact same idea at first and did just that. For me, it was bit more of a hassle and work to deal with two, very thin shims as opposed to one thicker one, having to attach them, etc. Also, in using two shims, depending on the thickness of the tape you decide to use to attach them, they will end up so thin that they will easily bend and not be as easily re-useable on future blades. So, ultimately, I went with using just one thicker shim instead. It throws it a little off center, yes... but, considering that the maximum thickness is 2mm and most aftermarket blades are +/- 1mm, in having only one shim, the most it will be off center is .5mm which really isn't much at all. For all of my other mods I am very particular about measurements and get things accurate to within .0001" of an inch but feel that with the blade exchanger a little off center is perfectly acceptable. You could use the ends of old blades and thin them down to save the hassle of shaping them, but I wanted my shims to be stainless steel which is why I made my own. Hope this helps. At any rate, that is my two cents  

~ evil ~

Here's an example of one that I fabricated.....

[Inzelique]

I broke the T shank off of the thinnest hack saw blade I could find and use it as a shim.  Not the best possible and it doesn't work with the longer slightly thicker blades.

[DUVELKE]

First pics of my first mod'job ever.
I admit, low risk and quite low modification level, but it fits, it works and tastes for more.

just put the woodsaw on top of a standard file, took a fineliner and marked the outline.
Then grinded down the file to the desired shape, paying attention to cool down the tool every sec or so.

on pictures standard diamond coated file with new one, new file in position and last picture nice and cosy in surge.
Tried to get same 'just not straight' position as the saw to have easier access to file tip for getting it out. Worked out pretty well.

My only concern now is protecting the grinded surfaces from rust, all ideas and remarks are very welcome to this newbie
 





 

[Sparky415]

I am still learning about tempering steel and I think you have done a great job there!
But will it be brittle and maybe need tempering just on the end that goes in to the holder? 
It would be sad if it snapped off when you try to use it!

[DUVELKE]

I agree snapping may be a risk. Every time I saw the remaining cooling water evaporate during the grinding, I stopped immediately and cooled down again. Hope I stayed low enough in temp not to alter the material properties. Had no blueish color or glowing material,  so let's hope!!
Seems still regid at first sight.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Sound's like you've probably gotten away with it mate

Keep us updated please

[ryan1835]

id tap it gently to be save... wear specs and gloves XD


looks like a good job mate!

[evil510]

Great work there. Duvelke.    I will try and post some of the other things I have fabricated for the the blade exchanger and clip/lanyard slot when I get a chance. Happy modding.....

~ evil ~