I'd be very interested in this, as well. I really like the look of the coined spacers, but other than somehow measuring the circumference exactly, then dividing for the number of filed marks, marking with something....somehow filing...all of them...? You makers out there who do these well kinda boggle my mind...

Jeremy

Most use a checkering file to coin the edges of a spacer. You can get differing number of teeth per inch. I like the 20 tpi. It's only 1/2 inch wide and has 10 teeth.

You hold the spacer/spacers in a vise, starting on the bottom, and file perpendicular. As the teeth are cut as deep as you want start rolling the file around the edge as it cuts. Move the spacer often, rotating it instead of rolling the file much at a time. It may end up with a half tooth, but more times as not, it's perfect.

|quoted:

Most use a checkering file to coin the edges of a spacer. You can get differing number of teeth per inch. I like the 20 tpi. It's only 1/2 inch wide and has 10 teeth.

You hold the spacer/spacers in a vise, starting on the bottom, and file perpendicular. As the teeth are cut as deep as you want start rolling the file around the edge as it cuts. Move the spacer often, rotating it instead of rolling the file much at a time. It may end up with a half tooth, but more times as not, it's perfect.

excellent , thank you Lin , I have a couple checkering files......just wasn't sure how they would file on the rounds but your explanation is clear , will let you know how I make out , thanks again

Rob

Thank you very much, Lin. Will have to get myself a checkering file.

Jeremy

There are several styles of checkering files and the one that you chose will depend upon the the look that you are trying to achieve. I use a 40 LPI checkering file for finer and closer lines.

As Lin said sometimes you end up with the last cut being a half tooth. One way to minimize the visual effect if this happens is to start and then end your file work at the bottom of where your spacer will be on the finished knife.

I use my checkering file a LOT. But; if you don't have one, you can cut a strip out of 1/8" graph paper and glue it to the piece you want to file. Cut thru the lines with a three corner or round file or a jewelers saw and you can lay it out pretty straight. It's easy to split the 1/8's into halves or thirds with a pen and still have a layout that looks good to the eye.

Not much of a tip, but...

Mike

Thanks for the alternative method, Mr. Williams. I always appreciate a different way of doing something if a specialty tool isn't in hand.

Jeremy