Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on replacing the fingers on a box folder I have.
I need to replace all the fingers as there are only a few here and I’d like to replace them all with thicker fingers. I’ve made sure I have clearances to fit larger (thicker) fingers in. I’m thinking it’ll flex less and allow me to go slightly over capacity regarding plate thickness or material I intend to bend.
I need to get a total width of 126mm of fingers. I intend to have a variety of finger widths to allow me plenty of versatility in being able to combine fingers to make any size box to 5mm increments.
Whats the easiest way to do this? Get a sheet of steel in the right thickness and machine the bevel whilst it’s in one or a few large but manageable pieces? Then cut into fingers and finish the edges. Thinking something large enough to fit in whatever machine is easiest to do the job, then chop into fingers later.
I’m guessing this would be easier than cutting and then machining each individual finger!
They also need recesses cut out of the opposite ends. This would presumably be easier done whilst the sheet is in manageable “planks” before individual fingers are cut.
What suggestions do you have for producing the bevel at the folding end?
What about the recess at the other end? This recess is there because although I want to use thicker 1" fingers, the folder will only accomodate a 13mm thick tail due to its design.
Whats the easiest way to cut them? I’m looking at using 1” plate for the fingers. My thoughts are:
Bandsaw- would take ages and eat blades
Plasma- to messy. Would require lots of finishing afterwards
Water- Expensive and requires programming
Laser- Expensive and requires programming
I'm also thinking (because I overthink most things!) of bevelling the sharp eges on each finger, so they arent sharp. Thoughts? Pointless? Overkill? any technical reason not to do this? The "blade" of each finger wont be bevelled, so they'll all butt up neatly to each other. Whats the easiest way to do this? Simply file the edge of each one? See photo (ignoring the central line I accidentally overdrew)
Once done, should I have the steel hardened and tempered, or just leave it as is?
Any suggestions on who to get to do it? or is there anyone on the forum capable and willing to do the work?
I can buy replacement fingers elsewhere, but they're standard thickness, dont come in many different sizes and cost a fortune.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.
I’m looking for some advice on replacing the fingers on a box folder I have.
I need to replace all the fingers as there are only a few here and I’d like to replace them all with thicker fingers. I’ve made sure I have clearances to fit larger (thicker) fingers in. I’m thinking it’ll flex less and allow me to go slightly over capacity regarding plate thickness or material I intend to bend.
I need to get a total width of 126mm of fingers. I intend to have a variety of finger widths to allow me plenty of versatility in being able to combine fingers to make any size box to 5mm increments.
Whats the easiest way to do this? Get a sheet of steel in the right thickness and machine the bevel whilst it’s in one or a few large but manageable pieces? Then cut into fingers and finish the edges. Thinking something large enough to fit in whatever machine is easiest to do the job, then chop into fingers later.
I’m guessing this would be easier than cutting and then machining each individual finger!
They also need recesses cut out of the opposite ends. This would presumably be easier done whilst the sheet is in manageable “planks” before individual fingers are cut.
What suggestions do you have for producing the bevel at the folding end?
What about the recess at the other end? This recess is there because although I want to use thicker 1" fingers, the folder will only accomodate a 13mm thick tail due to its design.
Whats the easiest way to cut them? I’m looking at using 1” plate for the fingers. My thoughts are:
Bandsaw- would take ages and eat blades
Plasma- to messy. Would require lots of finishing afterwards
Water- Expensive and requires programming
Laser- Expensive and requires programming
I'm also thinking (because I overthink most things!) of bevelling the sharp eges on each finger, so they arent sharp. Thoughts? Pointless? Overkill? any technical reason not to do this? The "blade" of each finger wont be bevelled, so they'll all butt up neatly to each other. Whats the easiest way to do this? Simply file the edge of each one? See photo (ignoring the central line I accidentally overdrew)
Once done, should I have the steel hardened and tempered, or just leave it as is?
Any suggestions on who to get to do it? or is there anyone on the forum capable and willing to do the work?
I can buy replacement fingers elsewhere, but they're standard thickness, dont come in many different sizes and cost a fortune.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.