Stupid question from a complete newbie

[ranger1]

Here is an idea on a file jig.
I took a piece of 2"x 12" x 2 ft.board nailed a 4" piece of 2x4 to each end of the 2x12 flush to the back edge. drilled 3/8 holes in the 2x4's and ran a 30" steel rod(hardened) threw the holes.I know its hard to picture But it looks like a toilet paper holder.anyway you canput your blade on the front part of the 2x12(clamped down)Let the file tip rest on the rod and by raiseing or lowering the blade with spacers change the angle of the file to change angles.I know its hard to picture but it is a simple device.Also allowing the rod to roll as you file makes it smoother and also saves wear on the rod.I hope this is not confuseing.

[mike koller]

If I may add to this?

Practice material may be just about anything that you may have at hand be it wood, metal, Plexiglas. Each will have unique properties but will allow to also refine your design before you go for your finished project.

Practice As you are working, on whatever material you decide, remember the finished project. You will want to go from course to progressively finer means of removing material, making sure that scratches from the previous are completely removed before moving on to far. For example: 80 grit scratches are removed with 120 but the 80 grit will be very obvious when you reach 220 and you will need to go back to 120, and so on.

The reason for this is: Once you have the steel for your real blade heat-treated you will have to clean it again and a deep scratch that was over looked or ignored will now be even more of a PITA to remove.

If you have your deign on paper and can get it posted here we may be able to help with other problems before you get started. We all want this to be a pleasurable experience for you and are here to help and we know that all this information can be a bit overwhelming, but hang in there.

Practice and let us help you through all the steps one at a time.