ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 Groups.io
Date

Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Whoops, cross posting � it looks as if we are on the same page Jeff

Brian

Sent from for Windows 10


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Ill see your casting kit Jeff, and raise you a scrap pillar drill, a sewing machine motor and an old Black and Decker jigsaw attachment...



I have a (Chinese) pillar drill with a really sloppy quill that is destined to donate its motor to a Myfordboy power hacksaw as soon as my sons welding is up to it, so this might be on the radar instead. Unfortunately he has made it file on the upstroke, but it shouldnt be that hard to correct.

Brian Gates
Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from Mail<> for Windows 10

From: jeffklender2003@... [UNIMAT]<mailto:UNIMAT@...>
Sent: 13 March 2019 17:12
To: UNIMAT@...<mailto:UNIMAT@...>
Subject: [UNIMAT] RE: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment



How about this kit?

<>

They have nice casting kits that appear to be design for the trade schools.

<>

Jeff


Posted by: jeffklender2003@...



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Looking at some of these design, it occurred to me. If you are only doing small items. Then why not use the set of small Swiss "pattern" files. The use a small round shaft ~ 1/8". Some set are double ended and some are single. you could use a cheap wood router table and mount a jig/saber saw under it. A little homemade adapter and the saw would hold the Swiss style file. And most of these saw also tilt. Cheap, fast and mostly off the shelf parts.
Cheap Router/Jig saw table on Ebay. I see them a lot at garage/estate sale cheap and normally have the router with them selling for less then $20.00



Double ended set


Single



Check Ebay. Prices and Quality vary. But cheap to test and then buy good once you know what you need.
Jeff



Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Another Die Filer casting kit.



And here is another site for home made one.



Jeff


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

How about this kit?



They have nice casting kits that appear to be design for the trade schools.



Jeff


Another thread question

 

I recently picked up a small box of items labeled as " Machinist Lot". I have just started going through it and I have found two interesting HSS taps.

One has this on it:


SCSSNER

.690-48 NS

HSS PG2


the other has:


GRAND

11/16-24

NEF

HSS GH3

ENGLAND


The second is obviously a old National Extra Fine. The first one is a odd one, I have not seen a tap expressed as .690 before, and this is very close to the diameter of the 11/16, but of a much finer thread. And so the collection grows----- LOL

Jeff


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Or how about an offset overarm that allows the handle to stay on the file Bill? Despite its apparent simplicity, I suspect any of us could spend the rest of our lives tinkering with a filing machine � one that dispenses with the slide by using Watts linkage (like a beam engine) would be dangerously hypnotic. Then we could use his sun and planet instead of a crank to halve the speed...

Brian
Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from Mail<> for Windows 10

From: Bill Williams BWMSBLDR1@... [UNIMAT]<mailto:UNIMAT@...>
Sent: 13 March 2019 15:55
To: UNIMAT@...<mailto:UNIMAT@...>
Subject: Re: [UNIMAT] RE: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment




Brian, just as an idle thought; has anyone built a filing machine that has an overhead drive? That would allow holding the file by the tang and cutting on the downstroke! Bill in Boulder CO USA
On 3/13/19 3:00 AM, Brian Gates briangates@...<mailto:briangates@...> [UNIMAT] wrote:

From what I have been able to find out machine files are almost impossible to find in the UK, but the Westbury design can use ordinary files at low speeds as well as almost any blades you can make adaptors for. This video shows one in use as well as the holders for conventional files. <> . Im not sure I like the look of the large central hole any more than the hole in the table of my fretsaw (into which it tries to pull thin materials), but it does mean that files can be inserted tang-up so that they cut on the down stroke.

All the best
Brian Gates
Gillingham (Kent) UK


Posted by: Bill Williams <bwmsbldr1@...>


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Thanks Keith, you just reminded me that I wanted to make an insert for my fretsaw that doesn’t have a giant slot to tilt the table 45 degrees. Next time I get it out I will print one.

Brian

Sent from for Windows 10

From: ksangus@... [UNIMAT]
Sent: 13 March 2019 15:25
To: UNIMAT@...
Subject: [UNIMAT] RE: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

I would put a counterbore in the hole so I could drop in bushes, maybe wood or plastic, slotted or notched to accept blades and files. You would end up with a drawer full of adapters, and eventually you would have one for every occasion.

Keith





Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

Bill Williams
 


Brian, just as an idle thought; has anyone built a filing machine that has an overhead drive? That would allow holding the file by the tang and cutting on the downstroke! Bill in Boulder CO USA

On 3/13/19 3:00 AM, Brian Gates briangates@... [UNIMAT] wrote:

From what I have been able to find out machine files are almost impossible to find in the UK, but the Westbury design can use ordinary files at low speeds as well as almost any blades you can make adaptors for. This video shows one in use as well as the holders for conventional files. . Im not sure I like the look of the large central hole any more than the hole in the table of my fretsaw (into which it tries to pull thin materials), but it does mean that files can be inserted tang-up so that they cut on the down stroke.

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

I would put a counterbore in the hole so I could drop in bushes, maybe wood or plastic, slotted or notched to accept blades and files. You would end up with a drawer full of adapters, and eventually you would have one for every occasion.


Keith


---In UNIMAT@..., <briangates@...> wrote :

I haven’t built one Steve, but must admit that I have been researching it (I despair of my filing skills, or rather their absence). I’m holding off right now as my son is shopping for a new lathe, and it would make sense to wait until that arrives before choosing what tooling to make or buy.

From what I have been able to find out machine files are almost impossible to find in the UK, but the Westbury design can use ordinary files at low speeds as well as almost any blades you can make adaptors for. This video shows one in use as well as the holders for conventional files. . I’m not sure I like the look of the large central hole any more than the hole in the table of my fretsaw (into which it tries to pull thin materials), but it does mean that files can be inserted tang-up so that they cut on the down stroke.

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK



Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

I haven’t built one Steve, but must admit that I have been researching it (I despair of my filing skills, or rather their absence). I’m holding off right now as my son is shopping for a new lathe, and it would make sense to wait until that arrives before choosing what tooling to make or buy.

From what I have been able to find out machine files are almost impossible to find in the UK, but the Westbury design can use ordinary files at low speeds as well as almost any blades you can make adaptors for. This video shows one in use as well as the holders for conventional files. . I’m not sure I like the look of the large central hole any more than the hole in the table of my fretsaw (into which it tries to pull thin materials), but it does mean that files can be inserted tang-up so that they cut on the down stroke.

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from for Windows 10


From: UNIMAT@... on behalf of swoodward1@... [UNIMAT]
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 8:12:12 AM
To: UNIMAT@...
Subject: [UNIMAT] RE: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

Brian,


Have you built one of the Hemingway kits? I guess it can all be machined on a Myford and within the home workshop. If so this maybe a nice route. I notice they are saying you can use it for filing also, but wont you need to use special files in the device.


This looks like another project to make a project...


Steve


---In UNIMAT@..., wrote :

Cheers everyone,

I wont bother with the unimat attachment. and shall pop into Machine Mart see what they have.... it seems to be my favourite shop at the moment......

Steve


---In UNIMAT@..., wrote :

Hi Steve.

Axminster and Scheppach (Machine Mart) both sell scroll saws at that price that have variable speed and holders for pinless blades (my cheaper scroll saw is way too fast for metal cutting and I couldn’t find decent pin-end metal cutting blades). On the plus side, more powerful than the Unimat, greater capacity and a better duty cycle, but on the other hand a scroll saw won’t hold its value like a Unimat accessory, which if you don’t like it and sell it on might only cost you the commission and postage, not £150.

It might be worth considering that the scroll saw blade would rock slightly whilst the Unimat attachment moves vertically like a die filer. Probably not that great a problem as you would have to clean up the cut edges anyway. If you do buy a scroll saw (when did we stop saying powered fretsaw), make a top for the table to lift the workpiece as cutting thin metal you will only wear out a small part of the blade, and by raising the table you can use the unworn part.

If you also have access to a larger lathe, you could consider one of these perhaps?

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from for Windows 10

From: Neil Morrison neilsmorr@... [UNIMAT]
Sent: 12 March 2019 00:37
To: UNIMAT@...
Subject: Re: [UNIMAT] Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

These sell for collector prices. IMO you'd be better off buying a purpose made machine, new or used.

You could even, maybe, get a handheld saw and make a little stand up for it to hold it upside down.

You don't want to machine them with the milling attachment?

Neil


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Brian,

Have you built one of the Hemingway kits? I guess it can all be machined on a Myford and within the home workshop. If so this maybe a nice route. I notice they are saying you can use it for filing also, but wont you need to use special files in the device.


This looks like another project to make a project...


Steve


---In UNIMAT@..., <swoodward1@...> wrote :

Cheers everyone,

I wont bother with the unimat attachment. and shall pop into Machine Mart see what they have.... it seems to be my favourite shop at the moment......

Steve


---In UNIMAT@..., <briangates@...> wrote :

Hi Steve.

Axminster and Scheppach (Machine Mart) both sell scroll saws at that price that have variable speed and holders for pinless blades (my cheaper scroll saw is way too fast for metal cutting and I couldn’t find decent pin-end metal cutting blades). On the plus side, more powerful than the Unimat, greater capacity and a better duty cycle, but on the other hand a scroll saw won’t hold its value like a Unimat accessory, which if you don’t like it and sell it on might only cost you the commission and postage, not £150.

It might be worth considering that the scroll saw blade would rock slightly whilst the Unimat attachment moves vertically like a die filer. Probably not that great a problem as you would have to clean up the cut edges anyway. If you do buy a scroll saw (when did we stop saying powered fretsaw), make a top for the table to lift the workpiece as cutting thin metal you will only wear out a small part of the blade, and by raising the table you can use the unworn part.

If you also have access to a larger lathe, you could consider one of these perhaps?

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from for Windows 10

From: Neil Morrison neilsmorr@... [UNIMAT]
Sent: 12 March 2019 00:37
To: UNIMAT@...
Subject: Re: [UNIMAT] Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

These sell for collector prices. IMO you'd be better off buying a purpose made machine, new or used.

You could even, maybe, get a handheld saw and make a little stand up for it to hold it upside down.

You don't want to machine them with the milling attachment?

Neil


Re: new topic: extended x-axis way bars

 

Having drilled the first hole, you could bolt the rods onto the Unimat base, which will hold the rod in the right position for drilling the second one. You could also turn it over and spot through the base to get the spacing right. You just need a little care to avoid enlarging the hole in the base. I would spot through with a centre drill, preferably one that matches the hole in the base.


Keith


---In UNIMAT@..., <roman@...> wrote :

I am late to this question, but I made extended way bars for both axes of my Unimat in order to mount stepper motors on each axis.

You can see pictures (and drawings) in my album (and in the Files section).

I used O1 ground tool steel 12mm bars that I bought at Metal Supermarket (here in Canada).
I used a regular drill press to drill the holes, I drilled and taped the first hole and then I used a long bolt in the hole to properly judge the orientation of the round bar in the vise while drilling the second hole.
It is easier done than described, human eye is a precise tool.

Roman


Re: new topic: extended x-axis way bars

 

I am late to this question, but I made extended way bars for both axes of my Unimat in order to mount stepper motors on each axis.

You can see pictures (and drawings) in my album (and in the Files section).

I used O1 ground tool steel 12mm bars that I bought at Metal Supermarket (here in Canada).
I used a regular drill press to drill the holes, I drilled and taped the first hole and then I used a long bolt in the hole to properly judge the orientation of the round bar in the vise while drilling the second hole.
It is easier done than described, human eye is a precise tool.

Roman




On 08/03/2019 7:50 a.m., William Macy wmkmacy3@... [UNIMAT] wrote:

Thanks group for the sound advice . I’ll contact Tom’s first and proceed accordingly thereafter.

Cheers, Bill


Virus-free.


Re: Unimat Lathe and Mill $375 Austin TX

 

Morning Unimat SL users,

I have contacted the owner of this unit and am making arrangement to pick it up. I own an older version that I use in my wooden toymaking and would like another unit. I am anxious to try the table saw feature.

I have the indexing attachment on my current unit and it helps in stepping off spokes in wheels. I mainly use it for turning wheels for my toys. I hope to create more elaborate models in my retirement.

Denis


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Cheers everyone,

I wont bother with the unimat attachment. and shall pop into Machine Mart see what they have.... it seems to be my favourite shop at the moment......

Steve


---In UNIMAT@..., <briangates@...> wrote :

Hi Steve.

Axminster and Scheppach (Machine Mart) both sell scroll saws at that price that have variable speed and holders for pinless blades (my cheaper scroll saw is way too fast for metal cutting and I couldn’t find decent pin-end metal cutting blades). On the plus side, more powerful than the Unimat, greater capacity and a better duty cycle, but on the other hand a scroll saw won’t hold its value like a Unimat accessory, which if you don’t like it and sell it on might only cost you the commission and postage, not £150.

It might be worth considering that the scroll saw blade would rock slightly whilst the Unimat attachment moves vertically like a die filer. Probably not that great a problem as you would have to clean up the cut edges anyway. If you do buy a scroll saw (when did we stop saying powered fretsaw), make a top for the table to lift the workpiece as cutting thin metal you will only wear out a small part of the blade, and by raising the table you can use the unworn part.

If you also have access to a larger lathe, you could consider one of these perhaps?

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from for Windows 10

From: Neil Morrison neilsmorr@... [UNIMAT]
Sent: 12 March 2019 00:37
To: UNIMAT@...
Subject: Re: [UNIMAT] Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

These sell for collector prices. IMO you'd be better off buying a purpose made machine, new or used.

You could even, maybe, get a handheld saw and make a little stand up for it to hold it upside down.

You don't want to machine them with the milling attachment?

Neil


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

Hi Steve.

Axminster and Scheppach (Machine Mart) both sell scroll saws at that price that have variable speed and holders for pinless blades (my cheaper scroll saw is way too fast for metal cutting and I couldn’t find decent pin-end metal cutting blades). On the plus side, more powerful than the Unimat, greater capacity and a better duty cycle, but on the other hand a scroll saw won’t hold its value like a Unimat accessory, which if you don’t like it and sell it on might only cost you the commission and postage, not £150.

It might be worth considering that the scroll saw blade would rock slightly whilst the Unimat attachment moves vertically like a die filer. Probably not that great a problem as you would have to clean up the cut edges anyway. If you do buy a scroll saw (when did we stop saying powered fretsaw), make a top for the table to lift the workpiece as cutting thin metal you will only wear out a small part of the blade, and by raising the table you can use the unworn part.

If you also have access to a larger lathe, you could consider one of these perhaps?

All the best

Brian Gates

Gillingham (Kent) UK

Sent from for Windows 10

From: Neil Morrison neilsmorr@... [UNIMAT]
Sent: 12 March 2019 00:37
To: UNIMAT@...
Subject: Re: [UNIMAT] Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

These sell for collector prices. IMO you'd be better off buying a purpose made machine, new or used.

You could even, maybe, get a handheld saw and make a little stand up for it to hold it upside down.

You don't want to machine them with the milling attachment?

Neil


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

These sell for collector prices. IMO you'd be better off buying a purpose made machine, new or used.

You could even, maybe, get a handheld saw and make a little stand up for it to hold it upside down.

You don't want to machine them with the milling attachment?

Neil

On 3/11/2019 7:22 AM, swoodward1@... [UNIMAT] wrote:

Hi all,

I'm after a fret saw to allow me to cut some clòck wheels. The material is brass sheet up to 3mm thick. I was just wondering would the SL fret saw attachment be up to the job? I can get one for circa £150.00 but I'm not sure how much a stand alone small fret saw would be...

Steve


Re: Unimat SL - fret saw attachment

 

My opinion is that the Unimat Jig/Fret saw is a little light to work on 3mm thick brass. Cary


Re: Unimat Lathe and Mill $375 Austin TX

 

This is a very late SL1000. Note the black plastic hand wheels. Same as used on the Unimat 3s in 1976.

Cary