The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A filing machine kit is a machining project, not a ready-to-run appliance. The MLA-18 from Metal Lathe Accessories supplies castings, drawings, instructions and some stock, but you must machine and assemble the parts, source additional materials and provide a separate motor. Its maker specifies a one-inch stroke and a downward cutting stroke; those are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance-test results.
What a die filer does
A die filer reciprocates a file vertically so you can file or deburr small workpieces with controlled motion. In the MLA-18, a Scotch-yoke drive moves the file through a one-inch stroke. Metal Lathe Accessories specifies that the cutting stroke is downward and that the seven-inch work table can be set for angular filing. The machine is intended for precision model making and toolmaking, according to the maker.
What the MLA-18 kit includes—and what it does not
The basic MLA-18 kit is a set of components and build information. Metal Lathe Accessories lists four iron castings—the body, table, back plate and yoke—plus four full-size drawing sheets, machining and operating instructions, and rectangular steel bar stock for the table support arms.
The pulley blank, bearing material and hardware packet are listed as optional. The maker also says other flat and bar stock is needed. The motor is separate, so inventory what is included and what you must source before ordering.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium Quality Structure: The whole bench clamp is made of high-quality material with high hardness and stiffness. Designed for long-term service time.
- Powerful Clamping Force: After fine grinding treatment, the surface of the clamp is smooth and flat. Clamping the workpiece without shaking, and the machining accuracy is higher. Jaw Width: 4 inch (100 mm）；Jaw Opening: 4 inch (100 mm）.
- High Accuracy Screw: The screw rod is made of high strength material which is not easy to deform, wear resistance, and achieves smooth rotation. Accurate to 0.002" on parallelism and squareness.
- Reinforced & Adjustable: The solid base and swivel handle make the use more stable and convenient. Easy to operate and improving working efficiency. Maximum clamping force of 19 KN.
- Wide Application: It is an essential tool for fitters. Most work of the fitters is completed by using the clamping vise such as sawing, filing, chiseling, and some assembly and removal jobs.
Check your shop before buying
The maker states that the minimum machine requirement is a lathe with at least nine-inch swing. A milling machine is useful; the maker notes that a T-slot lathe cross slide can serve as an alternative for some setups. A drill press may also help. Confirm that your machines, tooling and workholding can handle the required operations before committing to the kit.
- Check that your lathe meets the stated swing requirement and can hold the castings and stock for machining.
- Review the drawings and instructions to identify operations that need a mill or an alternative setup.
- List the optional items and additional flat and bar stock you will need.
- Plan a separate motor and drive arrangement; the kit does not include the motor.
Plan the drive and file setup
Metal Lathe Accessories says that practically any 1,725-rpm, 1/4-hp motor can drive the MLA-18, and that a smaller motor may also work. Treat this as the maker’s guidance, not a universal motor guarantee; select and mount the drive to suit the machine and your shop setup.
Rank #2
- 【PREMIUM QUALITY STRUCTURE】- The whole bench clamp is made of high-quality iron material with high hardness and stiffness. Designed for long-term service time.
- 【POWERFUL CLAMPING FORCE】- After fine grinding treatment, the surface of the clamp is smooth and flat. Swiveling vise features with the perfectly aligned precision jaw. Maximum clamping force of 29 KN.
- 【360º ROTATING BASE】- Swiveling base increases flexibility when in use. This enables the stationary and stability of workpieces, so they won’t move even slightly if much force has been applied by the fitter.
- 【HIGH ACCURACY SCREW】- The screw rod connected with a universal handle is made of high strength material which is not easy to deform, wear resistance, and achieves smooth rotation.
- 【WIDE APPLICATION】- Precision milling drilling vise, suitable for milling, drilling machine, and precision parts finishing. Most work of the fitters can be completed by using this clamping vise such as sawing, filing, chiseling and some assembly and removal jobs.
The maker says the MLA-18 is nominally designed for Type A files. It also describes adapting other straight-sided, non-tapered files up to 1/4 inch wide or 1/4 inch in diameter by cutting them to length. File compatibility depends on the machine and the file’s size and profile, so follow the MLA-18 instructions for adaptation and clamping rather than assuming any file will fit.
Build planning: a practical sequence
- Inventory the package: Separate the four castings and supplied support-arm stock, then check whether you have ordered the optional pulley blank, bearing material and hardware packet.
- Review the drawings and instructions: Map the machining operations to your available lathe, mill or alternative setups before starting work.
- Source missing materials and the motor: Account for additional flat and bar stock, hardware if not supplied, and a suitable separate drive motor.
- Machine and assemble to the maker’s documentation: Use the provided drawings and instructions for dimensions, machining sequence, file adaptation and assembly.
- Set up and check the machine: Confirm the file is retained correctly and the table is configured for the work before operating the reciprocating drive.
There is no established universal build time or current all-in cost in the available maker and build accounts. Frank Ford’s illustrated account describes additional small parts and material affecting a historical project’s cost, but its old price is not a current estimate.
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Rank #3
- Bastard cut, American pattern flat file
- Ideal for machinists, machinery builders, Ship and engine builders
- Can be used effectively By repairmen and others who require Rapid removal of metal
- Rectangular cross section allows you to smooth and sharpen straight surfaces, while slight taper in width towards the filter's point creates ease of access in slots
- Double-cut on the sides for rough filing and single-cut on the edges for a smooth finish
How the MLA-18 compares with the Martin Model casting set
Martin Model sells a separate die-filer casting set. Its dimensions and contents are not interchangeable specifications for the MLA-18. Compare the actual product details and your shop needs before choosing either route.
| Comparison point | MLA-18 | Martin Model casting set |
|---|---|---|
| Included items and documentation | Four iron castings, four full-size drawing sheets, machining and operating instructions, and rectangular steel bar stock for table support arms. Pulley blank, bearing material and hardware packet are optional. | Fully annealed iron castings and machining/assembly drawings; set versions are offered with or without pulley. Stock and price vary. |
| Stroke and table | One-inch stroke; seven-inch table adjustable for angular filing. | Three-quarter-inch stroke; six-inch square or six-and-a-half-inch round table option. |
| File compatibility | Nominally Type A files; maker says other straight-sided, non-tapered files up to 1/4 inch wide or 1/4 inch diameter can be cut to length and adapted. | Typical three-to-six-inch files with a maximum 3/8-inch shank; files, saws and laps can be used, and common files may need modification. |
| Motor and drive | Motor is separate; maker describes a 1,725-rpm, 1/4-hp motor as suitable. Pulley blank is optional. | Set versions are listed with or without pulley; motor specifications are not stated on the product page. |
| Machine requirements and extra stock | Maker states a lathe with at least nine-inch swing is required. Additional flat and bar stock is needed; a mill is useful. | Machine requirements and additional stock are not stated on the product page. |
| Availability and total build cost | Current availability, shipping and total build cost are not stated in the cited maker information. | Stock and price vary; current availability, shipping and total build cost depend on the listing. |
Which kit route fits your shop?
- Consider the MLA-18 if its one-inch stroke, seven-inch angle-adjustable table and file guidance suit your work, and you have the machining capacity and materials to complete the build.
- Consider the Martin Model set if its shorter stroke, table options and stated file range better match your needs. Confirm the current version and what is included, especially whether the pulley is supplied.
- Compare before ordering by checking castings and documentation, table geometry and adjustment, stroke and file-holder compatibility, drive components, required shop machines, extra stock, availability, shipping and total build cost. The available specifications do not establish that these sets are drop-in equivalents.
For product details, see the Metal Lathe Accessories MLA-18 information and the Martin Model die-filer casting-set listing. For an illustrated historical account of assembling an MLA kit, see Frank Ford’s build account.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【PREMIUM QUALITY STRUCTURE】- The whole bench clamp is made of high-quality material with high hardness and stiffness. Designed for long-term service time.
- 【POWERFUL CLAMPING FORCE】- After fine grinding treatment, the surface of the clamp is smooth and flat. Clamping the workpiece without shaking, and the machining accuracy is higher. Jaw Width: 6" Jaw Opening: 5.9".
- 【HIGH ACCURACY SCREW】- The screw rod is made of high strength material which is not easy to deform, wear resistance, and achieves smooth rotation. Accurate to 0.002" on parallelism and squareness.
- 【REINFORCED & ADJUSTABLE】- The solid base and swivel handle make the use more stable and convenient. Easy to operate and improving working efficiency.
- 【WIDE APPLICATION】- It is an essential tool for fitters. Most work of the fitters is completed by using the clamping vise such as sawing, filing, chiseling, and some assembly and removal jobs.
Rank #4
- Flat file is used by machinists, machinery builders, ship and engine builders, repairmen and others who require rapid removal of metal
- It is rectangular in cross section and taper slightly towards the point in both width and thickness
- Double cut on both sides, single cut on both edges
- Comes in bastard cut type
- Available in American pattern
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
