At 07:42 AM 09/30/1999 -0700, Pat Neely wrote: > > 1. what is the cuts per inch on the ideal file for hammer tails I stopped trying to roughen the tails as soon as I built a jig for shaping tails in an arc, according to Bill Spurlock's plans. Checking has been excellent every time I've used this jig, even when the tails felt extremely smooth. I feel now that if hammer tails need roughening it implies that the geometry of the tails and backchecks is wrong, and/or the shape of the tails is poor. Tails can be reshaped with a sanding disk and Bill's jig, even after they have been glued to the shanks. Backchecks are generally mounted at a 72 degree angle, which can be checked with a simple gauge made of cardboard or thin wood. Also, smooth tails save the backcheck leather. Bill is selling a deluxe version of this jig, which can be used either on new hammers, or on hammers already mounted, and which I heartily recommend. Susan Kline
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