What's everyone using to file piston rings?

Looking to start assembling the 514 and was curious what you guys are using to file rings? Hand file? Hand operated ring filer? Electric ring filer tool?

Let me know what works best...

Hand operated ring filer.
The electric deals are cool but ...$s.

I use a hand operated ring filer. The electrics are a little too unforgiving to me...

Lol Lem beat me to the punch...

Lem Evans wrote:Hand operated ring filer.
The electric deals are cool but ...$s.

X2

I hold the ring in two hands and use a sharp fine file clamped in a vice.

I have an ABS ring filer to use for Dykes and thin rings but for 1/16" and thicker it's just to slow.

jbozzelle wrote:Looking to start assembling the 514 and was curious what you guys are using to file rings? Hand file? Hand operated ring filer? Electric ring filer tool?

Let me know what works best...

John,as you probably already know,which ever way you choose,make sure the ring is held square while filing and before installing on piston make sure you smooth off all sharp edges.

I have used many ring filers over the years. Started out useing the hand file and vice deal, then upgraded to the hand crank deal, and several of the electric ones. I wouldn't sell my "Goodson" electric ring filer !!! By far the best ring filer on the market. Not the most expensive, but the best as far as accuracy, speed, repeatability goes. It probably wouldn't pay to buy one for just a couple of engines, but if you plan on doing several, it is my choice !!

bbf-falcon wrote:

jbozzelle wrote:Looking to start assembling the 514 and was curious what you guys are using to file rings? Hand file? Hand operated ring filer? Electric ring filer tool?

Let me know what works best...

John,as you probably already know,which ever way you choose,make sure the ring is held square while filing and before installing on piston make sure you smooth off all sharp edges.

Kind of difficult to "square up" a round part now isn't it?

as stated I also use a 25 dollar jegs hand filer, done many sets, rind seal always been awsome..........just do one side and go slow.

I use a Proform electric deal, works fine. Alot better than doing them by hand.....

jbozzelle wrote:

bbf-falcon wrote:

jbozzelle wrote:Looking to start assembling the 514 and was curious what you guys are using to file rings? Hand file? Hand operated ring filer? Electric ring filer tool?

Let me know what works best...

John,as you probably already know,which ever way you choose,make sure the ring is held square while filing and before installing on piston make sure you smooth off all sharp edges.

Kind of difficult to "square up" a round part now isn't it?

No,not really. If you don't know how to keep it square ,you'd better learn

As has been said, go slow even with the hand crank type, you can take off to much in a hurry. You can always take more off but you can't put it back on ..................

Gonna order a hand one tonight.

What's the rule of thumb for the gap? .004 per inch of bore?

IDT-572 wrote:As has been said, go slow even with the hand crank type, you can take off to much in a hurry. You can always take more off but you can't put it back on ..................

yep, even with my superhuman building skilz I got one or two a few thou bigger than I wanted.............didnt seem to matter much lol.

Superhuman or superhero?

Ten inch hand grinder

wood rasp!

6"cutoff wheel.

jbozzelle wrote:Gonna order a hand one tonight.

What's the rule of thumb for the gap? .004 per inch of bore?

This all depends on the piston (type & material) and the ring manufacturer's instructions for the particular rings you’re using.

72mav wrote:Ten inch hand grinder

Curt wrote:wood rasp!

cool40 wrote:6"cutoff wheel.

Hell why not a set of side cutters or tin shears.

before I had the hand grinder I just used my beard stuble............

richter69 wrote:before I had the hand grinder I just used my beard stuble............

I didn't know you raised turkeys!?

95lightiningguy wrote:

72mav wrote:Ten inch hand grinder

Curt wrote:wood rasp!

cool40 wrote:6"cutoff wheel.

Hell why not a set of side cutters or tin shears.

That's what I used tonight. That and a hand planer to knock the burrs down.

jbozzelle wrote:

95lightiningguy wrote:

72mav wrote:Ten inch hand grinder

Curt wrote:wood rasp!

cool40 wrote:6"cutoff wheel.

Hell why not a set of side cutters or tin shears.

That's what I used tonight. That and a hand planer to knock the burrs down.

Wow she must have been a burly one.......