The set of diamond files I use for shaping the tiprail is (I believe)
at fault here, but I could be wrong. I have some new files on order,
but was just wondering if anyone else had this problem.

I have tried different shapes as well - small flat, small triangle,
half-round (all using the flat side). The one that seems to work the
best is the wider flat file.
Now I know this takes YEARS of practice to get right... in fact, it
did a Brilhart LA Stainless with them and it came out great. I just
wonder if the combination of diamond files and plastic are causing
this...?

Patrick, without a doubt, the baffle/tip rail is the most difficult part 
of mouthpiece work.  I use a file that is flat on one side (and I use 
the flat side) and rounded on the other, and is pointed.  I use the area 
of the file about 1/2" back from the point that is about 1/8" wide or 
so.  I move the file in small circular or oval motion, rather than back 
and forth, which causes it to notch the baffle and make a jagged tip rail.

Paul

Patrick wrote:

> The set of diamond files I use for shaping the tiprail is (I believe)
> at fault here, but I could be wrong. I have some new files on order,
> but was just wondering if anyone else had this problem.
>
> I have tried different shapes as well - small flat, small triangle,
> half-round (all using the flat side). The one that seems to work the
> best is the wider flat file.
> Now I know this takes YEARS of practice to get right... in fact, it
> did a Brilhart LA Stainless with them and it came out great. I just
> wonder if the combination of diamond files and plastic are causing
> this...?
>
>
>
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Because it does take a lot of practice, this is why I offered a while 
back the Runyon Model 22 and other pieces... for practice fodder.  Some 
guys bought these and made some good playing pieces from them.

I will bet some guys were quite surprised by the brand names stamped on 
some them.

But I know of no way to learn but by doing, and yes, messing some up.  
If you aren't willing to crash a few times, you will not learn to fly 
model airplanes, and even pro golfers lose some balls. 

But after a while you will get better, and better.

Oh, keep a "file card" handy (from Ferree's) and clean the teeth of the 
file often.

Paul

Patrick wrote:

> The set of diamond files I use for shaping the tiprail is (I believe)
> at fault here, but I could be wrong. I have some new files on order,
> but was just wondering if anyone else had this problem.
>
> I have tried different shapes as well - small flat, small triangle,
> half-round (all using the flat side). The one that seems to work the
> best is the wider flat file.
> Now I know this takes YEARS of practice to get right... in fact, it
> did a Brilhart LA Stainless with them and it came out great. I just
> wonder if the combination of diamond files and plastic are causing
> this...?
>
>
>
> Got a Mouthpiece Work question?  Send it to MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
>
> Visit the site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork to see 
> the Files, Photos and Bookmarks relating to Mouthpiece Work.
>
> To see and modify your groups, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>     * To visit your group on the web, go to:
>       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork/
>        
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>        
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>       Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
>
>

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the response and helpful hints as always...
Can I take it from below that you do NOT use diamond files for this?
If not, have you ever? Can't wait to get my new (regular) files to see
if it helps...

> Oh, keep a "file card" handy (from Ferree's) and clean the teeth of the 
> file often.
> 
> Paul

I don't use diamond files for this baffle work. 

Paul

Patrick wrote:

> Hi Paul,
> Thanks for the response and helpful hints as always...
> Can I take it from below that you do NOT use diamond files for this?
> If not, have you ever? Can't wait to get my new (regular) files to see
> if it helps...
>
> > Oh, keep a "file card" handy (from Ferree's) and clean the teeth of the
> > file often.
> >
> > Paul
>
>
>
>
> Got a Mouthpiece Work question?  Send it to MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
>
> Visit the site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork to see 
> the Files, Photos and Bookmarks relating to Mouthpiece Work.
>
> To see and modify your groups, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups
>
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I have a set of diamond files that I occassionally use on Stainless 
Steel.  But I have found that they can leave deep scratches that are 
difficult to sand out.  More often, I wrap 220 grit paper around 
files for the SS work.

On non-SS I use med-fine and med-coarse needle files.    Lately, I've 
been favoring a 1/8" x 1/8" cross section med-fine file for tip rail 
work.  But the shape Paul describe is a "must have" general purpose 
file.

I got my new 3mm files in today and tried them on the plastic mpc's.
Amazing difference - I might be able to actually do this!!!
Conclusion - use diamond files on metal only. (for me)

I find the bigger flat file works best for me. If I use the tapered
file I get mixed results...

Thanks to all who helped!