Tubing fitment question

[sickcivic95]

What size and style bit are you guys using to "fish mouth" your 3/16 brake line.

Do you prefer a standard drill or endmill 2-3-4 flute?? Or just a small file as this seems to work pretty good????

I've been messing with little pieces to see if I have the skill to make a nice tube chassis and seemingly keep getting e openings to large or am getting buggered up ends when I try. I know different brands of tube have a bit different tolerances for the ID right now I'm using raw uncoated line.

I searched ( admittedly not for long) but couldn't find and specifics on what bit is being used. I'd appreciate any help.

--Dan

[BigSki]

I personally use a small rat tail metal file to make my cope joints.

[sickcivic95]

Originally Posted by BigSki

I personally use a small rat tail metal file to make my cope joints.

Nice, You posted as I was updating my first post, I've seen people using files and others using bits so I wasn't sure what's more common. I've got a full set of small files so maybe I'll try them next.

--Dan

[mtnyote]

I've been thinking of a way to make some sort of notcher for fish mouthing as well. Filing probably works fine, but it would be rad to make fish mouthing a breeze.

[C*H*U*D]

I like 3/16" chain saw files since the diameter is the same through the length of the file.

Here is how I do it:

Best method for holding small pieces of tube while fish mouthing??

[rockhugger]

When I started working with 3/16 and 1/4 in. brake line circa' 2006'. I came up with an idea that this thread just reminded me of. I had a scrap piece of 2x4 approx. 3-4 in. long that I drilled 3/16 hole or slightly larger than- along the 2in. side in the center about 1-1.5 in. from the edge, I then ran a cut from the edge to the hole. This allows me to load my tube, clamp the 2x4 in the vise gently (doesn't take much) cinching down on the tube, not crushing it since the wood has 100% even contact around the tube. Similar to an axle vice.

This holds even the smallest pieces stable and straight while you file at it.

I'll try to get pictures, this week if anyone is interested in how it looks. I'll confirm the hole size also, either 3/16 or slightly larger to allow clamping.

[7echo]

Originally Posted by mtnyote

I've been thinking of a way to make some sort of notcher for fish mouthing as well. Filing probably works fine, but it would be rad to make fish mouthing a breeze.

Something like the ones Northern Tool etc sell but scaled or re-worked to dremel size would be cool. Not sure if it would be worth the trouble tho, guys seem to make it work well with the file technique.

[C*H*U*D]

I've made fixtures before for when I've needed exact lengths made. This is often required if you need a certain feature square or straight.

This is on a 1/4" Solid Aluminum Tube chassis I was working on years ago, but the idea is the same:

Yet another PSC Build