Die Filer [Restoration]

This restoration is on a Harvey Manufacturing Corp. Butterfly filing machine from the 1950s-1960s. Also known as a die filer, or its proper pronunciation "defiler", this tool perfectly and quickly moves a file up and down to rapidly remove material. The one I have also has a scroll saw attachment.

I actually used this tool in a previous video, but it kept seizing on me every time I would shut it off and would need a giant wrench to get it moving again. The annoying seizing became too much for me so I decided to restore this machine and fix the problem.

Most parts were in decent condition, but the paint had deteriorated heavily over time.
Due to the numerous brass tags on this tool, I decided to show a few different methods of restoring them. The original filer attachment was missing, but was kindly donated by a sensual viewer.

I would love to find the original files for this machine, but I'll settle for modern replacements that all cut on the downstroke instead of the upstroke, like most files today.

I will definitely be using this machine in the future for a number of projects I have in mind.

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[ericmorrison]

A lot of others say it too, but I have to agree. This is the absolute best restoration channel. From the quirky chaos gremlin running the shop to the incredible restorations. Also, you show how things were meant to be used. You run the item back through its paces. Thanks for being you and the work you do!

[TheRadioShop]

Your skill and humor make this channel the Bob Ross of restorations.

[FromtheSoultotheFretboard]

The seagull bit was the best thing I'd seen in a while. Needed that!!

[BillybobsPainting]

but seriously, thank you for being 1 of the few Actual Restoration youtubers.

[ActualLiteralKyle]

Bro I am DYING this was hilarious from start to finish. The intro, the crazy face, the retching, all of it was just genius.

[Zach_Hazard]

he’s back! Its so good to see the no longer socially distant but still emotionally distant garbage on the floor is okay. I was worried.

[syvarris]

“Babe! The unhinged tool rescue genius posted their latest video! Drop everything!”

[machobunny]

I see that heavy, cast belt guard and think about the stuff we buy today that is considered high quality. Thanks for keeping alive our memories of the long lost tradition of building things to last forever. Your videos inspire several projects in my own shop, and I seriously envy the old tools you are able to find. Excellent work. Thanks much.

[brandonclifton]

My five year old daughter loves your videos. We watch a restoration video each night before bed, and this is our favorite channel.

Sofia says “thank you and keep being funny!”

She really likes the sounds you make when it smells bad! #giggles

[OriginalRitz]

Burnishing that Butterfly name plate is one of the most satisfying things I've ever seen

[doorknob]

its incredible how he used the plastic hand through the whole restoration
sometimes i thought it was his hand but it was really the plastic one!

[botcrack]

I love the intro so much! ❤ It's so unnecessary that it become necessary. He not only restores old tools, he restored my love of late 80's and early 90's sitcom intros

[MattStum]

Because of this channel I mounted a wire wheel in my drill press a couple years back. Turned a never-used boat anchor into an often-used thing of joy.

[eatenkate]

After watching Blondie Hacks build one I, a person who never has had and never will need a die filer, know exactly what all the parts you're pulling (wrestling) out are for. It's like a refresher course in niche, useless knowledge. I love it.

[johnoconnor]

I watch a lot of restoration channels but yours is totally my favorite. No smoke, dude. Occasional chat, sometimes. Always great projects and, this is the whyfore for me, grotty hands. Get in, graft and get it done..brilliant. Thanks

[steveferguson]

That’s a really cool machine and unless I missed it before, I’ve never thought to use a sharpening stone to shine up and clean a badge plate before. Really cool restoration

[paulwomack]

Wow - the precision fits of those shafts (and not just the moving shafts, even the attachment mount points) is impressive.

[nathans]

I'm in Germany and I keep seeing the title for how it's spoken in German: "Dee Filer" . Another perfect video of skill and subtle humor. Thank you!

[ATA]

Sad that so many of the better tools like this are not made any more or are so high priced that getting one is out of most peoples price range. Most of them were not cheep back in the 70's & 80's when I was using them, but you could save a bit each week and still get the older ones so you could have them in your home shop. Now if you buy some of the equipment there selling for a small shop. If you get 5 years out of it, you did not use it much or your good at fixing it. It just seems like you don't see the guy down the street that every one knows, that has a nice shop setup and has the tools to help you fix almost anything you bring him. People just don't fix any thing any more.... Great video, Thanks for taking the time to make it....

[natalieorzame]

You’re the only one who can make me laugh during a disassembly with zero commentary.