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Author Topic: Aperture Plate File Sean McKinnon Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1712 From: Peabody Massachusetts Registered: Sep 2000 posted 03-24-2010 01:16 PM                        Does anyone know where I can order a good file to use on aperture plates? Someplace where I could order online or over the phone with a credit card would be preferred.  |  IP: Logged Tony Bandiera Jr Film God Posts: 3067 From: Moreland Idaho Registered: Apr 2004 posted 03-24-2010 01:24 PM                     Lavezzi Machine works sells them, I don't have the web addy handy but you can find them on Google search. Be ready to spend some money though they are expensive. I strongly suggest you get their trap alignment gauge (I think it's part # AG-1) to check alignment of film trap lateral guide rollers and the intermittant sprocket. Worth it's weight in gold for helping to eliminate image weave and film damage. The steel film is handy for checking the film path and aligning outboard readers, film cleaners and reel arms.  |  IP: Logged David Zylstra Master Film Handler Posts: 432 From: Novi, MI, USA Registered: Mar 2007 posted 03-24-2010 01:47 PM                     I use an auger bit file for about $10 - the edges are triangular so you can get into the corners easy and alternating surfaces do not have teeth on them so you can file into a corner without messing the adjacent edge up. Link to one online store  |  IP: Logged Sean McKinnon Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1712 From: Peabody Massachusetts Registered: Sep 2000 posted 03-24-2010 01:48 PM                        Awesome! Thanks Tony!  |  IP: Logged Ian Parfrey Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1049 From: Imbil Australia 26 deg 27' 42.66" S 152 deg 42' 23.40" E Registered: Feb 2009 posted 03-24-2010 02:18 PM                     I once lost my aperture file so I ransacked the partner's beauty case where I found a diamond stainless nail file that is perfect for the job. Because the cutting surface is industrial diamond, and the file is broad and flat, filing apertures is a snap... ... and if the better half threatens murder undignified, you can buy these nail files for a dollar or two at discount shops. Good filing  |  IP: Logged Scott Norwood Film God Posts: 8146 From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas) Registered: Jun 99 posted 03-24-2010 02:27 PM                        I second the recommendation for the Lavezzi files. I spent way too long working with cheesy hardware-store files (ever tried cutting a silent plate with those?) before breaking down and spending the $$$ on the Lavezzi files. It's a night-and-day difference.  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 03-24-2010 04:20 PM                     https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGIPortalWeb/WebSource/ProductDisplay/globalProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=NCH00258 this is what we use up here it can't be beat  |  IP: Logged Sean McKinnon Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1712 From: Peabody Massachusetts Registered: Sep 2000 posted 03-24-2010 04:30 PM                        Thanks for all the suggestions. I went with the Lavezzi. I love thier website you can order almost any projector part for a century/simplex machine it's great!  |  IP: Logged Jeremy Weigel Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1062 From: Edmond, OK, USA Registered: Mar 2007 posted 03-24-2010 04:32 PM                     I use precision files from Ace Hardware. Work great for me. There's even one in there that has a smooth edge for cutting those crisp corners. I had a tech with Regal that used jewelers' files.  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 03-24-2010 05:40 PM                     Just so you know Sean...any LaVezzi dealer can sell you LaVezzi stuff for less than the on-line store. I don't know about others, but WE take credit cards. Steve  |  IP: Logged Sean McKinnon Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1712 From: Peabody Massachusetts Registered: Sep 2000 posted 03-24-2010 06:07 PM                        Thats great Steve... in the future I will do my shopping on-line and order through you Does cardinal sound have a website?  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 03-24-2010 07:18 PM                     Please note...that was not a sales pitch for us, in particular...just an example. We do have a very laughably bad web site...I call it a place holder. It is one of those "get to" things. We still work the old fashion way...phone (and email for me). Note, many manufacturers have web stores...generally, however, you are paying full-tilt list. Steve  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 03-24-2010 07:28 PM                     All I've ever used for 32 years is the LaVezzi file and a nibbling tool. Sometimes a step drill helps out if you are starting with a pinhole aperature... which I happen to prefer... There are other tool places that sell an almost exact replica of the LaVezzi file... for alot more $$$ Note: I have tried many other technicians gimmiky file sets and always ended up finding out why they couldn't cut a clean hole... I always ended up runnning for my LaVezzi! quote: Steve Guttag Please note...that was not a sales pitch for us, in particular...just an example. Why not... yous guys are ok... A small sales pitch once in a while is fine by me!!  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 03-24-2010 10:34 PM                        Total agreement with Mark on LaVezzi files. And PLeeesee buy through your local dealer. He makes a buck and you save money, too. Louis  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 03-24-2010 11:58 PM                     What projector is this for? If it is for a Christie, Target (and probably Wal-Mart) sells a nail file by Revlon with a fine and course alternating sides for about $2 that works miracles with the Christie apertures. They work pretty decent for the Strong stuff as well, but if you are doing something like Kinoton forget it. Regardless of the type of aperture, there is a particular type of file that is an absolute must for getting nice square corners and for getting perfect smoothing. I don't know who makes it, but I have always picked them up from American Cinema Equipment. (For all I know this is a Lavezzi file.) I'll have to get a picture of it when I am back in town. If I think about it I'll get a picture of some sample apertures with the masking open and no film in the gate to show you the capabilities of this file.  |  IP: Logged

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