Bump key guide/clamp ?

[nozza36]

Is there such a thing (such as a vise jaw insert) which can be used to
help guide files when filing a random or blank key down to a bump key
as when i attempt to make one , my cuts always seem to go off on
a tangent and my key looks like a chocolate coin a mastiff spat out !

[awol70]

Is there such a thing (such as a vise jaw insert) which can be used to
help guide files when filing a random or blank key down to a bump key
as when i attempt to make one , my cuts always seem to go off on
a tangent and my key looks like a chocolate coin a mastiff spat out !

i don't know of a jig, but before i had clippers or a keypunch, i always marked my depth and spacing with a scribe.
you can then take your cuts slightly forward from your spacing marks,as to engage the key pins
before the key is fully inserted.
makes for joyous bumping...=p

[nozza36]

Thanks Awol , that makes so much sense , forward spacing is
the way to go !

Is there such a thing (such as a vise jaw insert) which can be used to
help guide files when filing a random or blank key down to a bump key
as when i attempt to make one , my cuts always seem to go off on
a tangent and my key looks like a chocolate coin a mastiff spat out !

Straight filing comes with basic hand skills. The more you do it, and the more you correct yourself before you've make a big mistake, the better you will get at it. There are no shortcuts, just many wasted keys.

[nozza36]

I could do with a vise i suppose !

[magician59]

I could do with a vise i suppose !

A vise may do the job, but a file will certainly cut faster. Sorry...I couldn't leave that one alone!