What is the best tool for the hobby engine builder to use to file the ends of piston rings? I understand that there are a number of trick electric and manually operated ring filers on the market, but I suspect that they're best suited for a shop or high volume engine builder (on a cost-vs-uses basis). Back in the olden days when I rebuilt a number of my 4-cylinder motorcycle engines, I just clamped a clean, sharp flat mill file in a vise and used it to file the ring ends. Is that still the best way to go for the occasional engine builder? Or is there some actual benefit to using a dedicated ring filer? Thanks in advance,
Well Dan, a ring filer is the best, it keeps the ends of the ring square. The manual ones are pretty cheap. I took the handle off mine and chucked it up to a cordless drill, now I have a powered one. The tool is bolted to the bench. P.S. give me a shout when you get a chance. Jim Burek
