Decking Jig Matrix Precision Tips?

[Psychbiker]

I've filed the frame down to .3515 currently. I'm concerned because if I press a little harder on the digital calipers it wil lsay .3465.

When using the decking jig, the directions say to file until the files stop biting and skip across the hardened steel inserted guide rods, is that what everyone did?

I may have stopped early worrying that I was going to go too far.

[ar15barrels]

I'm concerned because if I press a little harder on the digital calipers it wil lsay .3465.

Get some gauge blocks and learn to use your calipers to get proper measurements.
Then continue on with your project.

[Sam Culper]

You should be pushing down on calipers about as hard as you would right before the "click" of a retractable pen.

[Rational1]

I've filed the frame down to .3515 currently. I'm concerned because if I press a little harder on the digital calipers it wil lsay .3465.

When using the decking jig, the directions say to file until the files stop biting and skip across the hardened steel inserted guide rods, is that what everyone did?

I may have stopped early worrying that I was going to go too far.

I try to make the height of the hardened rods about .350, so you would have .002 of sanding room to smooth out the file marks. I would file right to the rods. I carefully measure each jig with a pretty good set up, so I know the height should be right at that number +- .001

Please note the dustcover will be probably be high after filing and sanding, so you will have to hand file it to fit your slide.

Without really good calipers or height gauge, and good technique, it can be difficult to get accurate measurements.

I am assuming you didn't buy a copy from 1911builders, because I have no idea of the accuracy of their copy.

[Psychbiker]

Any thoughts on sanding down the bed of the decking jig .001-.004 in case the rods are too deep? I filed until my file started skipping and thing it took off too much. That wasn't the only reason why my frame is not toast but one of them.

[Rational1]

Any thoughts on sanding down the bed of the decking jig .001-.004 in case the rods are too deep? I filed until my file started skipping and thing it took off too much. That wasn't the only reason why my frame is not toast but one of them.

Sanding down the bed of the decking jig doesn't change the relationship between the top of the jig rods and the location of the pin. Only shimming the rods up will add height to the rails, which is what I think you think you need.

I've filed the frame down to .3515 currently. I'm concerned because if I press a little harder on the digital calipers it wil lsay .3465.

I repeat, unless you have very good measuring tools and good technique, you actually have no way of knowing what your measurement is, sorry, that is just a fact. If you want me to measure your frame in a height gauge, I would be happy to do that for you, assuming you bought the jig from me.

[Psychbiker]

Yeah the decking jig and a bunch of tools were ordered from Matrix Precision. So digital calipers aren't good enough now? Not trying to start a debate or argument as I'm not a machinist however, isn't the idea that these jigs can be used by the 'typical' guy who doesn't have access to a milling machine or $300+ dollar measuring equipment?

I can use very accurate micrometers and measure the height from the bottom of the jig to top of the rods and let you know what that is. My decking jig could possibly be off.

[ar15barrels]

So digital calipers aren't good enough now?

Calipers are as good as the user using them.
They are also as bad as the user using them.

That's why I said to get yourself some gauge blocks and learn how to get good measurements BEFORE you believe your measurements.