File recommendation (replacing beat up Pferds)

[R-mm]

I do auto restoration along with general hobby machining (lathe, mill) and seem to have abused my set of Pferd Machininst's files to death. They had integrated handles and I wonder if a set of independent handle files isn't my next move.

Absent any strong suggestions I was going to do what I often do and put myself in the hands of McMaster-Carr.

I like German tools.

 

[Kscardsfan]

How did the Pferd hold up overall? I’m debating on them or Grobet to have some better options than the beat to death craftsman USA and Nicholson that currently occupy my box.

 

[R-mm]

I’d say good but to be honest I was awful to them. Besides a set of tiny grobet swiss pattern files they are all I got so I use them on anything from rusty steel to painted alum to cast iron etc.

 

[GrantCee]

When it comes to files, the Swiss and Germans make the best. My preference, in rough order, are Grobet, F. ****, and Pferd.

 

[R-mm]

Thanks. Not sure if i clarified but what im
after are American / Machinists pattern in something like 8”

 

[macgee]

I'll say Sweden (old stock) were the best files made by Oberg but they're very hard to find. Ultra hard and ultra flat checking them on a surface plate.

You may want to keep an eye out for new old stock made in USA Simonds, I also have some old stock USA made Nicholson's that are very good (newly made ones are not suggested). I also have Grobet, F. **** and Pferd's but Obergs (pre-Sandvik) are my favorite.

I've heard really good things about these below but a bit pricey but then any really good file worth their weight will be.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CORRADI-CORINOX-Precision-Files-Hand-8-set-of-3/123653964684?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3D130f2b856f67435cb7a62d1c9fc2785d%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D123653963175%26itm%3D123653964684%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithDarwoV3BBEV2b%26brand%3DCorradi&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851

 

[Davefr]

Some of my favorite files have come from garage and estate sales. Usually quality old stock with minimal use and usually priced at about $1/ea. It's easy to find some "keepers".

 

[R-mm]

I am seeing mostly Precision pattern from Grobet and Corradi, do they call "machinist/american" something different?

 

[macgee]

Some of my favorite files have come from garage and estate sales. Usually quality old stock with minimal use and usually priced at about $1/ea. It's easy to find some "keepers".

+1 but much harder to find now a days in excellent condition but still doable if you have the time and patience, they're in now in high demand as more and more people are becoming aware that the old US and Euro files are so much better than the soft and warped new ones being made today that are being passed off as if they're the same as older versions. New Swiss and other euro ones made are still top notch but $$$

I am seeing mostly Precision pattern from Grobet and Corradi, do they call "machinist/american" something different?

Good question, your probably looking for #3+ plus cuts? I forget to mention but trying looking for Swiss made Vallorbe files, they make an industrial line and they're very good but as far as I know they only go up to #3 cut.

Industrial line PDF link:

https://www.vallorbe.com/file.cfm?cmsfile=&contentid=5304

 

[GrantCee]

I am seeing mostly Precision pattern from Grobet and Corradi, do they call "machinist/american" something different?

http://www.grobetusa.com/files-american-pattern/

 

[macgee]

http://www.grobetusa.com/files-american-pattern/

Hey Grant,

I heard Grobet USA sell files from different sources other than Swiss, some good ones from Corradi Italy and some not so good like India. Always want to find the Grobet files with the rabbit logo on the file, they're Swiss Glardon Vallorbe made.

I don't think Grobet USA is associated with Grobet Swiss.

I believe Grobet USA is abusing term "Swiss Files" the vernacular of the which is a type of file but doesn't mean it's made in Swiss. They're being a bit sneaky although they do do sell some files that are made in Swiss.

Mr. F. L. Grobet invented a machine for cutting files in Vallorbe and the Swiss company created by Grobet is now called Vallorbe Swiss and if you go to their website, they have no mention of Grobet USA as an office, distributor or dealer.

Correct me if I'm wrong on that, I was told this a while ago.

I think for the OP, if he can find the right pattern that he likes, he'll be very happy with a Swiss made one like the Glardon Vallorbe's. It's so nice to have a good super sharp hard file, its worth it. It's amazing what you can do with it.

I also believe what the OP is looking for are single cut files with safe sides as opposed to most being double cut?

 

[dnschmidt]

If the Pferd's served you so well for so long why change? If something works for me I keep using it. Buy new Pferd's.

 

[seber]

I occasionally use an old file to make a knife. One thing that stands out about US made files is that the only one currently made from tool steel is Nicholson. The rest seem to be case hardened. If you sharpen your files with acid, you will find those to be worthless.
I love that Oberg wave pattern file. I think I'll see if I can find one of those.

 

[Steve_P]

I don't think Nicholson makes files in the US anymore. Mexico and Brazil was the last I saw. I bought a bunch of USA Nicholsons right when they were moving.
Bahco is well regarded and I think made in Argentina?