files and uses

[rob0781]

What are some different uses for different types of files? I have mill and round and half round and have know idea what are some common uses and whats the proper way to use them? Push away or pull towards me.

 

[jakemac]

What are some different uses for different types of files? I have mill and round and half round and have know idea what are some common uses and whats the proper way to use them?

Mostly the different shapes are to fit into different profiles on the work surface being filed. Although, there are some files that are designed for specific jobs.

Push away or pull towards me.

Files are cut so that the cutting action takes place in an away motion. Or more appropriately, away from the handle end (it's possible to turn the file around to get to an awkward area and pull towards you). Cut, lift, return, repeat. Never use a sawing motion. Dragging the file back across the surface will round off the "teeth" of the file and cause it to dull faster.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

jakemac got it right.

I did a short write up on files here, Post # 45,47,& 51.....http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204880&page=3

 

[foodgroup]

What are some different uses for different types of files? I have mill and round and half round and have know idea what are some common uses and whats the proper way to use them? Push away or pull towards me.

There is a nice old pamphlet by Nicholson called File Filosophy if you want to get really into it.


Just google for "file filosophy pdf". It's good stuff!

 

[bwringer]

There are a BUNCH of great shop and machining videos on Youtube from "tubalcain". Anyway, he has a a couple of very thorough ones on files that will answer all your questions.

Part 1:

Part 2:

 

[justme-]

Lots of info on files out there, I still refer to a Ford published instruction manual from 1942 to teach mechanics (as in tool mechanics and machine shop apprentices) how to use tools. On soft metal, like aluminum you should slightly drag back the file which, according to this book, will help dislodge any stuck material from the file teeth. For anything harder than Aluminum you only touch the file to the work on the cut which is the push stroke. all files should also have a handle - the file's tang is not a handle and in certain circumstances a file without a handle is dangerous to your hand.

 

[rob0781]

Thanks for all the replies. Got all the info needed, much appreciated!

 

[Tucko]

Always down and away. I had a co-worker many years ago who was pulling a file up towards himself on a large piece of sheet metal. Someone else pulled on the other side of the sheet, of course, making the file slip off the metal and come up and slap himself in the forehead. "Mr. Wrinklehead" got to lead the next safety meeting.

 

[Tinner]

Files are the best tool to sharpen chisels. No danger of overheating, easy to get exactly the edge you need. Great for lawnmower blades, too.

 

[theknurl]

Files are the best tool to sharpen chisels. No danger of overheating, easy to get exactly the edge you need. Great for lawnmower blades, too.

??????

most of my chisels are too hard for my ~300 files....

learn to use your bench grinder......coarse wheel 1st

I do all wood chisels and plane blades (except gouges and draw knives) on an Apex 16" disc with 36 grit to start.....use a welding magnet to keep them square to the disc

then to the fine wheel on the Baldor and then to the buffer with N-555 stainless polish......

bleeping scary sharp

 

[Tinner]

??????

most of my chisels are too hard for my ~300 files....


:

May be you need one good file. I dunno, a machinist taught me to do it decades ago. I use a grinder to rough them out if they're real bad, finish them with a file. Wood chisels I sharpen on bench stones, but I rarely do woodwork.

I've never met a cold chisel as hard as a file. I have a set of Mac chisels that are harder than most. They came with a card telling you to sharpen them with a file. I have a few special punches that I ground out of tooling for a turret punch. Those you can't file.