Reply To: About file's life.
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Hi Julio
A file should last you quite a long time, especially if you are using a quality file such as a Bahco. Im more familiar with the flat files, but I also use the taper-cut files for sharpening saws. For infrequent use a file can last years. I use Afile files, just because they are a quality product that is available in my country.
When using any file, it is critical that you ony have the file in contact with the steel on the foward stroke away from the file handle, lift it when you pull it bakwards or you will shorten the file’s life span by damaging the teeth. Also use the whole length of the file and all sides evenly, to distribute wear. If you think that a file is not working as well as it should, look at the teeth closely. Are they damaged? Brush any iron filings out of the teeth, all the teeth should stand neatly without any areas of imperfections. The teeth of a good file look clean and undamaged, even from a distange, without blemishes or inconsistancies. Teeth should generally be pointed and not folded over, or missing the tip. Comparing the file visually and in use to a new file could help. Its OK to have quite a lot of damage, but when there is too much its time to get a new file.
In short, files are like shoes. Its difficult to say when to throw one away, or how long they will last as this depends on how often you use it, how much you abuse it, and the innitial quality. With care a file should not be treated as a disposable single use item, but they will wear out before your saws.