Damaging Files

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  • Anthony Greitzer
    12 March 2017 at 1:42 am #310040

    Just wondered what damages the grooves in a file. I have Paul’s latest book and already looked through the file section.

    FrankM
    13 March 2017 at 6:47 pm #310127

    In my limited experience I’ve found a few things. First, the file should only be in contact with the metal in one direction. Don’t rub it back and forth. The there is the matter of using it to file a piece of aluminum. This will clog up the teeth but they can be cleaned by scrubbing the grooves with a piece of copper. Of course the harder the metal you are filing the quicker the teeth will dull. Lastly, Paul has commented several times that the quality of new files has been degrading. “They don’t make them like they used to”.
    Personally, I stay away from Harbor freight and the big box stores when buying files. MBA’s have cheapened everything they sell. Lee Valley has worked out well for me.

    Philipp J.
    13 March 2017 at 7:30 pm #310128

    Pretty much the first thing i ever was taught on Files was that you never ever pull the File towards you, a File only cuts on the Push-stroke pulling it back will dull it and ruin a good File.

    Of course it depends on the Material you are trying to work, as a rule of thumb take an older file and see if it bites into whatever you are working, if it glides off/over then you know its too hard.

    As for cleaning go to your local hardware store and pick up a File Card alternatively a somewhat stiff plastic brush works aswell.

    oh and before i forget, dont store files in a drawer on top of each other, they should never touch each other. If you dont have any other space then at least wrap them in paper or something to protect them from other Files or whatever else is flying around the drawer.

    ehisey
    13 March 2017 at 9:01 pm #310132

    Pretty much anything that can bang in to the edge of “tooth” can damage a file. The downside of being hard enough to cut metal is they are also on the brittle side.

    Hugo Notti
    13 March 2017 at 9:33 pm #310135

    Files are made from hardened steel, and they are quite brittle. you can hardly bend a file, you can only break it. And banging a file with or against some other hard matter can chip off teeth or corners. Apart from that, the worst enemy of files is rust, so keep them away from humidity or even apply a little bit of oil.

    I use a brass or steel brush to clean my files after use. Steel especially when I have filed soft metals like aluminium, or when I cannot find the brass brush. I don’t think, any “softer” cleaning method is needed, when the main task of filing is to maintain woodworking hand tools or the occasional filing of wood.

    I don’t think, lifting the file on the way back is efficient. Press it down on the active stroke, then slide back without any pressure. This way, you will have a consistant movement and do the work more efficiently.

    All this is my opinion and backed by a friend who is a skilled metalworker. It works for me, but you can follow any other opinion. I don’t think, there is a final truth to this. It is probably best to know, how files work and draw your own conclusions.

    Dieter

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by Hugo Notti.
    rustifer
    22 March 2017 at 11:40 pm #310410

    Something i read and found to be true is,
    With a new file to rub each cutting face on a piece of brass (which is soft) this refines the teeth and extends the life of the file considerably.

    Richard Guggemos
    27 March 2017 at 11:29 am #310587

    Re files and rust….

    I know some folks who swear by burying their dull files in the garden. Supposedly the oxidation that occurs over time will restore an edge to same.

    Haven’t tried it yet for myself, but have some candidates.

    Rick G.

    Hugo Notti
    27 March 2017 at 7:37 pm #310605

    [quote quote=310587]Re files and rust….]

    I know some folks who swear by burying their dull files in the garden. Supposedly the oxidation that occurs over time will restore an edge to same.

    Haven’t tried it yet for myself, but have some candidates.

    Rick G.

    [/quote]

    I think, you have to do that during the waxing moon, then dig them out right at full moon. Otherwise, the teeth will become smaller 😀

    Seriously, why would oxidation ( = rusting ) restore any teeth or any iron shape? Perhaps these files do some more abrasion again with the adhering dirt, or they are now sharper, than the files, the person has used in the meantime.

    Dieter

    hmmm, does anyone know the correct syntax for quoting? The forum doesn’t do it properly by itself.

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 5 months ago by Hugo Notti.
    • This reply was modified 6 years, 5 months ago by Hugo Notti.
    Anthony Greitzer
    30 March 2017 at 1:09 am #310736

    Thanks everyone! This was a huge help. I’m definitely doing some wrong things to my files.

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