Quality Files
- Thread starter Sydney1942
- Start date
- Location
- SE corner Sk
I know lee valley sell quality files. Might try there?
You could ask a local machine shop where they buy their files.
You could ask a local machine shop where they buy their files.
It's really difficult to find a decent file these days.
One thing most people no longer understand, is how to use a file properly.
I had to take my grandson aside a few days ago and show him how to use a file properly, store it properly and clean it properly.
A file should never have pressure applied to it on the back stroke. Apply pressure on the FORWARD stroke only. LIFT the file off the work for the back stroke
Applying pressure on the back stroke will cause the cutting edge to "fold" and no longer be able to cut as the cutting edge no longer has the proper angle to bite into the material being worked on.
Often, especially with soft materials like aluminum or brass and even soft\cast steel or pot metal the material removed will "stick'' to the file, being jammed into the grooves. You need to remove this buildup as it gets progressively worse and ends up marring a relatively smooth surface, requiring extra effort to finish properly. You need a "FILE CARD" to clean out this buildup regularly.
Some folks use a wire brush but that can cause issues as well with the sharp edges. Don't use a wire wheel on a motor, that will ruin a file on the first pass.
Proper storage, where the files don't touch each other and won't rust is also very important.
If possible, files should be in a drawer, not touching. When files rub against each other, they dull or get chipped. Hanging them separately works as well.
Files should be cleaned before storing and a quick wipe down or blow down with compressed air will usually do the job.
Make sure to keep the files DRY. RUST destroys the cutting edges on files.
If you plan on storing the files for a few months, an oily rag or even a light coat of varsol before putting away will keep them from rusting.
I buy my files from the UK, Tracy Tools.
Canadian Tire, Princess Auto etc do not carry good quality files.
I have files I use regularly that are 20+ years old and they still cut just fine.
Files like Faust, Starret, etc are very good and will last a long time with general use and proper care.
When I was still on the job, there was a part of the factory where files were being used constanty by people poorly trained. They went through a lot of files.
The "operators" would apply pressure both directions, and only use the front 5 cm of the blade. I'm talking about 30cm blades and 12 cm blades mostly.
Expensive files, that were often thrown into the scrap metal bins after a single day of use. Mostly Nicholsons.
Being the scrounger I am, I would rescue these files, clean them up and take them home. I still have a stockpile of those files. Of course that was an unusual situation, but well worth taking advantage of.
One thing most people no longer understand, is how to use a file properly.
I had to take my grandson aside a few days ago and show him how to use a file properly, store it properly and clean it properly.
A file should never have pressure applied to it on the back stroke. Apply pressure on the FORWARD stroke only. LIFT the file off the work for the back stroke
Applying pressure on the back stroke will cause the cutting edge to "fold" and no longer be able to cut as the cutting edge no longer has the proper angle to bite into the material being worked on.
Often, especially with soft materials like aluminum or brass and even soft\cast steel or pot metal the material removed will "stick'' to the file, being jammed into the grooves. You need to remove this buildup as it gets progressively worse and ends up marring a relatively smooth surface, requiring extra effort to finish properly. You need a "FILE CARD" to clean out this buildup regularly.
Some folks use a wire brush but that can cause issues as well with the sharp edges. Don't use a wire wheel on a motor, that will ruin a file on the first pass.
Proper storage, where the files don't touch each other and won't rust is also very important.
If possible, files should be in a drawer, not touching. When files rub against each other, they dull or get chipped. Hanging them separately works as well.
Files should be cleaned before storing and a quick wipe down or blow down with compressed air will usually do the job.
Make sure to keep the files DRY. RUST destroys the cutting edges on files.
If you plan on storing the files for a few months, an oily rag or even a light coat of varsol before putting away will keep them from rusting.
I buy my files from the UK, Tracy Tools.
Canadian Tire, Princess Auto etc do not carry good quality files.
I have files I use regularly that are 20+ years old and they still cut just fine.
Files like Faust, Starret, etc are very good and will last a long time with general use and proper care.
When I was still on the job, there was a part of the factory where files were being used constanty by people poorly trained. They went through a lot of files.
The "operators" would apply pressure both directions, and only use the front 5 cm of the blade. I'm talking about 30cm blades and 12 cm blades mostly.
Expensive files, that were often thrown into the scrap metal bins after a single day of use. Mostly Nicholsons.
Being the scrounger I am, I would rescue these files, clean them up and take them home. I still have a stockpile of those files. Of course that was an unusual situation, but well worth taking advantage of.
Jonnyofalltrades
Regular
- Location
- North-central Saskatchewan
You won't regret spending a bit more on a really good file. Nicholson are fine, not as good as they once were. My favorites are Grobet. Do yourself a favor and grind a safe edge on it.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
When I was an apprentice at a mine in the 1980's - the tradesman said that I wanted Nicholson brand files. From the Purchasing Manager there, was at least one maintenance contractor that we hired and we would supply the hand tools - that contract specified Nicholson brand files. So, when I retired, I decided to "spurge" and buy a set - unfolding the package - "Made in Mexico"; "Made in Brazil" - in the same set! - visibly wavy edges, uneven "teeth" - but they had that almighty "Nicholson" brand name, so I suppose they are just as good as the ones the guys used 30 and 40 years ago - or not.
Not even close!
I have an older Nicholson file (15-ish yrs) and a new-er one ca 5 years. Same as Potashminer, the old one is Made in USA - the newer one is Made in Mexico. Gotta shop carefully - read anything attached or on a box/shelf/whatever. Too many products have 'sold the rights' to their 'Good Name' to OffShore mfrs.
Few yrs ago I was at a close out sale, and bought some NOS tools and tooling, went for a lathe
Came home with a box full of files, new in sealed boxes, Nicholdon, Grobet and these made in Ca. Globe, as well as Simmons that is Canada as well, closed now . They made good blades and files . Black diamond, Ca some are The box is not great but label is , as are the files.
I have a weakness for old tools , Stanley planes and such.
Some of the boxes had the metal corners on them. Have sold most to a couple other tool collectors that like good box stuff.
I have been using a couple flat bastard for 10-15 yrs. Lots of others for other "rough" work.
Newer ones don't seem to cut it.
Came home with a box full of files, new in sealed boxes, Nicholdon, Grobet and these made in Ca. Globe, as well as Simmons that is Canada as well, closed now . They made good blades and files . Black diamond, Ca some are The box is not great but label is , as are the files.
I have a weakness for old tools , Stanley planes and such.
Some of the boxes had the metal corners on them. Have sold most to a couple other tool collectors that like good box stuff.
I have been using a couple flat bastard for 10-15 yrs. Lots of others for other "rough" work.
Newer ones don't seem to cut it.
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Files for what? Wood/metal? geometry? cut type?
You can't go wrong with Nicholson and/or Grobet.
KBC carries a decent number of Nicholson American cut (I don't think Nicholson make a Swiss cut) half rounds, flats and tri square - but nothing specialized
Gesswin carries a fair selection of Grobet Swiss Cut files, but are insanely expensive.
Lee Valley carries Auriou and Liogier rasps (get your wallet out) - in case you were looking for wood cutting.
If you are looking for crossing, barrette, checkering, knife .... anything like that, umm good luck.
Let me know if you ever trip across a 12" American cut crossing file....
Forget the new-made Nicholson files.
I consider the Brazilian ones to be garbage and the Mexican ones to be only marginally better. The only files I have found to be worse are those made in China.
I regularly pick up used but not abused name-brand files at yard sales and flea markets, re-sharpening them as required and have more files than any sane person would have
. As a side-benefit, I have a fair number of the now extinct patterns - but, sadly, no crossing files - American pattern or otherwise.
I consider the Brazilian ones to be garbage and the Mexican ones to be only marginally better. The only files I have found to be worse are those made in China.
I regularly pick up used but not abused name-brand files at yard sales and flea markets, re-sharpening them as required and have more files than any sane person would have
. As a side-benefit, I have a fair number of the now extinct patterns - but, sadly, no crossing files - American pattern or otherwise.stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
Thanks bearhunter! I knew about some of these things, but it was good to see it all put together in one spot, and it was a great reminder.
re: soft metals building up in the file, I recall hearing a recommendation about chalking the file, especially when using it for draw filing, but haven't had a need yet to try that out.
- Location
- SE corner Sk
I think with the made in mexico and other outsourced types. Companies found ways to cut cost, like inferior heat treatment, poor quality steels.
Older quality files, company had pride making a product that would last for many years.
Modern stuff, the company bean counters are dictating on what should be made, make it cheaper and softer so you'll buy more, more often.
Older quality files, company had pride making a product that would last for many years.
Modern stuff, the company bean counters are dictating on what should be made, make it cheaper and softer so you'll buy more, more often.
Donny Fenn1
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Kootenays
Pretty much my whole life tuning skis for competition which involve(d) lots of file work until recently. The ski service companies still offer pretty good files (most still Scandinavian or at least European).
Check your local ski shop if they have what you need. Or I can order for you. I chalk all my new files before use to make them easier to keep clean through their life span.
Check your local ski shop if they have what you need. Or I can order for you. I chalk all my new files before use to make them easier to keep clean through their life span.
