Hand files

[Bigdog72]

Is there a definitive source for info on hand files? Would someone want to share their expertise?

 

[Mike Davis]

I buy only Nicholson files, they have some info on their web site.

What info are you looking for?

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/nicholson_files/index.cfm

 

[Mike Davis]

Found a great book on files.

http://books.google.com/books?id=x9...DYQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=hand file terms&f=false

 

[BSHuff]

Most important thing, most people are using dull files. One key thing for keeping a file sharp, is to only use on the push stroke (assuming the handle is in your 'back' hand). I see way to many people using files on the push and pull stroke. Pulling back dulls them quick. Get a file card, which is a specialty brush made for cleaning files. Clean them frequently, and well after they are used before you put them away. Don't let them rust, rust will kill them. If you can make a tray or something similar to store them in to keep them from banging into each other. Files are tool steel, so they are really hard, but that makes them brittle, so they can be easily damaged on the little teeth that you can't really see.

Let the file do the work, light pressure. too much pressure and you can damage the file

Files are also like sand paper, they come in different 'cuts' (like grits), and teeth patterns. So if you are looking for a finish, using a course (bastard file) then a medium (2nd) and then a finishing (smooth file).

Good thing is that a dull metal file is usally more than sharp enough for wood.

 

[Glennbear]

As Brian pointed out, filing in only one direction gives much better results. Once I learned this my wood filing became a lot less destructive to whatever I was filing.:rotflm:

 

[jhreed]

Brian +1. You would not believe the number of so called craftsmen (machinists, millwrights, carpenters, etc) that I have encountered that dont know a basic skill such as the correct way to use a file.

Mike +1 Nicholson is a very old company that makes excellent tools.