Files
- Thread starter Brad
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Missionary
Well-Known Member
Good afternoon
Get yourself some jewelers files if you do not have any.
Been using Nicolson Files for many years. My dad was a machinist for years and that is where I got started. But I have not bought any in 30 years. Keep them chalked and not bumping on other files and they last long time.
Get yourself some jewelers files if you do not have any.
Been using Nicolson Files for many years. My dad was a machinist for years and that is where I got started. But I have not bought any in 30 years. Keep them chalked and not bumping on other files and they last long time.
I would like to know that also. I've been looking for a fine flat file that is actually harder than the chain saw chain. Last one I bought from Lowes wore out before the chain was sharpened. Have the correct round file and they seem to be ok but a flat file worth a hoot seems to be a problem. I've come to the conclusion the Chinese just don't understand the concept of a file.
Were they purchased in the past few years? Seems the problem with them is pretty recent.
JWFilips
Well-Known Member
Well I lucked out over the years: I had a major Photography account : Sandvik Tools of Sweden
I photographed all their tool they were introducing into the US market in the 70's and 80's!
Once they were requestioned for Photography They could not be put back into inventory
!
I made out like a bandit. Those tools outfitted my shop for life.
Swedish files are very high quality!
I photographed all their tool they were introducing into the US market in the 70's and 80's!
Once they were requestioned for Photography They could not be put back into inventory
!I made out like a bandit. Those tools outfitted my shop for life.
Swedish files are very high quality!
Ian
Notorious member
I go to my local hardware store (not a big homestore) and pick out the Nicholson files I need and maybe grab a bag of assorted raw-wood handle blanks every few years. Last batch I bought was when finishing my 99 Savage last year, they may not be the best files ever made but they do a fine job and last very well if taken care of and used properly.
Personally, I think it will be harder to find a high-quality file CARD than high-quality file.
Personally, I think it will be harder to find a high-quality file CARD than high-quality file.
Ian
Notorious member
Rick, a Dremel tool with a diamond -coated barrel burr is the only way to roll. I did biuy a couple of chainsaw files last time I was at the local fence supply house (they stock few tools but the ones they do are premium) but I haven't tried them out yet. If they turn out good I'll buy some more and send you a couple.
JWFilips
Well-Known Member
I just searched the Sanvik web site, they listed no files.
Sandvik Tools
https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en...MInuW6-fmH4QIVTAOGCh26owHbEAAYASAAEgKlbvD_BwE
Grobet if new... old USA Nicholson or Simmonds. Can still be found NOS in small town hardware stores. Also I find right many old but like new files in antique stores of all places.
Do what you wish but,file "cards" are..... tough to say this and not sound prickly but,probably the worst thing you can do to a file. Well,besides scrubbing one backward or storing them on top of each other. Take a big brass cartridge case and smash the end flat.... makes cleaning a file a breeze.
Another tiny bit of controversy..... acknowledging there is a place that will sharpen your old files... name escapes me at the moment but it's about 8-10$ for a big mill bastard. And IIRC,you can sharpen one 2 or 3 times. That's the usual recommendation. The old timey,hence the controversy,way is...... during times of the year where you have a heavy morning dew,throw the file out in the yard for a cpl days. This was SOP in colonial times. I've done it and it works,just OK.
Do what you wish but,file "cards" are..... tough to say this and not sound prickly but,probably the worst thing you can do to a file. Well,besides scrubbing one backward or storing them on top of each other. Take a big brass cartridge case and smash the end flat.... makes cleaning a file a breeze.
Another tiny bit of controversy..... acknowledging there is a place that will sharpen your old files... name escapes me at the moment but it's about 8-10$ for a big mill bastard. And IIRC,you can sharpen one 2 or 3 times. That's the usual recommendation. The old timey,hence the controversy,way is...... during times of the year where you have a heavy morning dew,throw the file out in the yard for a cpl days. This was SOP in colonial times. I've done it and it works,just OK.
Ian
Notorious member
Sounds like experienced advice to me. I only use them on single-cut files and only straight along the teeth kind of like a knife steel. Does the hard wire scrub off the cutting edge or what?
KeithB
Resident Half Fast Machinist
I use a cheap HF brass wire brush to clean files. It's about a toothbrush size item, came in a pack of three with a stainless steel and plastic bristle brush for about $2 I think. Works great, even on double cut files. No way you can hurt any decent file with it. I'm still looking for a good quality straight single cut lathe file with 45* tooth angle. If you know how to use one you can make up for the deficiencies in a worn out lathe and produce some surprisingly accurate work at a decent rate.
Ian
Notorious member
While turning the "I" ejectors for sizing dies from drill rod I discovered that my tailstock is not centered with the headstock when close to the chuck like it is on the other end of the bed, so it cuts a taper of about .001" (diameter) per inch of travel. Rather than adjust it I just file the parts parallel.
So a lathe file is 45 degrees? I have wondered what the difference was. Does it self clean better, or tend to keep the part round, or what?
So a lathe file is 45 degrees? I have wondered what the difference was. Does it self clean better, or tend to keep the part round, or what?