Assistance with axe maintenance

Slim278

Slim278

Joined
Aug 24, 2016
Messages
319
So my recent BladeForums induced addiction to axes has gotten me buying axes and they need some work. I purchased 2 new Nicholson Bastard files and they have only lasted through one bit re-profiling. (I do know how to properly use a file) Now I am in need of a file. Could someone recommend a file that will last longer. The files I had purchased came in green packaging and are made in Mexico.

I also have a couple hafts that are a tad warped. I would like it if they were not. I have read of you guys steaming them. If this process could be described, I would be grateful.



Thanks for your time,
Slim
 
I've had good luck with my 2 Mexican made Nicholson mill bastards, but they're not as long lasting as my grandpa's old ones were.
Are you perhaps going back and forth with your file ? Because they're only designed to cut in one direction and going back and forth will ware them out quickly.
There's a German company called F.Dick that still makes files which I'm told are of excellent quality. You could also track down some new old stock Nicholson files , they're definitely out there.

I'm not familiar with the haft steaming process, but I do know that you can place them on the ground with some heavy weight on them for a few months to correct them ( boring , and who wants to wait that long but it works )
 
Try Pferd files. And I think the current Simonds imports aren't too bad, better than the import Nicholsons. If you should stumble upon some NOS Heller or Simonds at an estate sale then I think you will be very pleased.
 
Slim278 said:
So my recent BladeForums induced addiction to axes has gotten me buying axes and they need some work. I purchased 2 new Nicholson Bastard files and they have only lasted through one bit re-profiling. (I do know how to properly use a file) Now I am in need of a file. Could someone recommend a file that will last longer. The files I had purchased came in green packaging and are made in Mexico.

I also have a couple hafts that are a tad warped. I would like it if they were not. I have read of you guys steaming them. If this process could be described, I would be grateful.



Thanks for your time,
Slim
Click to expand...

I'd suggest a used tool store or flea market, I have a few new Nicholson files of different types and they aren't bad but they don't match the older ones of the same brand and even other brands. I have way more files than I should have cause I usually end up leaving the used tool store near me with at least one, but they're super cheap and great quality, and I can't pass up a nice one with a wood handle for .25-1.00. They al didn't come with wooden handles but quite a few did and I found a few others on the "random table" for .25-.50 that would fit and they make quite a difference when using a file.
 
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