File break in

E

edacsac

Joined
May 19, 2010
Messages
31
I've seen the phrase mentioned here a couple of times: proper file break in; but nothing in detail.

I just received this wicked Pferd file, that looks like would be destroyed on the first stroke over any steel. It is a model that was recommended in a couple of posts.

I don't want to ruin it, so how does one break in a file? I bought chalk and a file card with it.


Thank you!
 
When a file is new it has a very rough edge to each tooth. Under magnification it looks like tiny spurs sticking out. When "breaking In" a new file, use gentle strokes until the raggedness is worn away and the teeth become more even in cutting. If you start with too much pressure, the needle like projections may break off and take some of the real tooth with it, thus dulling the file prematurely.

The same reasoning is why you never use pressure on the backstroke while filing. It can knock off a tiny chip of steel and dull the file.
 
Would I be wasting my file if I also used it clean up the the overall profile, after hack saw, drilling etc? There will be a lot of material to remove by file. Or maybe get some cheap files.
 
Use proper filing technique and file all you need to....use a file card and keep it from rusting.
For breaking in i usually do a couple strokes on brass.
 
Keep it from rusting...

I sweat'ed all over this file yesterday. I cleaned it with a file card and made sure it was dry, but what else would I do with it from my sweaty hands and sweat dripping off my forehead to keep it from rusting?

this file is pretty wicked as far as the rate of material removal. I think I'd still rather have some power tools though. Just trying to get the spine edge level after getting the profile down is a pain, where as most of you don't even have to deal with that since your "machine" is square.
 
Cleaning with a file card removes the stuff packed in the valley between te teeth. That removes the reservoir for moisture. A cleaned file will rarely rust. If your environment is damp, clean and then give a spray of WD-40.
 
Cleaning with a file card removes the stuff packed in the valley between the teeth. That removes the reservoir for moisture. A cleaned file will rarely rust. If your environment is damp, clean and then give a spray of WD-40.
 
What Stacy said!
And also consider using gloves (and a file handle!), so avoiding flooding it with sweat...every time i forget the gloves i also get blisters ;)
 
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