File question

F

Futz Brown

Joined
Jan 6, 2011
Messages
118
Another question from Futz, expect a lot more.

I've got these files linked here http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/files/5-piece-12-inch-file-set-7520.html and I'm not sure if these would work for knife making, and if they would work is there any particular method I should employ? I don't know anything about files, I bought these a while ago and never used them. If these aren't what I'm looking for, is there anything you might suggest to get me by for 20 bucks or less? Preferably that would be available at like home depot or lowes or some other chain.

Thanks,
Futz.
 
Well Craftsman files from Sears are decent and can be returned/replaced when worn out. My local Lowes carries Nicholson files, so check your local stores. 10"-12" half round bastard, 8"-12" flat bastard, file card, chalk, file handle, and some time watching videos on youtube to learn how to drawfile properly. You can make a file jig easily.

Just remember, most all files cut only in one direction, don't go back and forth.


-Xander
 
Those will work for a little while,Sear's are Ok and will replace.Nicholson are the best.
Read the 3rd sticky from the top it will answer a bunch of your questions.
Stan
 
I find that it's nice to have a few beater files lying around in case I need to do something sketchy. If I were you I'd go ahead and buy those but only after you have a few nicholson files. Files are no place to skimp, and good files don't cost much anyway.

- Chris
 
I already have those Chris. I found a whole mess of files in my grandad's basement today and scooped those up. Gonna sort through them to see if there are any nicholson brand files, but for the most part they feel like they would work better than the harbor freight ones.
 
I have one large Harbor Freight (HF) file. My file, and I think the Harbor Freight files in general, have a criss-crossed pattern to them. I like my HF file because it is more aggressive at removing steel than a similar sized file with the grooves in a single pattern. It also leaves deeper marks on the blade as a result. I don't think it would be any good at draw filing. Regardless, you'll still need a good file to get rid of the marks left by the HF files. Like almost everything at HF you should know you are not getting quality. At best you're getting "adequacy", and sometimes you're throwing your money away. caveat emptor.

- Paul Meske
 
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