Files for fileworking

K

Knife Fumbler

Joined
Nov 25, 2000
Messages
183
Hi,
What kinds of files do makers use for those small/thin lines in fileworking?
I can't find any files that can do thin lines anywhere.

If anyone knows where to find them in stores or online please let me know.

Also if anyone could explain any differences in files that would be great.

Thanks
 
i am by no means a file work master. but the kind you are refering to are caled swiss pattern. i have purchaed them from www.jantzsupply.com in the past. mostly i use carbide burrs inmy foredom thesedays.
 
along with the swiss patern, you can modify larger files by grinding them(don't overheat)very sharp knife edges can be had this way.

thanks Laurence, I was wondering if a dye grinder might be used to create a "file work" patern I think I'll try it out.
 
You can do a lot with a Dremel and a flexible shaft attachment. Not as smooth as a true flexible shaft machine, but much more affordable and they're available everywhere. Hint: Get one of the little chucks that they sell as an attachment and you don't have to change those stupid collets all the time when using different diameter bits.
 
I use swiss pattern needle files in 3 grades, all available from Rio Grande and other jeweler's suppliers.
 
I use a small triangle with one side ground off, a 1/8 round chainsaw file, a 1/8 square file and a gunsmith checkering file. I think the checkering file is what you are asking about. It has small points and when used properly you can make many parallel lines. They are measured in lines per inch. The one I use will file 30 lines per inch. Brownells sells several differant kinds.
 
I use many dif. files to make dif. lines. For the finest lines I use a file that looks and is used rather like a knife, it is a diamond file and manages a very fine line with little scratching. These files can ussually be aquired at a tool & machinery shop and well worth the money.
 
Has anyone ever tried one of those pnuematic files for carving a knife?? Sure looks like they'd be nice if they're easy to control. Filing with those tiny rifling files kills my hands.
 
Michel, exacto makes a handle for needle files that will cut down on hand strain,(or you can make your own)(I like to make my own tools)

I also made collet shims so I can run the dremil bits in my dye grinder. It works slick, more power

you can control the speed with an air regulater:D
 
Most all the files that I use for doing my filework are just some cheap ones that I bought at flea markets,They are the same size as the small jewelrs files but they are really in-expensive and will last a good while if you don't use them against hardened steel.
Otherwise I just use what I have in the drawer of files,You don't have to use nothing fancy or expensive to create nice looking filework.
Bruce
 
I bought 5 - 10 packs of those cheap Taiwan needle files off eBay for $9.99. They arent anywhere near the quality as the good ones but it works out to 20 cents a piece so I just use them until they feel a little smooth and throw them away.
 
hay that's high carbon steel your throwing away, I've got a pile of them to. I'm gona weld them up after I do another batch of bandsaw blades:D
 
Originally posted by lively
I bought 5 - 10 packs of those cheap Taiwan needle files off eBay for $9.99. <snip>
Click to expand...

Back when EBay wasn't as popular, I scored a few boxes of brand new Grobert needle files. That was nice. I think I paid less than a buck a file!
 
Ouch! You got me on that one Eric. :)
I dont actually throw them in the trash. Away means in the scrap pile. They're probably nothing but rust now though so I guess I was wasteful. They might of made a funky pattern welded billet. Shame on me! :)
 
Most of the cheapies are case hardened, so you probably aren't wasting steel.
For the really thin cuts, I've use a dremel ultra-thin cutoff wheel, and occasionally a jewelers saw. You have to be nerve-wrackingly steady with the dremel, though.
 
cheeeeep!
don,t fall in love w them when they start to skip throw them in the use box
always use a sharp file
like grinding belts a dull file is an abomination
i like to make gouges out of old files
ck out the file work on my persian stufffff
harley
www.lonesomepineknives.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top