How long do your files last?

Curt Hal

Curt Hal

Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
558
Just replaced my files again today. 3rd set in 3 years. 12" coarse, 10" medium and 8" fine. I do 10-15 axes a year, minimum. How long are you getting from your files? These are Nicholsons. I've also tried Bahcos.
 
Totally depends on what you're using them on and how frequently, but I find I get the most life out of my Pferds and Stella Biancas.
 
Are you jumping coarseness to quickly perhaps? Rather than going flat bastard >> flat 2nd cut >> flat fine cut how about trying (appropriate flat/double) bastard >> double 2nd >> flat 2nd cut >> fine?

Besides hardness of the file vs. material to be filed, grit or coarseness of the file vs. finish of the material to be filed and general heat/pressure are really the only factors that would wear down/burn through files.

I'm new to this axe thing but in a former life we found that slowing down and applying less pressure in a more even and consistent manner helped a huge amount to save 2nd and fine cut Vallorbe files. We also found the same to be true with DMT diamond stones --and not to be afraid of starting out by jumping up to a coarser file and working your way down vs. trying to muscle through burrs and nicks with a 2nd cut.
 
Thanks, 1215. I suspect I am being too aggressive and putting too much pressure on the file. I file in one direction and use a file card (like they taught us in trade school), but may be wanting to go too fast.
 
Lieblad said:
One of my hard & fast rules is dont file (at least a good file that you want to keep as good) upon rust or millscale. A worn beater or abrasives takes away contaminates, then a good file takes over.
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Very good advise here.
 
Curt Hal said:
Thanks, 1215. I suspect I am being too aggressive and putting too much pressure on the file. I file in one direction and use a file card (like they taught us in trade school), but may be wanting to go too fast.
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you're getting the hang of it.
let the tool do the work.
buzz
 
Try some sidewalk chalk on the file. it will cut nicer and not plug up with pins so fast.
 
I wax them before use then heat and use a small stainless brush to remove the wax and metal. I seem to get a bit more life out them.
 
I use files every day for de burring parts. I started using much coarser files for the initial work then I only use the fine files for the last little bit. Aside from chalk I would say use a handle always, use both hand when you can and keep the teeth clean. I buy files by the box so I can't say how long one file will last. Last bit of advice Files, like all abrasives are far cheaper than shop time, dump them when they dull/ look shiny it will save you time/money guaranteed.
 
Like all other great industries of the 20th century, file companies are shadows of their former selves as is the quality of their tools, this especially applies to the USA where capitalism makes profits much more important than making quality products or providing anyone with a living wage.

The best files to be had now are from any companies or families that are left in Europe or Scandinavia which have not had the corporate touch that has destroyed much of the tool industry of the mid-20th century.

With such spotty quality of files these days it will take longer for you to figure out why they are going bad as it could be the file as much as your technique.

Most of the people on this forum are hobbyists who do not go through boxes of tools and who like quality items made with pride and care. To me vintage files and quality files are as interesting as any other fine quality tool. Someday maybe they will not be looked upon as expendables as they currently are and more people will collect them use them with artistry and care.

I have some files and rasps that are around 100 years old give or take, and I have hundreds that are from the mid-20th century and I look at them as I do any important or historic item.
 
So instead of going off on a rant about how todays world sucks compared to 40-50 years ago, if I at least try to answer your question, I would say I get decent life out of my files, which are a mix of old nicholson files, new nicholson files, and some old Tome files. Keys to length have already been stated, but using them correctly based off need on the item being sharpened do help to extend the lives of files considerably. I know I try and keep them clean as possible via oil or cleaning in order to extend life, and try to not go overly hard, and let the tool do the work.
 
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Operator1975 said:
So instead of going off on a rant about how todays world sucks compared to 40-50 years ago, if I at least try to answer your question, I would say I get decent life out of my files, which are a mix of old nicholson files, new nicholson files, and some old Tome files. Keys to length have already been stated, but using them correctly based off need on the item being sharpened do help to extend the lives of files considerably. I know I try and keep them clean as possible via oil or cleaning in order to extend life, and try to go overly hard, and let the tool do the work.
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Liking your posts recently Operator. Thanks for keeping it real :D
 
mg4201 said:
I use files every day for de burring parts. I started using much coarser files for the initial work then I only use the fine files for the last little bit. Aside from chalk I would say use a handle always, use both hand when you can and keep the teeth clean. I buy files by the box so I can't say how long one file will last. Last bit of advice Files, like all abrasives are far cheaper than shop time, dump them when they dull/ look shiny it will save you time/money guaranteed.
Click to expand...

Old school and real world experience. Chalk is a good thing.

All I have to add is that the harder the steel I am working the shorter the life of my files. Every now and again I come across an exceptionally hard bit. I have reached the point where I will put down my good files and work these bits by other means.
 
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