making tools out of cheapo files ?

K

Kevin the grey

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Aug 26, 2005
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I can get a set of four small triangular files at a dollar store .They are made by vector . While to me they are definitely worth more than the dollar charged they are still cheapos . These would be perfect in size for antler handled awls for leather working and maybe a bodkin or two . My question is , a file must be made of reasonably good metal ? I want to anneal them ,modify them into the shape I need and re-treat them into serviceably durable tools . Am I dreaming in technicolor ? I don,t have the money or want to take an expensive file in good working order and destroy its original value just to make an awl .I do want to gain the experience working with small projects before I go onto larger projects so this idea seems a good one to me .What do you think ?
 
There was a just a thread about case hardening... I believe modern cheap files are all going to be case hardened. Meaning the steel inside is going to be worthless...
 
I got similar info from another source . He said if I bend the file and it doesn,t break then the metal is proabably no good for what I need .
 
For the tools you want to make,look for hardenedable round stuff.Old Stanley screwdrivers would be a good idea.If it is mostly decorative,anything will work.If you want to use the items,use good steel.
 
I found a good quality 3/16 chainsaw file . I am going to make it into an antler handled awl . After annealing is there a technique to making it into a long point ? I,d rather do it by hand with a file . I may be able to scare up a bench grinder .
 
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