Need help with my draw filing technique

Wade Jones

Wade Jones

Joined
Nov 1, 2009
Messages
183
I just can't seem to get a nice straight top line on my bevel.
I'm trying my best to keep the file flat, straight and smooth, and it doesn't feel like I'm teter-tottering, but I just don't know anymore.
What am I doing wrong here?
The 1st side isn't too bad, but the 2nd is wacky.

draw1.jpg

draw2.jpg


I've still got plenty of meat on this blade, so I thought I should get some advice while I can still salvage it.
Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated!
-Wade
 
I would say from what I can see...

If you have grooves in the blade running diagonally

1. you need to clean the file at each pass
2. you are not actually draw filing.
If you are moving the file lengthwise at all, it is not draw filing.

"Draw filing involves laying the file sideways on the work, and carefully pushing or pulling it across the work. This catches the teeth of the file sideways instead of head on, and a very fine shaving action is produced"

what type of file are you using? go finer


and forget a top bevel line design for full flat
 
I would go to 60 grit paper on a flat backing until you get it flat, then file more if you still have that much material to remove. It is sometimes easier to maintain a flat surface with a file than to create one.
From the marks I see, though, you are doing something in between draw filing and regular cross-motion filing. When you draw file the file is moving at right angles to it's long axis, and the teeth of the file are nearly parallel to the direction of cut, which seems counter-intuitive but actually cuts very smoothly if the file is not pinned with filings.
 
I wish I had some practical advice for you, when I did mine I basically push filed it. I wound up basically in the exact same boat as you. I had one side I loved and another that was a nightmare. The only advice I can offer is you're going to be doing a fair amount of sanding. You can get it somewhat close and clean it all up with sandpaper and a good flat backing. He told me the rule of thumb when I was filing is about the thickness of a nickel when you're done filing. And the thickness of a dime by the time you're finished sanding.
 
OK Wade,
Take your file in both hands and hold it out in front of you.
The handle in your left hand, now pull it directly towards you,
@ a 90 degree angle to your blade. The file lines that you cut like this will be ,from plunge to tip. By ALL MEANS keep your file clean from all shavings, or you will have a world of sanding to do.
Good luck, Jerry
 
Sometimes I find the file won't bite with a straight back pull so I do a few careful diagonal strokes to rough it up a bit. I've got an old double cut half flat half round that really works well for draw filing. It doesn't seem to load up like the single cut one does, but it is pretty coarse.
 
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