I purchased a course chipbreaking file in an effort to speed up the beveling process. I am using it on a gough style filing jig. I am impressed with how quickly it hogs through the steel. The problem I am having is that where the file runs perpendicular to the edge it is cutting waves like waves in a sand dune. The waves perfectly match the angle that the teeth are cut on the file. My question is, is this just the nature of the beast or is this a technique issue? For now my plan is to do 90% of the filing with the chip breaker and then switch to a standard bastard file for the remainder.
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Question on Chip Breaking File
- Thread starter DCamargo
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2006
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- 5,191
if the edge is wavy like a sand dune, i would assume you have not been applying even pressure on all spots of the blade. you could hopefully fix them by draw filing with the file in the gough jig at the normal angle.
Alex Topfer
Gold Member
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- May 1, 2019
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Might be something to do with your jig? I've used one of those freehand and got the surface as flat as I can get a surface freehand.
How large are the waves?
How large are the waves?
A.McPherson
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Jan 27, 2012
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- 2,913
I know exactly what you are talking about!
I have one of those files too, and it happens with other files too. I think I has to do with resonant chatter or something like that.
Anyway there’s an easy solution to the problem! Switch the angle of attack.
So if you are getting the chatter/wavy-bits while the file is perpendicular to the blade, approach that section with the file held at more of an angle.
So using a file jig, instead of taking a pass with the file traveling along the edge from plunge to tip, try from top to plunge, or just in one spot pushing straight towards the part that holds the rod.
Anyway I hope that makes sense.
If all else fails look up “draw filing” on YouTube.
I have one of those files too, and it happens with other files too. I think I has to do with resonant chatter or something like that.
Anyway there’s an easy solution to the problem! Switch the angle of attack.
So if you are getting the chatter/wavy-bits while the file is perpendicular to the blade, approach that section with the file held at more of an angle.
So using a file jig, instead of taking a pass with the file traveling along the edge from plunge to tip, try from top to plunge, or just in one spot pushing straight towards the part that holds the rod.
Anyway I hope that makes sense.
If all else fails look up “draw filing” on YouTube.
Did some test filing before work today. I think there is something to the "resonant chatter" theory, as if I hold more pressure at the plunge and file up and out along the edge, it seems to reduce the wave cut. I think I'm going to finish out this knife with the chip breaker > bastard > fine file progression and then do some tests on some mild steel to see if I can isolate exactly what's going on. I love the speed of this file, and the fact that it doesn't pin as easily is a huge bonus.
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2006
- Messages
- 3,158
Yep.. Resonance chatter. I remember the Pferd Chipbreaker would do that big time. You might change how the blade is clamped down. Just try varying what you can (clamps, number of clamps, backing material, etc.). But one tip....that last of your filing should be "draw filing". This does not produce the chatter.