Using a file?

Tohatchi NM

Tohatchi NM

Joined
Mar 26, 2002
Messages
2,845
I think I just learned something this weekend - but I want to double check with the experts out there.

When you sharpen something with a file - e.g. an axe - how do you push the file? Straight down the length of the file, or more perpendicular to the file? While we're at it, do you push the file towards the spine or toward the edge?
 
I push in the direction of the teeth (a file won't cut any other way, after all), with kind of a horizontal slant. Before the days of the belt sander, when I was using a file, I was normally using it on a khuk or axe and had a lot of blade to cover and I didn't want to be doing it all day - thus, I allowed it to "glide" horizontally. Look at the file's teeth - it wants to do this. While it probably removes a bit less metal per pass this way, things should be far more even afterwards.

Edge to spine or spine to edge? I'm right handed. When I'm sharpening the left side I go spine to edge. When I'm sharpening the right side, edge to spine. If there's a difference I never saw it. I'd have to say that either way will work.
 
I'd say it depends on the file. Some are made to crosscut, others are a perpendicular cut.

Are the teeth like this //////////// or like this ||||||||| is the issue.

You also get a different finish depending on how you use it. As for direction (and as a former toolmaker), I'd say that you would be building a burr (wire) on the edge if you file toward it...while you will not create one if you file toward the spine.

Files do, of course, typically work in a push motion...although there are specialty files that draw cut (honest).

Hope this helps...
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:) At least we do it politely here. Different views but no offense taken in the process...

You're a good guy Sat...

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Satori again.

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Hmmm....thanks for the feedback.

I think all of my files are /////////. Might have one that's

XXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXX

Anyways, this guy used more of a sideways motion - which does work with diagonal teeth. I just thought it was pretty weird, and always used alot more motion along the length of the file - so each pass ran down the whole file, not just a few inches.
 
When using a file don't forget to use your file card on it pretty regular. And if you don't have a file card then shame on you! They can be picked up any place that sells files.
A really good one will have the little wire teeth on one side and a nice heavy brush on the other.
A file card will extend the life of your files extensively!!!! :cool: :D
 
Nasty said:
:) At least we do it politely here. Different views but no offense taken in the process...

You're a good guy Sat...

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Satori again.

.
Click to expand...

So much for doing it nicely...

Whoever it is that keeps *trying* to send me red chicklets that actually count as grey (ie *nothing*), please stand up for yourself and sign the thing...I'd be more than happy to talk to you about whatever it is thats bothering you.

Either that, or sit down, shut up and color like a good kid.

(Of course, it *is* funny and I enjoy the laugh) :P :D

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Nasty - not to stir the pot......but if you get a positive remark from someone of "lesser" rep point status, it will show up gray. That's why it's gray - neutral. Neither red, nor green. Doesn't affect you. That's the one downside to have a lot of "clout"....:D

Now, if you already know this, or if this person is indeed posting neg comments in your reps (but no signature) - then I agree with your complaint.
 
Yvsa said:
When using a file don't forget to use your file card on it pretty regular. And if you don't have a file card then shame on you! They can be picked up any place that sells files.
A really good one will have the little wire teeth on one side and a nice heavy brush on the other.
A file card will extend the life of your files extensively!!!! :cool: :D
Click to expand...

Yeah, just like Yvsa said. :)

Not only will the file last longer, but you will obtain a nicer finish as well. When filing brass, aluminum, and other soft stuff that wants to plug up the teeth, try this ~ rub a piece of chalk on the file so that it coats the "valleys". The soft metals will not lodge so tightly, and the card will take it out easier.

When using diamond hones or files use light pressure. The diamonds are usually bonded to the substrate using nickel ~ too much oomph will rip them free after awhile.

stevo

PS ~ Nasty, did you know that "ohnasti" in one of the ndn languages means "little raven"? Don't remember which one or where I got that from. Sometimes tidbits that got lodged in the back of my brain eons ago rattle free and come out as random thoughts :rolleyes:
 
stevomiller said:
Yeah, just like Yvsa said. :)

Not only will the file last longer, but you will obtain a nicer finish as well. When filing brass, aluminum, and other soft stuff that wants to plug up the teeth, try this ~ rub a piece of chalk on the file so that it coats the "valleys". The soft metals will not lodge so tightly, and the card will take it out easier.

When using diamond hones or files use light pressure. The diamonds are usually bonded to the substrate using nickel ~ too much oomph will rip them free after awhile.

stevo

PS ~ Nasty, did you know that "ohnasti" in one of the ndn languages means "little raven"? Don't remember which one or where I got that from. Sometimes tidbits that got lodged in the back of my brain eons ago rattle free and come out as random thoughts :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

As Yvsa said...also Edutsi...remember that bird of light? Maybe that is related to Stevo's comment?

Stevo - great tip...one of those things I automatically do but forgot to mention (wait, that's Danny's memory thread). Also...thanks...that's actually one of my passwords somewhere! I had no idea it actually meant something. I like it a whole lot better than "Walking Eagle" :D

Dan - the little greys never have comments with them yet every green I have ever gotten said something.

One nice guy even made a point to ask me if his showed up green as he intended, and I assured him that they did indeed...and he only has a single cacti. They are merely drive by anonymous poor markmanship.

It's a pattern I will totally ignore in the future. :cool:
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good policy, Nasty.


Check the service & support area, as well as whine & cheese here on bfc. (for more info)

There are apparently folks who consider a point of glee to go about randomly dropping red rep points. That's why the system's designed to give grays.
 
I don't wish to feed your suspicions, Nasty, but it seems that every thread that we converse in leaves me with a gray or two as well. I guess you're just bad news. ;)
 
LOL...now I gotz to get some Internet Medals!

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You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Bri in Chi again.

:(
 
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