What files?

[Tommegow]

I have decided I need top work on my filing skills, (grinding skills still awful)
What files do I need. I saw this recently
"Buy some NEW files (a large rough single cut bastard, a 10" or so medium single cut bastard and a 10" or so fine single cut)"
What i think I understand is that these "cut" in the direction as a belt cuts?!?
Would a set of draw files also be a good idea? Do draw files have a different nomenclature?
Thnks

 

[deker]

I have decided I need top work on my filing skills, (grinding skills still awful)
What files do I need. I saw this recently
"Buy some NEW files (a large rough single cut bastard, a 10" or so medium single cut bastard and a 10" or so fine single cut)"
What i think I understand is that these "cut" in the direction as a belt cuts?!?
Would a set of draw files also be a good idea? Do draw files have a different nomenclature?

Seeing as I think that's my quote above, I'll try and answer

A single cut file only has the file pattern cut in one direction. Consequently, the file only cuts in one direction. A double cut file has a diamond-shaped pattern due to the fact that there are 2 sets of cuts on the file. They will cut on both the push and the pull stroke. In the picture below, the single cut is on the right, and the double cut is on the left.

For draw filing, just use a single cut file and orient it so that it cuts on the draw towards you (tang to the left I think...I can never remember when I'm not doing it).

For the definitions of various finish coarseness, I learned something while finding you an answer. I'll just steal a quote from here.

They are available in four levels of coarseness: coarse, bastard, second and smooth cut. Mill files leave a smoother finish than machine files but cut more slowly.

Also, you have to remember that the fineness of cut is proportional to the size of the file. A 12" smooth cut file will be a lot more coarse than an 8" smooth cut file.

Hope that helps!

-d

 

[Tommegow]

Yes, that does help alot!!
A single set of good files will push/pull and draw, never knew that
Thanks

 

[GlennM]

Hey Tom,
A good file card(Brush) helps keep the file clean.Picking up a grain of steel will have you sanding scratches out for days.I load the file teeth with soap stone or chalk to help keep the teeth from tearing out grains that get stuck .Push with the file handle in your right hand, pull with it in your left.(if draw filing)
Are you going to make it to the hammer in next weekend? There is gonna be a lot of great wisdom there. Hope to see you there.
Glenn