Where do you buy your files?

R

rock welch

Joined
Nov 17, 2014
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I have my Craftsman 2x42 on the way via Sears. I have my 1095, some handle material on the way via Jantz and I want to get my files/belts ordered today. Really can't wait... spent the whole night in the garage organizing, planning how I'm going to lay evertyhing out and set up some nice lighting.

Question is, what is a reliable source for files? When I look on Nicholson, Amazon and Home Depot... files with the same name have different part numbers, different prices and different pictures. I enter a SKU for a flat bastard and I see a price for a single cut mill file. I search for a certain file and I see a picture of a different file. What's the deal with that?

Any advice on my initial file acquisition? Thanks!
 
On line dealers are too lazy to take photos of every item and they think you won't know the difference.


Order based on description, or buy in person.

Search for MRO
maintenance repair and operations suppliers locally

Like fastenal - but I find their prices high.

I'd try and show you some local links but you need to fill out your profile.

Nicholson files are easy to find.
 
@12345678910 - Profile updated... I'm in Orlando.

I've found quite a few places to get files, locally and online. Was just a little concerned over the discrepancy in the title and sku of the item. The picture I can understand but when Nicholson labels something as a mill bastard and a dealer on Amazon labels the same sku as a flat bastard, I get confused as this is my first time and want to make sure I nail it.

In HD last night, saw "Made In Mexico" on the Nicholsons...
 
Do not buy any made in Mexico Nicholson files. You'll likely regret it. Nicholson Brazil made are hit and miss too. I buy all my Simmonds and Pferd files from Amazon.com. If there is a question about the actual product shown vs part number....I go to the Pferd or Simmonds website, get the part number, and cross reference that with Amazon. Haven't had a problem yet. If you want Nicholson files, your best bet is NOS (new old stock) and can often be found on ebay. Grobet and Iwasaki are two top of the line brands as well.
 
samuraistuart said:
Do not buy any made in Mexico Nicholson files. You'll likely regret it. Nicholson Brazil made are hit and miss too. I buy all my Simmonds and Pferd files from Amazon.com. If there is a question about the actual product shown vs part number....I go to the Pferd or Simmonds website, get the part number, and cross reference that with Amazon. Haven't had a problem yet. If you want Nicholson files, your best bet is NOS (new old stock) and can often be found on ebay. Grobet and Iwasaki are two top of the line brands as well.
Click to expand...

Looking on Amazon, it appears Simmonds sells there and has everything arraigned and organized nicely. I think that is the way I'll go. Too bad about Nicholson I remember my dad using his trusty file every week to get the mower blade razor sharp, he insisted on a sharp mower blade every time he made me mow!
 
Hmmm I may have to look into the chip breaker. Thanks a bunch for the link, that always helps because I've never had a need for files, especially via the WWW.
What I was thinking I need was a set to help me finish a blade to a higher precision than what I will be able to do with my Craftsman sander. I know I'll need a good mill bastard file, will the chip breaker fill that role?
 
Here is what I have in my cart...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018AGBY/ref=biss_dp_t_asn - 10" course double cut flat hand file
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018AG1Y/ref=biss_dp_t_asn - 10" medium single cut flat hand file
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050ECYYQ/ref=biss_dp_t_asn - 10" half round medium double cut
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050EE9TE/ref=biss_dp_t_asn - 10" medium double triangluar

I went with Simonds, comes out to around $50 for the 4 files. No bastard file though. Thoughts? There's other options, and also each of the file makers sell sets of files.

Am I doing it right?
 
I use files quite a bit. Most knives get shaped about 95% with them. I have to use them working out of an apartment. A proper grinder just isn't going to work for me in an apt. I used to think I needed all kinds of files with all the various cuts. I have found that three files get everything done that I need. The 14" chipbreaker, a 14" multicut file by simmonds, and a 10" multicut. The longer the file, the more coarse the cut, even with a given cut. In other words, a 14" double cut bastard will be more aggressive than a 10" double cut bastard. If the file does not have a safe side at least on one side, I'll grind the teeth off (for plunge lines). I used to buy finishing files...but the coarse grit sandpaper does that job so I no longer use them. Make sure you get a file card. Sometimes chalk or baby powder helps to prevent pinning. You can't go wrong with Simonds files.

Use what you are comfortable with, what is efficient, and what brings you the most joy! I love working with files.
 
Thanks for the advice.... I think for the plunge line I'm going to use the method used by Wheeler in his plunge line video, the steel block and blade jig.

The other option is the jig from the Gough video, where he grinds down a safe side like you mentioned.

Considering going with the papers that Wheeler uses, the redline ryno paper. Too bad I'd have to order it instead of buying it at HD.
 
Yes, when I rough in the bevels and plunge lines with the files, I switch over to the Ryno paper as well to clean it all up! You're on the right track AND the right train!
 
Well this is a weird one... order a 10" Simonds chip breaker on Amazon... $13. I was also trying to find the multi-kut as was recommended but Amazon was only listing a package of 10 files. For some reason Amazon sent a pack of 12 multi-kuts out of no where.

I've heard Amazon uses predictive order filling to try and speed things up, but this time they jumped the gun. Not sure what I'm gonna do with these, if I try to return them, they'll probably end up rusting somewhere. I never had any intention of buying this many of the same file though so I won't be paying for them.
 
Quick update... cpmtacted Amazon via chat, they looked into and said it was a "gift" and for me to keep it.

Guess I'd better learn to work with these multi-kuts.
 
rock welch said:
Quick update... cpmtacted Amazon via chat, they looked into and said it was a "gift" and for me to keep it.

Guess I'd better learn to work with these multi-kuts.
Click to expand...

If you would part with one, I would take one. Just let me know. ;)
 
Well maybe that's why they didn't ask me to return it. I would have had they asked.

I did just read that I can return it for a gift card... but that'd be a different process, and just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. I guess the best thing to do is share my windfall with the poster above and plug Amazon for screwing up and owning it.

Just a little sad now, why couldn't they have mistakenly sent me the grinder instead of these files, maybe they're trying to tell me something?
 
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