Recommendation? Which file cut# for fine file work?

Jesse WW

Jesse WW

Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Messages
71
Hey all,

I'm looking at getting some needle files for file work however i don't have experience with the different cut# types. Can somebody give me a rough indication as to what cut equates to what grit? Would a #1 for initial shaping and a #4 for finishing work out well? Is a #4 even fine enough for finishing... or will i need to order some even finer diamond coated files also?

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
 
Not sure exactly on the type of file work your planning or if it's on a harden blade but I simply use chainsaw files ( a couple different diameters) and a simple small triangle file for filing non hardened steel.
 
Thanks for the link i4marc, very informative! Unfortunately it didn't answer my initial question. Looking back on my post I was a little vague like lcoop mentioned.

I intend to use these files for decorative work. I plan to do the initial shaping/cutting before ht with a course file, while a much finer file will be used post ht for a finishing touch.
orig.jpg


I have no idea how the different file cuts act, and so I need to know what two cut# types i should progress with, and which cut# types i am able to skip. I don't want to end up ordering a whole bunch of cut# types that I'm not going to have any need for. Can i progress from a 1# to a #4... or will a #4 be unable to remove the marks left over from the #1?
Would a 4# be fine enough for a finishing touch...? Or should i go to the trouble of getting a 6#. Would a 6# be able to remove filing marks left over from a #1?
I want to avoid buying a 1# 2# 3# 4# 5# 6# for a single file shape.
 
Chainsaw files, needle files, Japanese saw sharpening (diamond) files, and western saw sharpening (triangular) files will probably get you what you want. The smaller files you will use for decorative filing are generally already smooth cut. If you need to clean up any further, sand paper wrapped around dowels would probably take care of the rest.
 
#1 is fine enough for most work. If you want to chase the work down with a #4, that will be fine. I often start the cuts with a #0.
 
I generally keep 0 and 2 around. Even 2 is already really fine. A 6 cut feels like rubbing your finger on 6-800 grit abrasive.
 
see if these pics help you decide
I got close up so u could see the detail
so keep the perspective in mind, these are small needle files

mH2ZMqX.jpg


XoEaQJG.jpg
5F37r3O.jpg


veNGySq.jpg
 
Thanks everyone! I have a pretty good idea now which cuts i should look into ordering. Appreciate the help :thumbsup:
 
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