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7/25/2019 Nicholson Guide to Filing 2014
1/14
THE GUIDE TOFILES AND FILING
Apex Tool Group, LLC
14600 York Road, Suite A
Sparks, Maryland 21152
www.apextoolgroup.com
ATG-1692 6/14 / ITEM NO. T550587
2014 Apex Tool Group, LLC
Nicholson is a registered trademark of Apex Brands, Inc.,
a Division of Apex Tool Group, LLC.Specifications subject to change without notice.
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How a file is made
Today various kinds of material,product finish and workingcondition make file developmentan industrial science. Filemanufacture involves the studyof file steels, file design andfile performance for all file
applications.
1. File Steel:Is cut to properlength from various widththickness and cross sectionssuch as rectangular, square,triangular, round and half round.
2. Rough shaping:The blank ispunched to shape or is heatedand forged with drop hammers
and rollers to shape the tangand point.
3. Annealing:The forgedblank is heated to an elevatedtemperature and then cooledslowly under controlledconditions to soften the steelfor tooth cutting and to makeinternal steel structure uniform.
4. Final Shaping:The annealedblanks are ground or milled to
produce a surface necessaryfor the uniform formation ofthe teeth. This is followed bydrawfiling that produces theperfectly true flat or curvedsurface necessary for theuniform formation of the teeth.
5. Forming teeth:The teeth are
formed by a rapidly reciprocatingchisel that strikes successiveblows on the file. The hardenedchisel cuts into the soft blankdisplacing and raising the steelinto the desired tooth structure.
6. Hardening:The file is thenhardened by heating it in amolten bath to a predeterminedtemperature. This is followed by
immersing the file in a quenchingsolution. This combinationof heating and cooling undercarefully controlled conditionsbrings the file to the maximumhardness to the very top of thecutting edges.
Introduction
Choosing the right file can be confusing, with somany sizes, shapes and cuts available it is difficultto decide the right one for the job.
The range of Nicholson files available from
Apex Tool Group covers every job task requirement.
This booklet has been specially produced to simplifyfile selection and application for any file user.
History
The file has been with man now
for many years and one of the first
recordings is in the Bible during the
reign of King Saul.
This would be approximately 1090 BC
and at that time files would have been
used for sharpening various types
of primitive tools. From the first files
the development and evolution can
be traced from stone implements to
files with teeth running at right anglesacross the file blank to present day
quality machine produced files.
The first attempt to cut files by
machine was approximately 1490
AD and resulted from an invention
by Leonardo da Vinci. However the
first machine which actually cut files
was that made by the Frenchman,Chopitel in 1750.
At this time files were made from
mild material and did not require
annealing. To produce a hardened
surface various preparations were
used to carburize the file teeth. But
it was the inventions of such men as
Bernot, Nicholson, Whipple and Weedthat provided machines capable of
producing better files than those
produced by hand.
2 3
7. Finishing:The file iscleaned and sharpened bybead blasting. The tang isreheated to give strengthwithout brittleness. It is thengiven a series of tests by
trained inspectors, and oiledto prevent rust.
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File Terminology
Each part of the file has a nameand there are many differentshapes and sizes of files.Furthermore, there are varyingtypes of file cuts
Type:The cross-sectionalshape or style of the file i. e.quadrangular, circular, triangularor irregular. These sections arefurther classified according to theircontours i. e. blunt, taper etc.
Blunt:A file whose edges areparallel from end to end and ofconstant width.
Taper:The reduction in crosssection of the file from its heel tothe point. A file may taper withwidth, in thickness or in both.
Coarseness:The number ofteeth per inch length of the file.
Cut:The character of the file teethwith respect to the coarseness(bastard, second-cut and smooth.)
A single-cutfile has a single setof parallel, diagonal rows of teeth.Single-cut files are often usedwith light pressure to produce asmooth surface finish or to puta keen edge on knives, shears
or saws.A double-cutfile has two setsof diagonal rows of teeth. Thesecond set of teeth is cut inthe opposite diagonal direction,and on top of the first set. Thefirst set of teeth is known as theovercut while the second is calledthe upcut. The upcut is finerthan the overcut. The double-
cut file is used with heavierpressure than the single-cut andremoves material faster from theworkpiece.
4 5
available, all with their own names.This section of the booklet will helpyou understand the file and the termsused:
Length
Point Belly Heel Tang
File Terminology
A rasp-cuthas a seriesof individual teeth that areformed by a single-pointedtool. This produces a rough-cut and is used primarily onwood, hooves, aluminum andlead.
A curved-cut / mill toothfile has its teeth arranged incurved contours across thefile face and is normally usedin automotive body shops forsmoothing body panels.
Plater's Rasp:A rasp filecombination that is usedprimarily by farriers in the trim-
ming of horses' hooves.
Woodchuck:A multi-purposeWood chisel / rasp combina-tion tool used by cabinetmak-ers, homebuilders, and con-struction workers.
Bastard: File coarsenessbetween "Coarse and SecondCut."
Back: The convex side of ahalf-round or other similarlyshaped file.
Edge: The intersection of twoadjacent faces of the file.
Safe Edge:A smooth or uncutedge of the file.
Pinning: Filings wedgedbetween the file teeth.
Shelling:The breaking of fileteeth, usually caused by usingtoo much pressure reversefiling, filing sharp corners, oredges.
Handle:A holder into which
the tang of the file fits. If thefile has an integral holder thisis known as a solid handle file.
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To achieve the desired results itis essential that the right file beused for the job. In selecting theright file the user should considerthe shape, size and coarseness ofthe file.
The size and the coarseness ofthe file are directly related, so thelarger the file the more stock it willremove and the smaller the file thefiner the finish it will achieve.
Most files also have three gradesof cut: bastard-cut, second-cut andsmooth-cut. The coarser the cutof the file, the rougher the finish ofthe work. Therefore, the size of the
file and the grade of its cut mustbe taken into account against theamount of stock to be removedand the fineness of finish that isrequired.
Generally speaking bastard andsecond-cut grades of double-cutfiles would be chosen for the fastremoval of stock while single-cutfiles and smooth double-cut fileswould be chosen for finishing. It ishowever almost impossible to laydown exact guidelines for the rightfile for the job, but using the basicfacts given here the user shouldhave a reasonably clear picture in
mind, the nature, size of the work,the kind of finish required, theworking tolerance allowed and therisks (if any) of spoiling the work.
Choosing the right file
In addition to the amount of stockto be removed, the contour of itsremoval is equally important and isdetermined by the shape of the file.For example, a triangular file shouldbe used on acute internal angles,to clear out square corners and in
sharpening saw teeth.
A flat file should be used forgeneral-purpose work, a squarefile for enlarging rectangular holesand a round file for enlarging roundholes. A half-round file can be used
for dual purposes, the flat face forfiling flat surfaces and the curvedface for grooves.
Filing is an industrial art - grip,stroke and pressure may vary, to fitthe job. There are three elementalways a file can be put to workThey are:
Straight filing:This consists of
pushing the file lengthwise-straightahead or slightly diagonally-acrossthe workpiece.
Drawfiling:This consists ofgrasping the file at each end,pushing and drawing it across theworkpiece.
Lathefiling:This consists ofstroking the file against workrevolving in a lathe.
For normal filing, the vice shouldbe about elbow height. When thereis a great deal of heavy filing it isbetter to have the work slightlylower. If the work is of fine anddelicate nature, the work can beraised to eye level.
For work that could becomedamaged in the vice through
pressure, a pair of protectorsmade of zinc, copper or aluminumsheet should be used between theworkpiece and vise jaws.
The Grip
For files needing two-handedoperation, the handle should begrasped in one hand and the pointof the file in the other hand.
The file handle should be rested inthe palm with the thumb pointingalong the top of the handle and thefingers gripping the underside.
The point of the file should begrasped between the thumb andthe first two fingers with the thumbbeing on the top of the file.
When heavy filing strokes arerequired, the thumb on the point isnormally in line with the
How to use a file correctly
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file; the tip of the thumb pointedforward. For lighter strokeshowever, the thumb can be turnedto as much as right angles to thedirection of the stroke
If the file is being used one-handed
for filing pins, dies or edgedtools not being held in a vise, theforefinger, and not the thumb isplaced on top of the handle in linewith the file.
Carrying the file
For normal flat filing, the operatorshould aim to carry the file forward
on an almost straight line in thesame plane, changing its courseenough to prevent grooving. Toomuch pressure often results in arocking motion causing a roundedsurface.
Keep the file cutting
One of the quickest ways to ruina good file is to apply too muchpressure, or too little, on theforward stroke. Different materialsof course require different touches;however, in general, just enoughpressure should be applied to keepthe file cutting. If allowed to slideover the harder metals the teeth ofthe file rapidly become dull, and ifthey are overloaded by too muchpressure, they are likely to chip
or clog.
On the reverse stroke, it is best tolift the file clear of the workpiece,except on very soft metals. Eventhen pressure should be very light,never more than the weight of thefile itself.
Drawfiling consists of graspingthe file firmly at each end andalternatively pushing and pullingthe file sideways across the work.Since files are made primarily tocut on a longitudinal forward stroke,a file with a short-angle cut should
never be used, as it will score andscratch instead of shaving andShearing. When accomplishedproperly, drawfiling produces afiner finish than straight filing.
Normally, a standard Mill Bastardfile is used for drawfiling, but wherea considerable amount of stockhas to be removed, a Flat or Handfile (Double Cut) will work faster.
However, this roughing downleaves small ridges that willhave to be smoothed by finishingwith a Single Cut Mill file.
Lathe filing
When filing work revolving in alathe, the file should not be heldrigid or stationary, but stroked
constantly. A slight gliding or lateralmotion assists the file to clear itselfand eliminate ridges and grooves.
While a Mill file is capable of goodlathe filing, there is a special LongAngle Lathe file with teeth cut at amuch larger angle. This provides acleaner shearing, self-clearing file,eliminates drag or tear, overcomeschatter and reduces clogging.
Uncut edges on this file protect anyshoulders on the work, which arenot filed, and the dog, which holdsthe workpiece.
Lathe filing is usually employedfor fitting shafts. Where stock isto be removed, a 12"/300mm or14"/350mm Long Angle Lathe fileis preferable. This file will providethe finish suitable for a drive fit. For
a running fit a Mill file will provide asmooth finish. Where
Drawfiling
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a fine finish is required a SwissPattern and or Pillar file in No. 4should be used.
Recommended Surface Feet perMinute for Lathe Filing:
Many lathe filers make a practiceof not using a new file for work
requiring an extremely fine finish.
In using the Long Angle Lathe file,care should be taken at shaft endsas this fast cutting file may cut toodeeply.
Do not run a hand over lathe work,as oil and moisture can coat thesurface and make it difficult for thefile to take hold. For lathe work thathas oval, ecliptical or irregularlyround form, the finer Swiss Patternfiles are most satisfactory.
Filing different metals
Different metals vary greatly incharacter and properties, someare softer than others are, andsome are more ductile and so on.The nature of the metal has to be
taken carefully into account whenchoosing the right file and applyingit to the job. For instance, a softductile metal requires a keen fileand only light pressure must beapplied during filing if the work is notto be deformed. Conversely, a hardand less ductile metal may requirea file with duller teeth to avoid thembiting too deep and breaking off
when pressure is applied.When filing a material the user cannormally feel whether or not he isusing the right file,
Cast Iron Approximately 150
Annealed Tool Steel Approximately 175
Machinery Steel Approximately 350
Soft Yellow Brass Approximately 500
and filing in the correct manner.All things being correct, a smoothcutting action and a good cleanfinish on the work is achieved.If there is stubborn resistance,chances are the wrong file is beingused, the file is damaged or the
wrong method is being used.
Filing rough castings
Snagging castings, removing fins,spurs and other projections, is hardon normal files. Their teeth are forfast cutting and do not possessthe ruggedness for driving againsthard projections and edges. This
filing engages only a few teeth,thus putting a strain on each. Forsuch work, it is better to use aFoundry file with sturdier teeth andheavy-set edges to resist shellingor breaking out.
Filing die castings
Like foundry castings, die castings
usually have sharp corners, webs,fins or flashing which are liable todamage a normal file. In addition,die castings consist of magnesium,zinc, aluminum, alloy or similarcombinations of metal which havethe tendency to clog regular files.
Depending on the shape, ApexTool Group has a variety offiles that will meet the required
application. Suggested filesare found in the "job by job" fileselector of this book, or you maycontact your Apex Tool GroupCustomer Service Representative.
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The use of stainless steel andalloy steels has created otherfiling techniques. These steelswith hard chromium and nickelcontent are tough and dense. Thiscauses them to be abrasive, whichshortens the life of the normal file.
To overcome these problems, fileshave been developed with goodwearing qualities. These files, whenused with a light pressure and aslow, steady Stroke, will removemetal and provide a good finish.
Filing aluminum
Aluminum is soft and is difficultto file, file teeth clog even undermoderate pressure. Filingaluminum is divided into:1) Filing roughness from aluminumcastings,2) Filing sheet and bar aluminum,3) Filing aluminum alloys.
To produce a good finish, theAluminum Type A file has been
developed. The file upcut is deepwith an open throat, the overcutfine which produces small scallopson the upcut. This breaks up thefilings and allows the file to clear.This also overcomes chatter andprevents too large a bite. By usinga shearing stroke toward the left, agood finish can be obtained.
Filing brass
Brass is difficult to file because itis softer than steel, but tough. Thisdemands teeth that are sharp,sturdy and cut to prevent groovingand running the file off the work.
The Brass file has a short upcutangle and a fine long angle overcutwhich produces small scallops tobreak up filings and enable the fileto clear. With pressure, the sharphigh-cut teeth bite deep, with lesspressure, the short upcut anglesmoothes.
Filing stainless steel
Bronze is similar in nature tobrass in some aspects, but variesaccording to the percentages ofalloying elements.
Average sharpness of the file issatisfactory for some bronzes,
while for others, a file that canmaintain its sharpness for longerperiods is required. Thus, for theharder bronzes, a file with a moreacute angle at the top of the toothis desirable. This is known as athin topped tooth.
The direction of stroke of the fileshould be crossed frequently toavoid grooving with bronze and
brass.
Filing Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is relatively simple tofile. It is soft but only moderatelyductile so it is not necessary for afile to be very sharp to obtain goodresults.
Filing plastics
Hard plastics are dense and brittle,and material is removed as lightpowder. The abrasiveness of hardplastics requires files with highsharp teeth. Soft plastics are filedin shreds so Shear Tooth filesshould be used for thisapplication.
Depending on the density of thematerial, Apex Tool Group hasthe file that will meet the requiredapplication. Suggested filesare found in the "job by job" fileselector of this book, or you maycontact your Apex Tool GroupCustomer Service Representative.
Filing Bronze (Copper, tin or other alloying elements)
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Soft materials such as Aluminum,Brass, Copper, Plastics hardrubber and Wood, a Shear Toothfile provides fast material removalwith good smoothing qualities. Thecombination of the Single Cut andthe Long Angle helps the Shear
Tooth file to clear. Because of theLong Angle the file has a tendencyto run to the left on narrow surfaces.This can be overcome by filing witha diagonal stroke to the right.
Precision filing
For filing such as that employedby the instrument industry, there
is a range of Swiss Pattern files.The delicate precision work callsfor these files be made to exactingmeasurements and finer cuts.
The flat Precision file should beused with a slow smooth strokemoving the file laterally along thework on the forward stroke. In usingRound or Half Round types, thefiling should be clockwise to ensure
a deeper cut and a smoother finish.
Saw Filing
Efficient saw filing demands, firstof all, a steady hand and a goodfile. Also, the file must be correctin design, cut and size for the typeof saw and the type of teeth to befiled.
The stroke must be absolutely level,as the slightest rocking will affectthe cutting edge of the saw-tooth.The file must be lifted off the workwhen drawing back for the nextstroke.
The teeth have to be set at thecorrect angle in relation to eachother. This is best done with a "SawSet" usually before filing. However,some filers prefer to do this afterthe saw has been filed. To file sawteeth, provisions must be made tohold the saw. A saw vise should be
Filing soft materials
used, to be sure there is no chatteror vibration in the saw. This willshorten the life of the file.
Handsaws of two types, theCrosscut and the Rip must bereset, normally every fourth orfifth filing. Check that teeth areof equal height. This can beaccomplished by passing the filelightly lengthwise along the tops ofthe teeth. Some may be flattened,others are hardly touched. Theflattened teeth will require morefiling to put them in shape.
These files should be used:
Sharpening hand saws
Five 7"/175mm Regular Taper or 6"/150mm Heavy Taper
Five and a half 7" /175mm Regular Taper or 6" /150mm Heavy Taper
Six 7" /175mm or 8" /200mm Slim Taper
Seven 6" /150mm, 7" /175mm Slim Taper and 9" /225mm or 10" /250mm Double Ender
Eight 6" /150mm Slim Taper or 7" /175mm Extra Slim Taper or 9"/225mm Double Ender or 8"/200mm Double Extra Slim Taper
Nine 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 7"/175mm Double Extra Slim Taper or 8"/200mm Double Ender
Ten 5" /125mm or 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper,
6"/150mm Double Ender
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Rounded hooded chain saws:These type of chain saws requireRound Chain saw files specificallydesigned for the task. These filesare available in various diametersto fit a sizes of Round Hoodedchain saws. Place the file against
the beveled cutting surface of theteeth that face both sides andprovide their own clearance at anangle of 20 to 45 with the saw
blade, depending on manufacturersspecifications. The direction of thefiling stroke is off the cutting edge.It is essential that the file be heldlevel and it should be pressedback and slightly up during thefiling stroke. Every other tooth isfiled, and then the chain saw isreversed. The depth gauges of thistype of saw control the depth of thecut that the saw will take. As thecutting teeth are sharpened, theybecome lower, and it is necessaryto lower the depth gauges an equalextent. The difference in heightbetween cutting teeth and depthgauge should be between 020"/
5mm and 030"/ 75mm.
File the depth gauge only asrequired to maintain dimensionsbetween cutter and gauge as cutteris filed back. Do not file off toomuch. This overloads motor andchain and the chain will clog. Usea depth gauge, chainsaw file, or amill file.
Before removing the saw bladesfrom saw, lower the blade until only1/64" (4mm) protrudes above thetable. Place a file over the openingin the table and by hand, revolvethe saw backward against the file.Be sure that the file touches eachtooth top. Remove the saw bladeand sharpen, using the following:6"/ 150mm and 7"/175mm saws
Filing chain saw teeth
Sharpening circular saws
use 6"/150mm Cantsaw file.8"/200mm and 9"/225mm saws use8"/200mm Cantsaw file.10"/250mm and up use 10"/250mmCantsaw file.
Some large size circular saws may
be sharpened without removingthem from the saw as long asthere is no chatter. Large circularsaws with insert type teeth aresharpened with a Mill file. Thelarger the saw, the larger the file.
The teeth of the crosscut saws cutwith their edges and points: edges
must be beveled and sharp. Startat the point of the saw and worktowards the handle. Place the filein the gullet to the left of the firsttooth set away from you. Hold thefile level with the angle of the sawblade. At this angle, it should touchon the bevels of both teeth. Whenfiling the flattened teeth, only halfshould be filed away at a time.Miss the next gullet and file the onefollowing until every other gullethas been filed.
Reverse the saw and beginprocess from second gullet awayfrom saw point.
Filing hand ripsaws
For pointing and filing, follow the
same procedure as the Crosscutsaw. It must be remembered thatthe Rip saw is filed so that thetooth points do the cutting, notthe edges. Teeth should be filedat right angles to the blade. Everyother tooth is brought to a squareedge, the saw is reversed and theremaining teeth filed.
The Crosscut saw has two typesof teeth, cutters and rakers. Thecutters do the cutting, the
Filing the hand crosscut saw
Sharpening crosscut saws
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rakers clear the cut. This is filedat an angle of 45 from the filer.This permits access to cutters andenables the teeth to be filed at thecorrect angle.
Teeth should be checked
for levelness, the raker teethbeing between 1/100"/25mm to1/64"/.4mm below level of cuttingteeth. The filer should use aCrosscut Saw file or a Mill file andfile all cutter teeth to a point. Thesaw is placed vertically and thefile used across the rakers. Shouldthe gullets of the teeth requiredeepening, a Round file or a Millfile with round edge can be used,
or use the back of the Crosscut file.
There are many tools andimplements in industry, agricultureand gardening that require regularsharpening. Such tools may befiled towards or away from theedge, the former for the early part
of the task and the latter for thelight finishing touches. For coarsesteel cutting edges for hoes,ploughs etc., Home and Gardenfiles, as well as Axe and Handyfiles are available. For hardercarbon steels in cutter knives,shears etc., the Second Cut orSmooth Mill provides a sure, butsmoother bite. It is essential thatthe work glaze be removed in the
first few strokes, so apply extrapressure in very slow, deliberatestrokes at the beginning.
Rasps
Rasps are broadly classifiedas wood, cabinet and horseRasps. Also available are raspcombinations known as Four-in-
Hand (or Shoe Rasp) and WoodCraft Rasp.
The Wood Rasp is a coarser cutthan the Cabinet Rasp and
Sharpening tools and implements
is made primarily for the rapidremoval of stock. For finerwoodwork, the Cabinet Raspprovides a means of bringingmortise-and-tenon joints to aproper fit. The Horse Rasp is usedfor shoeing horses. The Plater's
Rasp is available for light hoovessuch as racehorses.
Woodchuck
Woodchuck rasp is a chisel / raspcombination tool used for a varietyof wood working tasks. Each toolfeatures a flat wood rasp on oneside and a half-round wood rasp onthe other. There are edge teeth for
those hard to get spots. The chiselpoint features an extremely sharp,polished and ground blade.
Care of the file
The teeth of the file should beprotected when the file is not in useby hanging it in a rack or keeping itin a drawer with wooden divisions.
Files should always be keptclear of water or grease, sincethis impairs the filing action. It isadvisable to wrap the file in a clothfor protection when it is carried ina toolbox.
The file teeth should be kept cleanat all times by using a file card, or awire file brush, to clear the groovesbetween the teeth.
Safety
For safety reasons, a file should
never be used without a tight
fitting handle. Serious accidents
can result if the handle becomes
detached exposing the sharp
point of the tang.
Apex Tool Group offers a variety
of different size file handlesproduced in traditional wood, orfrom modern plastics. If you needhelp in selecting which handle isright for your file, contact your ApexTool Group Customer ServiceRepresentative today.
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Aluminum alloy Flat Bastard File, Aluminum File, Magicut
Auger Bit Auger Bit File
Auto Body Bodifiles
Babbitt Flat Babbitt, Super Shear, Flat Files
Bearing, brass Magicut
Bearing, bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut
Beveling Flat Bastard, Mill File
Blacksmith Rasp and Flat Bastard, Half-Round Bastard,Flat Coarse File
Bolt threads Taper, Mill or Knife File, Mill Bastard
Brass Flat Bastard File, Magicut, Super Shear
Bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut
Cabinet, wood Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp or Woodchuck
Cast iron Flat, Half-Round, Square or Round File, according to shape of material
Casting rough Flat Bastard File
Contact points Mill Bastard, Second Cut, and Tungsten Point Files
Copper Flat Bastard File, Magicut
Cutter, This tool is generally ground and sharpened byMachine tool an emery wheel. Can be filed only when in an annealed condition. Use file to suit shape or surface.
Cutter, milling See Cutter, Machine tool
De-scaling Flat Bastard File
Die block Flat Bastard File
Die casting Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard File, RoundBastard File, Square Bastard File, or Mill Bastard
File, according to shape of the die casting and finishdesired.
Die forging Flat Bastard File or Half Round Bastard File,
according to shape of the die forging.
'Job by Job' file selector 'Job by Job' file selector
Die shop Swiss Pattern Files of appropriate shape
Electric If surface is large, use Mill Bastard
Connections File, otherwise use Tungsten point.
(cleaning)
Fender, auto Bodifiles
Fiber Flat Bastard File or Rasp
Fine work Swiss Pattern Files
Finishing Mill Bastard File. For lathe filing, use
Mill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe File
Foundry casting Flat Bastard File
Furniture, making Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp, or Mill Bastard File
Garden Tool Home and Garden File
Grooving Square Bastard, Round Bastard,
Half-Round Bastard, or Slim Taper,
according to shape of groove
Hard rubber Flat Bastard File
Hole Round Bastard File or Square Bastard File
Horse-shoeing Horse Rasp, Plater's Rasp
Hot metal, filing Flat Bastard File
Iron Bastard-Cut File according to shape of material
Joint, mortise and Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasptenon
Key way Square Bastard or Pillar Bastard File
Keys, filing Warding Bastard File
Knife Mill Files
Lathe-turned Mill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe
Section File
Laminate Laminate File, Plastic File, Mill Bastard File
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22 23
Lawn mower Mill Bastard File or Home and Garden File.
Lock, mending Warding Bastard File.
Machinists' work Machinists' File such as Flat, Half Round, Square or
Round. Also Mill or Tapers, in cuts according to work.
Millwrights' work Flat, Half-Round, Round, Square Mill Files.
Model, metal Swiss Pattern Files.
Molded part Flat Bastard File or Mill Bastard File.
Notch Taper or Knife File.
Ornaments, wood Files, including Cabinet File, CabinetMaking Rasp. Round Bastard Mill Bastard.
and Slim Taper File.
Pattern making, Files, including Cabinet File, Cabinet
Wood Rasp, Pattern Makers Rasp, Woodchuck,
Round Bastard, Square Bastard, Mill
Bastard and Slim Taper File.
Pipe fitting Half-Round Bastard File.
Planer knife Mill Bastard File.
carbon steel
Plastics Flat Bastard File. Also Mill Bastard File, Plastics File,
Laminate File, sharpened for plastics.
Plumbers' work Half-Round Bastard.
Rotary mower Home and Garden File, Handy File,
Blade Flat Bastard.
Rough filing Bastard File depending on shape to be filed.
Slot Knife File, Slim Taper or Warding.
Snagging Flat Bastard File.
Soft metal Flat Bastard.
Stainless Steel Flat, or Mill File sharpened for stainless
Steel Flat Bastard File.
'Job by Job' file selector
Steel alloy Use file applicable to the shape of the material.
File steel alloy only when it is annealed.
Switch contacts Contact Point File or Mill Bastard File, according to
surface area of switch contacts.
Switch, electric Mill Bastard File or Contact Point File, according to
size of switch.
Template Files, including Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard
File, Mill Bastard File, or Round Bastard File.
V-groove Files, including Knife, Taper, Slim Taper,
X Slim Taper, XX Slim Taper.
Wood working Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasp.
Zinc Babbit File.
SAWS
Band Saw Band Saw Taper Single-Cut File
Cant Saw Cantsaw or Mill Bastard File.
Chain Saw Round, Special Square, Lozenge File* (Special Mill Filefor Depth Gauge)
Circular Saw Mill Bastard, Cantsaw and Slim Taper Files
Cross-Cut Saw Special Crosscut, Mill, Round, or Round Edge Mill File.
Hand Saw Slim Taper, Extra Slim Taper, or Double Extra Slim Taper
File, according to points of saw. File recommended for saw
points per inch. Saw points shown in Bold.
5 - 7" Regular Taper 51/2 - 7" Regular Taper
6- 7" or 8" Slim Taper
7- 7" or 8" Slim Taper
8- 6" Slim Taper, 7" Extra Slim Taper
or 8" Double Extra Slim Taper
9- 6" Extra Slim Taper or 7" Double Extra Slim Taper
10- 5" or 6" Extra Slim Taper
Wood or Mill Bastard and Slim Taper Files
Buck Saw
'Job by Job' file selector
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Cross Section Name Shape
Flat Rectangular
Hand Rectangular
Pillar Almost square
Warding Thin
Square Square
Three Square Triangular
Round Circular
Half Round Third-Circular
Knife Knife-Shaped
Profile Selector for Special Purpose Files
Aluminum Flat Rectangular
Aluminum Half-Round
Long Angle Flat Rectangular
Profile Selector for Machinists Files
Character of Teeth Taper General Uses
Usually bastard. Also Taper in width A general purpose
second-cut and smooth file
One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Finishing flatsecond-cut and smooth width surfaces
One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Keyways, slots
second-cut and smooth width narrow work
Usually bastard. Also Width sharply Filing ward notches
second-cut and smooth tapered in keys. Narrow
thickness work
uniform
Bastard, second-cut and Tapered Enlarging holes or
Smooth recesses Mortises,
keyways and splines
Sharp edges. Bastard Tapered Filing acute angles,
second-cut and smooth corners, grooves,
notches
Usually bastard. Also Either tapered Enlarging holes;
second-cut and smooth ("Rat Tail")* shaping curved or blunt surfaces
Usually bastard. Also Uniform in Concave corners
second-cut and smooth width crevices, round
holes
Usually bastard. Also Tapered Cleaning out acute
second-cut and smooth curving to a angles, corners,
narrow point slots
Made in one cut only. Tapered Filing aluminum
Fast-cutting teeth alloys and other soft
metals
Made in one cut only. Slightly Filing aluminum
Fast-cutting teeth tapered alloys and other soft
metals
Made in one cut only. Slightly Lathe work where
Both edges safe tapered smooth finish is
desired. Also soft
metals
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Cross Section Name Shape
Hand Rectangular
Pillar Width narrower
than Hand File
Warding Thin Rectangular
Square Square
Three-Square Triangular (Equilateral)
Round Circular
Half-Round Third Circular
Knife Knife-Shaped
Cant Triangular
Profile Selector for Swiss Pattern Files
Character of Teeth Taper General Uses
Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfaces
faces and one edge. width
Other edge safe or uncut
Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfaces
faces. Both edges safe width
Double-cut on two flat Tapered in Slots, locks and
faces. Single-cut on two width uniform keys
edges in thickness
Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes
Double-cut on three Tapered Corners, holesFaces. Single-cut on
edges
Double-cut Either tapered Corners, holes
or uniform
(straight)
Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes
Double-cut on flat faces. Tapered SlotsSingle-cut on edges
Double-cut on three Tapered Corners
faces. Single-cut on two
sharp edges