Where to buy?

[WMonroe]

I am looking to pick up some metal files for a Christmas gift. Looked at sears thinking they would have a nice selection, but there were only a few choices. Where is a good place to find good quality metal files?

Thanks

 

[GHarman]

Grobet USA

Try this. GregH



Files

 

[JLEONARD]

Or try here.



McMaster-Carr

 

[WMonroe]

Wow, I just realized how little I know about files.



Any suggestions on what kind for metal working. I'm thinking a ******* cut, second cut, and a finish cut in 8", 10", and 12"?

Double cut or single cut?



Thanks for the links.

 

[GHarman]

Some generic thoughts

It really depends on usage. Draw filing for finish and shaping metal by hand requires different files than that used for deburring a saw cut.

Care of quality files includes wrapping them in a leather roll so they do not come in contact with each other. Cheap files, no problem, expensive files loose sharp edges, teeth and corners over time when they are banging off each other. Get some file brushes or file cards and soapstone or chalk for the receipient. These items keep the files clean while in use. Common useage of the chalk and soapstone on the files keep burrs from clinging to the file teeth and allow the filings to fall away. The coarser the file teeth the faster the cut . Finer file teeth give a finer finish. Double cut files really hog metal. Make sure you get the proper handles for the files. I have removed the tang on some files for easier manipulation, eliminating the need for the handle on that particular file.

Files for aluminum are a whole different animal with huge teeth and rapid metal removal. Lathe files have a steep angle on the teeth. GregH

 

[GHarman]

link to basics

This may help in understanding terminology and choosing what you need. Using a file is an art unto itself. GregH



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_(tool)



Heres my link to a general search, if you want to take the time.



Files and metal work - Bing

 

[rbattelle]

Everything Greg says is good advice.

I keep an assortment of both double and single cut files on hand. The double cuts are for rapid material removal, so I generally get *******s in double cut only.

I keep 2nd and smooth cut files in 8", single cut. My *******s are in both 8" and 10". I also have a set of *******, 2nd, and smooth cut 8" round files, which some in handy a lot. I generally buy American pattern mill files. I like half round *******s, but always buy flat 2nd and smooth cut.

I rub chalk in my files before use to help keep from loading them up. This works pretty well, although it's not perfect.

Ryan

 

[WMonroe]

Thanks for all the help. I picked up so far 8", 10", and 12" ******* double cut, and finish single cut. Still reading and learning a lot though.