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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 9, 2014 10:33:13 GMT -5
I have been using a common set of needle files from Craftsman. I don't even know the cut. I see reference to different cuts ie 2,3,4. What is the best kind to get?
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 9, 2014 10:43:22 GMT -5
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Post by 1dave on Jan 9, 2014 14:39:25 GMT -5
I got a hand full from a pawn shop for $5.
Very course for serrated bezels, very fine for smoothing with the least scratches, make knife blades out of them when all else fails.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 9, 2014 16:47:27 GMT -5
How are they numbered though? My set doesn't have a number, but it is pretty coarse. I'm thinking that 2 would be more coarse than 4? Anyone know for sure?
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Post by Pat on Jan 9, 2014 17:03:08 GMT -5
Tela, I'd like to know, too. I just feel them.
Generally, from coarsest to finest: big metal files, needle files, popsicle sticks (sandpaper), cloth, compounds on wheel, propad (rio).
I hope someone can attach numbers to the above, or correct me, though most of my files to do not have numbers.
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Post by Pat on Jan 9, 2014 17:07:29 GMT -5
I just found this on rio: www.riogrande.com/Content/Defining-Files-HT-psd?Pos=0I figure the more teeth, the finer. Steps Step 1: The cut of the file refers to how fine its teeth are. They are defined from roughest to smoothest. A single-cut file has one set of parallel teeth while a cross-cut or double-cut file has a second set of teeth. Step 2: • FILE CUTS Files are graded by numbers ranging from 00 (the coarsest) to 6 (the finest). CUT # TEETH/INCH 00 38 0 51 1 64 2 79 3 97 4 117 6 173 |
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Post by 1dave on Jan 9, 2014 17:41:19 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 10, 2014 11:54:34 GMT -5
Thanks you two.  I should have found those myself. I guess I was deferring to experience. I need a good set and don't know which to get. |
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Post by Pat on Jan 10, 2014 12:01:43 GMT -5
My most used files are the flat and the half-round hand files, and the set of needle files. I'll have to check which number they are. Frequently there is not a number.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 10, 2014 13:16:07 GMT -5
My most used files are the flat and the half-round hand files, and the set of needle files. I'll have to check which number they are. Frequently there is not a number. Thank you, Pat. The cheap set I have has no number. They seem pretty coarse to me, but I don't have much to compare the to. I have a wide general purpose hardware store file. It's flat. I have learned over the years that it is best to have the right tools to start with. It's very hard to learn a new skill when you don't have what you need to achieve a success. I'm all for improvising and I do... a lot. But, that will come after I have the basics down. |
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Jan 10, 2014 13:16:16 GMT -5
I am not sure that your set of craftsman files might not be all you need, what with sanding sticks and whatnot:) Although I am a bad one to say that cause I like to have tools LOL
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 10, 2014 13:16:55 GMT -5
I am not sure that your set of craftsman files might not be all you need, what with sanding sticks and whatnot:) Although I am a bad one to say that cause I like to have tools LOL LOL! We posted at the same time. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 10, 2014 15:10:10 GMT -5
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Post by 1dave on Jan 10, 2014 15:48:22 GMT -5
IMO you can't have enough files. Even in silversmithing these "Riffle Files" come in handy.  They are usually used in "checkering" rifle stocks. |
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Post by Pat on Jan 10, 2014 16:48:39 GMT -5
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 10, 2014 16:53:07 GMT -5
IMO you can't have enough files. Even in silversmithing these "Riffle Files" come in handy. They are usually used in "checkering" rifle stocks. I have some for carving soapstone and alabaster |
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Post by Pat on Jan 10, 2014 17:06:58 GMT -5
IMO you can't have enough files. Even in silversmithing these "Riffle Files" come in handy. They are usually used in "checkering" rifle stocks. I have some for carving soapstone and alabaster I agree. For many people, part of the fun of metalsmithing is all the different toys/tools. Friends are always finding something new, or a new way of using an item. It's fun. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 10, 2014 17:19:27 GMT -5
Seems that often I spend more time with tools than I do with rock.
Lee#2
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Jan 10, 2014 18:30:06 GMT -5
Nice guide, I now know more about files, alot more
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Post by talkingstones on Jan 10, 2014 19:09:09 GMT -5
Hi guys. I tried filing on the bead with a set of needle files I inherited from my dad. Ended up using his dremmel and diamond bit after breaking the center joint for the bazilianth time. I found that I didn't have to use the kind of pressure I did with files and didn't have the residual problems incurred with the motion damage from moving the files back and for the with the dremmel.
Is there a reason not to do this?
Cathy
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I should have found those myself. I guess I was deferring to experience. I need a good set and don't know which to get. 
