Pillar files

[DFHicks]

I am working on making my first patchbox. I have the Rifle magazines with John Bivin's articles.  In the one on patchbox construction he recommended using a pillar file to true up the knuckles.  I don't have a pillar file and Amazon carries the Nicholson brand.  The choices are 4" - 12" long and extra coarse cut - fine cut.  Which file(s) would be best for this work?  Maybe another brand?  As always I will appreciate your advice.
DF

[Acer Saccharum]

I just use mill (flat) and triangular files for this kind of work.

If you want one side of the file NOT to cut the patchbox face while you file the knuckle, grind the teeth smooth on one side so it will not cut.

[DFHicks]

Thanks for the information.  I have the files that you mentioned and will grind the edge on one to help avoid over filing.
Regards,
DF

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I bought two pillar files in 1979, and I still use them for work like this.  They are of excellent quality, and have stayed sharp these many years.  But like Acer, I also grind regular files, both single and double cut, to perform specific tasks.  It is amazing how frequently one calls upon those files.

[Acer Saccharum]

I'm not try to prevent you from buying all those really nice files, I just recognize that being somewhat of a tool freak, I have purchased way more stuff than I can even remember where I put it.

Sometimes you can do an awful lot of stuff with very simple tools.

And sometimes, the right tool for the job saves you hours, and improves the quality of your work.


...true confessions of a tool freak.....

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Tom, you're so hard on yourself.

[David Rase]

I love my extra narrow pillar files I purchased from Brownell's.  The 3/8" width with the safe edges are perfect for a variety of metal and wood operations. 

I hate to contradict Tom but here goes.  You can never have too many tools.  When I run out of money for buying tools and I need a fix, I make my own.

David

[T*O*F]

Many years ago, I went to an estate sale of a fellow who made and repaired musical instruments.  I wanted his Atlas lathe but they let you into the sale by the number and a guy just before me beat me to it.  As I walked around, they had a box of assorted sizes of brass and GS tubing and square stock which I bought.  They also had various files bundled up.  I put them all into a box (around 50 of them) and said I would take them all.  They quoted me some obscenely cheap price and I took the whole lot.  There were half a dozen assorted pillar files and a couple of tapered 4 square files.  I still use them on every build.  The 4 square files are almost the exact size needed to file a tumbler hole in a new hammer casting.  One has teeth on all sides and one has a safe side.

I find both types indispensable.

[Meteorman]

+1 on the pillars.  Lots of applications.  Squared up and safe edges.
You won't regret that purchase.
3/8" wide is nice.
/mike

[DFHicks]

Thanks for the additional input.  Looks like a couple of pillar files would be helpful on this project and down the road as well.  I once heard a guy say a good party was its own justification.  I think that applies to buying tools as well.
DF

[Ryan McNabb]

I used to think I was a tool hog until I read the inventory of a VA gunsmith who had over 300 files and rasps at the time of his death.  Now maybe some were his apprentice's and some were worn out and waiting to be turned into springs, but...dang.  Pillar files are nice but I never saw the magic.  It's more about getting used to what you have.  I think it's more important to have a variety of cuts than a variety of forms. 

[Bob Roller]

 I use pillar files frequently and have some that are only about 1/8" wide and #6 cut.
 Most flat files can be reconfigured for a variety of uses.
 
 Bob Roller

[Ryan McNabb]

I can definitely see a specialist lock shop having a wide variety of files for specific areas on the lock.

[Bob Roller]

 In days long gone,there were no lock MAKERS but only lock FILERS.
That name had to originate with the tools of the trade.

Bob Roller

[kaintuck]

i have a sign......

"Will work for tools"

the boss(wife)...tells me I just like tools, and then build stuff cause i want to use them~

marc

[davec2]

I use a lot of files and especially like pillar files.  However, I also have and use a lot of knife files in various sizes and cuts for both wood and metal.  The safe edge and tapered shape is very useful (at least for me).  And here is one not many people know about but I have used them for years for everything except what they were intended for....

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/Page.aspx?p=70693&cat=1,320,43072,43089,70693