How do you keep your metal/wood files

[Dave K]

I need to make a change on how I keep a file and keep it sharp. Placing them in a drawer, has got to be the worst way to keep a file as they bang into each other. How do you keep your files?

[brokenflint]

Dave   I keep mine in a Plano tackle box where they are either in paper sheaths or in separate tackle box slots.  This only works for an 8" or less file with a handle attached. You can also keep the files separated by material use, eg brass, steel etc.   I use these plastic boxes as they travel easy, useful for chisels on the move also.    I have a portable stand to use at the bench as well as a plastic hanging rack over the bench. 

Broke 

[David Veith]

Big files 12" to 6 I made a Shelve that is layered with 3/8 spacers so it goes from bottom to top like this shelve 3/4 spacers 1/4 plywood spacers 1/4 and so on Bigger files on bottom layers 1/4 get smaller as they go up.Spacer go between each file all is crown staple together.
David Veith

[Benedict]

Big files 12" to 6 I made a Shelve that is layered with 3/8 spacers so it goes from bottom to top like this shelve 3/4 spacers 1/4 plywood spacers 1/4 and so on Bigger files on bottom layers 1/4 get smaller as they go up.Spacer go between each file all is crown staple together.
David Veith

David, would it be  possible to get a picture?

I have a 4X4 piece of pine that I drilled holes in.  Each file has a hole that it goes in.  It is not very efficient for space and my file collection has now outgrown my board.

Thanks,
Bruce

[George F.]

I made a tool stand, like you would make for your gouges and chisels.  1x4 with holes drilled on the top  and 1/2 way through the bottom, about 3' long. 1x4 ends 6" high. Front and back is 1/8" plexi-glass, so I can see what file, or chisel it is. I mount it on the bench.   
 I forgot to mention, my work bench looks very "in use"  even when it isn't. Files are almost always piled on the bench, not in their intended storing spot. I guess you could call the pile on the work bench their resting place. My tools are very "rested"...Geo

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I took a 4" square x 4" long block of oak and drilled holes across the top flat in a number of sizes.  The files go into the holes vertically without their handles, which are kept in a drawer under the bench.  Many files like rat tailed ones, go into the holes with their handles still attached.

[Stophel]

Though I have drawers and blocks on the wall with slots, most of my files are "stored" in a pile on the bench with all my other $#@* piled on top of them.

Roy Underhill is a neat freak compared to me.

[fm tim]

Check here for some other ideas

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=3815.0

[tallbear]

This is my file rack in the center between the coffee cans.

Mitch

[Dave K]

Wow, some very neat a good ways to maintain a way to keep tools.

[elk killer]

this is mine,,isnt perfect but works

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/pebsno12/002-21.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/pebsno12/001-23.jpg

[J. Talbert]

Here's my method.  A couple of simply made racks, with varying size holes and some full length slots.  One holds primarily chisels and gouges.  The other holds files, rasps, and screwdrivers




Jeff

[brokenflint]

Dave

Looking at Jeff's pic reminded me I also color code the handles, yellow for brass (yellow brass) red for wood (redwood) and blue for steel (bluedsteel) which helps from snatchin up one and using it where ya really didn't want to   

Broke

[davec2]

I was always short of bench space and I saw how John Ennis stored his files when he lived near me here.  I screw a brass eye into each handle and hang them from the ceiling at one end of my main bench.  Easy to pick out the one you need.  Works for othet tools as well.

[brokenflint]

DaveC2  now that is a cool colage 

Broke

[davec2]

Broke,

The system works fairly well, but I live in earthquake country (here in the People's Republik of California).  For a while, I thought this idea of hanging sharp tools over my head might not be such a good idea for that reason.  As it turned out, when the last big quake hit in 1994, the stuff in the shop hanging on a hook and the cabinets on wheels were the only things not to get dislodged, smashed, and over turned.  They just moved as they needed to and stayed put.

DaveC2

[Curmudgeon]

At work we use a holder made from pvc pipe.  Just get a stick of pvc pipe in the diameter of your choice, cut several equal lengths long enough do the job and glue them in a stack with pvc cement.  It looks like a honeycomb.  Just cut the number of tubes needed for your collection and add later if you get more files.

[David Rase]

I was always short of bench space and I saw how John Ennis stored his files when he lived near me here.  I screw a brass eye into each handle and hang them from the ceiling at one end of my main bench.  Easy to pick out the one you need.  Works for othet tools as well.

Just when you think you have seen everything.  Dave, you got me thinking.  Would of worked great in my basement but my new shop has 10 foot ceilings.
DMR

[Dennis Glazener]

At work we use a holder made from pvc pipe.  Just get a stick of pvc pipe in the diameter of your choice, cut several equal lengths long enough do the job and glue them in a stack with pvc cement.  It looks like a honeycomb.  Just cut the number of tubes needed for your collection and add later if you get more files.

Sounds like a good solution. I might try this.
Dennis

[DutchGramps]

This is how I did it: on hinged panels. Outside panel, the iron and steel files:

Then, on the inside of the panel, the non-ferro files, and against the wall, misc. files:

And the needle files are stored in holes in a hardwood block:

[Brian Jordan]

Nice systems everyone, I especially like the hinged panel idea.

[brokenflint]

Melsdad    the hinged system looks like it would work well in the stud wall cavity and not protrude into the workbench area     

Broke