Method of filing metal and wood question.

[Jerry V Lape]

In reviewing Gunsmiths of Grenville County and Dixons manual, I found the instructions on filing the tang for final surface fit in the wood conflict.  One manual says file from wood to metal, the other says just the opposite.  Did one of these guys have an editing mistake?  And which way is correct?

[Tom Cooper]

I just draw file the tang while in the stock, I have yet to see any adverse reaction from the wood.

[Blacksmoke]

I do the same as Clyde     And have not had a problem in 35 yrs.!    There are some things that should not be taken as "gospel" in any of the "how to" books.   If something works for you then do it that way!  Some times one has to be able to think for your self.         Hugh Toenjes

[Don Getz]

That fine cut bastard that you file the tang down with will actually cut wood very well, smooth too...........Don

[ken]

I go with metal to wood, but the ideal behide the other is not to imbed metal into the wood. This would give the same effect as steel wool imbedded in the wood just before acid stainning. I always use an old tooth brush to keep it clean, sometimes even a magnet.

[flintriflesmith]

I think it is most important to file so that when the file is on the wood it is going with the grain. Filing "up" the tang area (from comb toward the barrel) could bruise the grain of the wood.
Gary

[Roger Fisher]

I noticed that conflict in information also.  If I remember (which is a problem for me) the thinking was if you file wood to metal since wood is softer you can end up with a dip in the wood.  Not sure about that like other things lately.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I use a coarse rasp filing downhill, as Gary points out, to shape the tang and wood behind the breech. Then a fine single cut mill bastard, and then 80 grit cloth...und so weider.  I wait until the wood work is all done, even stained, before I finish polishing the tang, and other parts.  That way the wood will be a little proud, rather than have the metal proud.