needle file recommendations

[JB2]

I need a new set.  My old set was well-used when it was handed down to me 20 years ago, and seems a bit coarse now that I'm (trying) to get finer finishes and more detailed.  Seems different makers (sellers) grade the cut of their files differently, and I guess I don't know what the cut is on the files I already have. 

Anybody bought a really good set lately?  Or should I just accept that almost all are M.I.C. (made in China) and go with whatever I can find?  My concern is if I buy mail-order from an older premium recommendation, that I'll end up with new stock that's MIC, at the 'premium' price.  I certainly don't mind paying for higher quality tools, I just want to be sure that's what I'm getting.

Thanks guys

[tallbear]

Jim
I always buy the Swiss (Grobet) files.They cost a bit more but they are far superior and last longer than anything else I've ever trued.If you poke around you can sometimes find them on special or ebay for slightly better prices.Tools like everything else are worth what you pay for them and good tools do a better job and make life easier in the long run!!

Mitch

[davebozell]

I agree with tallbear.  I have bought several lots of Grobet files on eBay, and really like them.  If you watch closely, you can buy mixed lots for only a dollar or two per file.

[jerrywh]

 Can't beat Grobet. I have some cheap files I use for roughing stuff out but for fine finish Grobet is the best. I have some 8 cut Grobet files for very fine work, The real fine ones cost a lot. Most jewelers use about a 4 cut. You can't see the teeth on a 8 cut. 

[Matabele]

I second what the other gents have said and would reccomend Swiss (Grobet) needle files. I work for a gunmaker in the UK and my set of files gets heavy use daily. I deal with repairs and finishing work and often need to file down to hardended surfaces, the set im currently using is 8 months old and going strong. For what it's worth I use the 4-square, 3-square, half round, barrette and round shapes the most.

[PPatch]

Gorbet all the way.

dave

[FDR]

An when they get dull send them to "Bogg Tool" to get them re-sharpened.

http://boggstool.com/

Fred

[flehto]

Started my tool and diemaker apprenticeship in 1956 and for the next 5 yrs amassed a couple of hundred Grobet needle files and have used them to the present day. Some are used a lot more than others  and are still sharp. Many of the riffler shapes have come in mighty handy at times. Also have approx. 30 old Nicholson files and again still use them. The new ones aren't as good......Fred

[Mark Elliott]

I buy Grobet when I only need to replace one or two.   An entire set of Grobet needle files has been prohibitively expensive for me.   Instead,  I have bought the sets offered by Brownells.   The last ones I bought were German made and very good for the money.   Of course, your really don't need a set.  The only ones I usually use are the half round, round, flat, and triangular.    You can throw in a square for good measure and that should be enough. 

[Bob Roller]

Started my tool and diemaker apprenticeship in 1956 and for the next 5 yrs amassed a couple of hundred Grobet needle files and have used them to the present day. Some are used a lot more than others  and are still sharp. Many of the riffler shapes have come in mighty handy at times. Also have approx. 30 old Nicholson files and again still use them. The new ones aren't as good......Fred

The new ones are junk.Take them out of the package and they are already worn out to save you the trouble.
I sent the parent company an E mail telling them I was sick of seeing once honored American tools being reduced to the level of junk but got no reply.

Bob Roller

[Gaeckle]

Opinions on the best overall cut to use: 0, 1 or 2?

[JB2]

Thanks for the info guys.  I know what to look for now

[Pete G.]

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”

– Benjamin Franklin ...

[Mark Elliott]

Opinions on the best overall cut to use: 0, 1 or 2?

I have files with all cuts.   I have #0 cut 10" pillar files, a complete set of Grobet Habilis (extra large jewelers type files) in #1 cut, and  my needle files are #2 cut.   I have pillar files in all sizes and cuts.  I like pillar  files.