Happiness is a new file

[rich pierce]

I guess it’s the little pleasures. A sharp chisel, a sharp plane, and a new file. Makes the work pleasurable.

[mountainman70]

Indeeed it is,Rich. Been doin a heap o filin here lately. I have a really naughty joke about a  new gal in a hardware store selling her first file. That's all I m gonna say about that !! What are you working on lately?Dave

[rich pierce]

I’m working on a Deringer trade rifle. I was filing down a single trigger blade tonight faster than a milling machine (so to speak). I’d picked up a few new files lately and they really shine.

[Clark Badgett]

I’m working on a Deringer trade rifle. I was filing down a single trigger blade tonight faster than a milling machine (so to speak). I’d picked up a few new files lately and they really shine.

I have a big black file on my bench that I call 'the mill', because it cuts metal that fast. I wish it was a more handy size.

[Elnathan]

What brand, Rich?

Post pictures of that Deringer when you are finished, too. Those are interesting guns.

[Jeff Durnell]

Yep, new files are great. Rasps too... and new saw blades, freshly sharpened drawknives, cabinet scrapers, chisels, planes, all of em.

Sharp is enjoyable and productive. Dull is frustrating and destructive.

[rich pierce]

What brand, Rich?

Post pictures of that Deringer when you are finished, too. Those are interesting guns.

Says AMSWISS. Coarse, double cut, long, and narrow. About 7/8” wide and 11” of teeth. Parallel sided with safe edges. Going to keep one side for wood and brass.

[ron w]

good fresh cutting edges are a pleasure for sure,...they are also much safer.

[Eric Krewson]

I found a NOS #49 Nicholson on ebay for $20, I had been using my old one for 20 years and didn't know how dull it was until I got the new rasp which was like a breath of fresh air. I found the same thing when I got my #50 back from Boggs Tools from being sharpened.

[hudson]

When working at my bench filing time seams unimportant, I love a good file.
I have said files are in the same category with chainsaws if loaned they always come back damaged.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

My dad told me in my early teens that I should never loan out my car, my gun, or my wife.  They'll all come back in the same condition.

[ron w]

when I was working, everyone knew not to bother asking me for a chisel or file. I never borrowed cutting edges or files out. I told anyone who asked, " nope,....the files always come back junk because the person who wants to barrow a file doesn't want to ruin his own on a bad spot and I work way too hard keeping my chisels sharp to risk having someone chip up an edge. I also told them that i'd gladly teach them how to sharpen their own chisels so they didn't have to ask to borrow one, but I got very few takers on that idea.

[Bob Roller]

I do a good bit of work with files and enjoy it.My selection ranges from a BIG Vixen to tiny
and I use them all.I have ONE that is finer than a #8* cut and it can be used for stationery
polishing or on something spinning in a lathe.An equipped shop with power tools and a wide
assortment of hand tools is a joy and pleasure to any craftsman no matter what area of work
he (or she) may be involved in.Also making our own tools when they're needed is another
pleasure.The file is a tool that can be altered for certain jobs and the odd cuts seen in lock
parts like 4 screw bridles in English style locks. I used to allow George Killen to use my grinder
to alter new files to whatever purpose he needed and he also thought the spring steel (1075)
I gave him was the best thing since the invention of the wheel.That same grinder is featured in
Shop made tools on this forum with modifications from the dark side of my mind .
My rant now over on this VERY wet morning in the Ohio Valley.
Bob Roller
* According to Baiter (Byter) the maker of my #8 file,that number indicates 233 teeth per inch.
The one I mentioned that is even finer has NO makers name or type of cut indicated and I don't
remember where I got it.

[David Rase]

I do a good bit of work with files and enjoy it.My selection ranges from a BIG Vixen to tiny
and I use them all.

I love using my Vixen files.  When rough filingt you can really remove a lot of metal in a short amount of time.
David

[wmrike]

I have sent a number of favorite, but tired, old files to Boggs Tool & File Sharpening (www.boggstool.com, 800-547-5244) and got some old friends back.  Nice people, good work.

[Bob Roller]

The file that Rich Pierce shows is called a Pillar file.I have several of them
and just "refreshed" one by soaking it in vinegar for a couple of days.

Bob Roller

[hortonstn]

Bob
Is it just viniger? What procedure?
Sorry rich had to ask
Paul

[Bob Roller]

Bob
Is it just viniger? What procedure?
Sorry rich had to ask
Paul

Paul,
Yes,just common vinegar.I cleaned the file with a wire brush and
laid it a some others in an aluminum throw away type pan and
poured the vinegar from a gallon jug so to have them completely
cover with about 3/4" of liquid.That pan has an amazing amount of
dirt in it now but the files are much better.There is a "cleaning"
vinegar available at the Dollar Tree store here and I haven't tried
it yet but plan to.

Bob Roller

[hortonstn]

Thanks for the info I'll give it a try
Paul

[Mike Lyons]

Rich,  I agree with you.  Mexican Nicholson files stink but this sucker will throw the brass. The add had a USA made file but when received, it’s stamped made in Mexico. I cleaned up my brass in 1/2 the time it normally takes.  Its about as long as your arm. It’s an El Cheapo on eBay also. 

[David R. Pennington]

This one eats wrought iron.




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[Nordnecker]

I have a big Kearney & Foot half round second cut file. It is an awesome file. I had ruined it years ago. It wouldn't cut anymore. I tried soaking it in sulfuric acid but it didn't help. I was thrilled when I got it back from Boggs and the tang wasn't red. It's back in action, now.

[Pukka Bundook]

I’m working on a Deringer trade rifle. I was filing down a single trigger blade tonight faster than a milling machine (so to speak). I’d picked up a few new files lately and they really shine.

Rich,

If they shines they's  wore out!   :-)