Advantages of Files that Taper to a Point?

[Crow Choker]

I see in alot of photo's posted by members here and on the MZ Forum the use of files that are pointed as posted in the pictures by FlinterNick that are used on both wood and metal. What advantage are they vs the normally equal width files other than probably getting into tight spots. Have always wondered if they presented a better eyeball view of the wood or metal being worked on. Have several sets of needle files that are pointed but all of my larger files are of various equal widths.

[Jakob]

Half-round files are almost always tapered and you also see one-side flat files (barrette files) that are also coming to a point.
Main purpose is the flexibility of being able to get into tighter spots, but also using the same file for smaller/wider areas on the same piece.

[FlinterNick]

This is a semi-hijack question, please forgive. I see in alot of photo's posted by members here and on the MZ Forum the use of files that are pointed as posted in the pictures by FlinterNick that are used on both wood and metal. What advantage are they vs the normally equal width files other than probably getting into tight spots. Have always wondered if they presented a better eyeball view of the wood or metal being worked on. Have several sets of needle files that are pointed but all of my larger files are of various equal widths.

I use a lot of knife files in all sizes, escapement (very small) and needle sized up to mid sized. I only use them on metal. Rat tailed files i use on stocks because you can control the cuts better than you want with a Pillar file.

[smart dog]

Hi,
They allow you to get into tighter spots but also the taper gives the round side great flexibility modeling contours of differing sizes. The tip works for small contours whereas the larger sections file bigger contours.  With respect to the half round feature, the round side cuts faster because it clears metal chips easier.  Consequently, I use it to cut down metal quickly and then flatten and smooth the area using the flat side if needed.  One important thing to keep in mind is the taper makes it trickier to cut a straight parallel sided groove or slot.   Parallel sided file are better for that purpose.

dave

[Eric Kettenburg]

Self defense if necessary. 

In all seriousness, what Dave just said above, exactly.

[Greg Hartman]

I see in alot of photo's posted by members here and on the MZ Forum the use of files that are pointed as posted in the pictures by FlinterNick that are used on both wood and metal. What advantage are they vs the normally equal width files other than probably getting into tight spots. Have always wondered if they presented a better eyeball view of the wood or metal being worked on. Have several sets of needle files that are pointed but all of my larger files are of various equal widths.

That's actually my photo of reducing the trigger pull weight on a Kibler lock.

Not sure how to answer the question, other than to say that it's nice to have a big variety of files, so you can grab the one most suited.  Horses for the courses.  I probably have more than 100 different files and I use them all - large, small, coarse, fine, round, flat, half-round, tapered, straight, knife, bent, bottom, three-sided, wood scraper files, rasps, files with one or two "safe sides" - you name it. This is a very small part of the file and chisel/gouge collection on my bench.



I try to keep the ones I use for steel, brass/sliver and wood separate. 

Don't get me started on stones.... 

Greg

[Crow Choker]

Informative replies, thank you to all. There has been times when using a flat file of pretty much equal width I wished for the advantages of the pointed, half round file that have been posted. I know the small needle files of that shape have shown their advantage when the need for a using a needle file has surfaced. Probably should order a couple large ones to keep my UPS area driver busy.  Would 8" ones be the post practical as far as length. I'm not making stocks from a slab, nor fabricating metal parts from bar stock. Assembling firearms from kits basically, although making accessories from stock material.

[Waksupi]

Cheekpieces and lock moldings are where they shine.

[Crow Choker]

I always strive to buy quality tools. Looking online at a number of sellers offering the half round pointed files for weather metal or wood the prices were "pricey". Local box stores don't have available. Ifin I was making stocks from a plank and fabricating alot of the metal parts for a rifle I'd have no problem paying what they are asking, but just for occasional use where the files would only get limited use cheaper (but quality) files would be adequate. Question is where can cheaper (but still having some sense of quality) files be obtained?

[Bob Roller]

The advantages of files of any kind gives the craftsman or woman an advantage no other simple tools can.I have a large assortment and they have made it possible for me to make the copies of these over done English locks that have been shown here from time to time.
There is a sense of satisfaction in using these types of tools and bringing a job to a successful conclusion.The British and Scotch lock makers were called lock FILERS and they are yet to be surpassed IMHO.Thanks for bringing up this subject.
Bob Roller