Nicholson – Guide to Filing 2014

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    THE GUIDE TOFILES AND FILING

    Apex Tool Group, LLC

    14600 York Road, Suite A

    Sparks, Maryland 21152

    www.apextoolgroup.com

    ATG-1692 6/14 / ITEM NO. T550587

    2014 Apex Tool Group, LLC

    Nicholson is a registered trademark of Apex Brands, Inc.,

    a Division of Apex Tool Group, LLC.Specifications subject to change without notice.

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    How a file is made

    Today various kinds of material,product finish and workingcondition make file developmentan industrial science. Filemanufacture involves the studyof file steels, file design andfile performance for all file

    applications.

    1. File Steel:Is cut to properlength from various widththickness and cross sectionssuch as rectangular, square,triangular, round and half round.

    2. Rough shaping:The blank ispunched to shape or is heatedand forged with drop hammers

    and rollers to shape the tangand point.

    3. Annealing:The forgedblank is heated to an elevatedtemperature and then cooledslowly under controlledconditions to soften the steelfor tooth cutting and to makeinternal steel structure uniform.

    4. Final Shaping:The annealedblanks are ground or milled to

    produce a surface necessaryfor the uniform formation ofthe teeth. This is followed bydrawfiling that produces theperfectly true flat or curvedsurface necessary for theuniform formation of the teeth.

    5. Forming teeth:The teeth are

    formed by a rapidly reciprocatingchisel that strikes successiveblows on the file. The hardenedchisel cuts into the soft blankdisplacing and raising the steelinto the desired tooth structure.

    6. Hardening:The file is thenhardened by heating it in amolten bath to a predeterminedtemperature. This is followed by

    immersing the file in a quenchingsolution. This combinationof heating and cooling undercarefully controlled conditionsbrings the file to the maximumhardness to the very top of thecutting edges.

    Introduction

    Choosing the right file can be confusing, with somany sizes, shapes and cuts available it is difficultto decide the right one for the job.

    The range of Nicholson files available from

    Apex Tool Group covers every job task requirement.

    This booklet has been specially produced to simplifyfile selection and application for any file user.

    History

    The file has been with man now

    for many years and one of the first

    recordings is in the Bible during the

    reign of King Saul.

    This would be approximately 1090 BC

    and at that time files would have been

    used for sharpening various types

    of primitive tools. From the first files

    the development and evolution can

    be traced from stone implements to

    files with teeth running at right anglesacross the file blank to present day

    quality machine produced files.

    The first attempt to cut files by

    machine was approximately 1490

    AD and resulted from an invention

    by Leonardo da Vinci. However the

    first machine which actually cut files

    was that made by the Frenchman,Chopitel in 1750.

    At this time files were made from

    mild material and did not require

    annealing. To produce a hardened

    surface various preparations were

    used to carburize the file teeth. But

    it was the inventions of such men as

    Bernot, Nicholson, Whipple and Weedthat provided machines capable of

    producing better files than those

    produced by hand.

    2 3

    7. Finishing:The file iscleaned and sharpened bybead blasting. The tang isreheated to give strengthwithout brittleness. It is thengiven a series of tests by

    trained inspectors, and oiledto prevent rust.

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    File Terminology

    Each part of the file has a nameand there are many differentshapes and sizes of files.Furthermore, there are varyingtypes of file cuts

    Type:The cross-sectionalshape or style of the file i. e.quadrangular, circular, triangularor irregular. These sections arefurther classified according to theircontours i. e. blunt, taper etc.

    Blunt:A file whose edges areparallel from end to end and ofconstant width.

    Taper:The reduction in crosssection of the file from its heel tothe point. A file may taper withwidth, in thickness or in both.

    Coarseness:The number ofteeth per inch length of the file.

    Cut:The character of the file teethwith respect to the coarseness(bastard, second-cut and smooth.)

    A single-cutfile has a single setof parallel, diagonal rows of teeth.Single-cut files are often usedwith light pressure to produce asmooth surface finish or to puta keen edge on knives, shears

    or saws.A double-cutfile has two setsof diagonal rows of teeth. Thesecond set of teeth is cut inthe opposite diagonal direction,and on top of the first set. Thefirst set of teeth is known as theovercut while the second is calledthe upcut. The upcut is finerthan the overcut. The double-

    cut file is used with heavierpressure than the single-cut andremoves material faster from theworkpiece.

    4 5

    available, all with their own names.This section of the booklet will helpyou understand the file and the termsused:

    Length

    Point Belly Heel Tang

    File Terminology

    A rasp-cuthas a seriesof individual teeth that areformed by a single-pointedtool. This produces a rough-cut and is used primarily onwood, hooves, aluminum andlead.

    A curved-cut / mill toothfile has its teeth arranged incurved contours across thefile face and is normally usedin automotive body shops forsmoothing body panels.

    Plater's Rasp:A rasp filecombination that is usedprimarily by farriers in the trim-

    ming of horses' hooves.

    Woodchuck:A multi-purposeWood chisel / rasp combina-tion tool used by cabinetmak-ers, homebuilders, and con-struction workers.

    Bastard: File coarsenessbetween "Coarse and SecondCut."

    Back: The convex side of ahalf-round or other similarlyshaped file.

    Edge: The intersection of twoadjacent faces of the file.

    Safe Edge:A smooth or uncutedge of the file.

    Pinning: Filings wedgedbetween the file teeth.

    Shelling:The breaking of fileteeth, usually caused by usingtoo much pressure reversefiling, filing sharp corners, oredges.

    Handle:A holder into which

    the tang of the file fits. If thefile has an integral holder thisis known as a solid handle file.

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    To achieve the desired results itis essential that the right file beused for the job. In selecting theright file the user should considerthe shape, size and coarseness ofthe file.

    The size and the coarseness ofthe file are directly related, so thelarger the file the more stock it willremove and the smaller the file thefiner the finish it will achieve.

    Most files also have three gradesof cut: bastard-cut, second-cut andsmooth-cut. The coarser the cutof the file, the rougher the finish ofthe work. Therefore, the size of the

    file and the grade of its cut mustbe taken into account against theamount of stock to be removedand the fineness of finish that isrequired.

    Generally speaking bastard andsecond-cut grades of double-cutfiles would be chosen for the fastremoval of stock while single-cutfiles and smooth double-cut fileswould be chosen for finishing. It ishowever almost impossible to laydown exact guidelines for the rightfile for the job, but using the basicfacts given here the user shouldhave a reasonably clear picture in

    mind, the nature, size of the work,the kind of finish required, theworking tolerance allowed and therisks (if any) of spoiling the work.

    Choosing the right file

    In addition to the amount of stockto be removed, the contour of itsremoval is equally important and isdetermined by the shape of the file.For example, a triangular file shouldbe used on acute internal angles,to clear out square corners and in

    sharpening saw teeth.

    A flat file should be used forgeneral-purpose work, a squarefile for enlarging rectangular holesand a round file for enlarging roundholes. A half-round file can be used

    for dual purposes, the flat face forfiling flat surfaces and the curvedface for grooves.

    Filing is an industrial art - grip,stroke and pressure may vary, to fitthe job. There are three elementalways a file can be put to workThey are:

    Straight filing:This consists of

    pushing the file lengthwise-straightahead or slightly diagonally-acrossthe workpiece.

    Drawfiling:This consists ofgrasping the file at each end,pushing and drawing it across theworkpiece.

    Lathefiling:This consists ofstroking the file against workrevolving in a lathe.

    For normal filing, the vice shouldbe about elbow height. When thereis a great deal of heavy filing it isbetter to have the work slightlylower. If the work is of fine anddelicate nature, the work can beraised to eye level.

    For work that could becomedamaged in the vice through

    pressure, a pair of protectorsmade of zinc, copper or aluminumsheet should be used between theworkpiece and vise jaws.

    The Grip

    For files needing two-handedoperation, the handle should begrasped in one hand and the pointof the file in the other hand.

    The file handle should be rested inthe palm with the thumb pointingalong the top of the handle and thefingers gripping the underside.

    The point of the file should begrasped between the thumb andthe first two fingers with the thumbbeing on the top of the file.

    When heavy filing strokes arerequired, the thumb on the point isnormally in line with the

    How to use a file correctly

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    file; the tip of the thumb pointedforward. For lighter strokeshowever, the thumb can be turnedto as much as right angles to thedirection of the stroke

    If the file is being used one-handed

    for filing pins, dies or edgedtools not being held in a vise, theforefinger, and not the thumb isplaced on top of the handle in linewith the file.

    Carrying the file

    For normal flat filing, the operatorshould aim to carry the file forward

    on an almost straight line in thesame plane, changing its courseenough to prevent grooving. Toomuch pressure often results in arocking motion causing a roundedsurface.

    Keep the file cutting

    One of the quickest ways to ruina good file is to apply too muchpressure, or too little, on theforward stroke. Different materialsof course require different touches;however, in general, just enoughpressure should be applied to keepthe file cutting. If allowed to slideover the harder metals the teeth ofthe file rapidly become dull, and ifthey are overloaded by too muchpressure, they are likely to chip

    or clog.

    On the reverse stroke, it is best tolift the file clear of the workpiece,except on very soft metals. Eventhen pressure should be very light,never more than the weight of thefile itself.

    Drawfiling consists of graspingthe file firmly at each end andalternatively pushing and pullingthe file sideways across the work.Since files are made primarily tocut on a longitudinal forward stroke,a file with a short-angle cut should

    never be used, as it will score andscratch instead of shaving andShearing. When accomplishedproperly, drawfiling produces afiner finish than straight filing.

    Normally, a standard Mill Bastardfile is used for drawfiling, but wherea considerable amount of stockhas to be removed, a Flat or Handfile (Double Cut) will work faster.

    However, this roughing downleaves small ridges that willhave to be smoothed by finishingwith a Single Cut Mill file.

    Lathe filing

    When filing work revolving in alathe, the file should not be heldrigid or stationary, but stroked

    constantly. A slight gliding or lateralmotion assists the file to clear itselfand eliminate ridges and grooves.

    While a Mill file is capable of goodlathe filing, there is a special LongAngle Lathe file with teeth cut at amuch larger angle. This provides acleaner shearing, self-clearing file,eliminates drag or tear, overcomeschatter and reduces clogging.

    Uncut edges on this file protect anyshoulders on the work, which arenot filed, and the dog, which holdsthe workpiece.

    Lathe filing is usually employedfor fitting shafts. Where stock isto be removed, a 12"/300mm or14"/350mm Long Angle Lathe fileis preferable. This file will providethe finish suitable for a drive fit. For

    a running fit a Mill file will provide asmooth finish. Where

    Drawfiling

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    10 11

    a fine finish is required a SwissPattern and or Pillar file in No. 4should be used.

    Recommended Surface Feet perMinute for Lathe Filing:

    Many lathe filers make a practiceof not using a new file for work

    requiring an extremely fine finish.

    In using the Long Angle Lathe file,care should be taken at shaft endsas this fast cutting file may cut toodeeply.

    Do not run a hand over lathe work,as oil and moisture can coat thesurface and make it difficult for thefile to take hold. For lathe work thathas oval, ecliptical or irregularlyround form, the finer Swiss Patternfiles are most satisfactory.

    Filing different metals

    Different metals vary greatly incharacter and properties, someare softer than others are, andsome are more ductile and so on.The nature of the metal has to be

    taken carefully into account whenchoosing the right file and applyingit to the job. For instance, a softductile metal requires a keen fileand only light pressure must beapplied during filing if the work is notto be deformed. Conversely, a hardand less ductile metal may requirea file with duller teeth to avoid thembiting too deep and breaking off

    when pressure is applied.When filing a material the user cannormally feel whether or not he isusing the right file,

    Cast Iron Approximately 150

    Annealed Tool Steel Approximately 175

    Machinery Steel Approximately 350

    Soft Yellow Brass Approximately 500

    and filing in the correct manner.All things being correct, a smoothcutting action and a good cleanfinish on the work is achieved.If there is stubborn resistance,chances are the wrong file is beingused, the file is damaged or the

    wrong method is being used.

    Filing rough castings

    Snagging castings, removing fins,spurs and other projections, is hardon normal files. Their teeth are forfast cutting and do not possessthe ruggedness for driving againsthard projections and edges. This

    filing engages only a few teeth,thus putting a strain on each. Forsuch work, it is better to use aFoundry file with sturdier teeth andheavy-set edges to resist shellingor breaking out.

    Filing die castings

    Like foundry castings, die castings

    usually have sharp corners, webs,fins or flashing which are liable todamage a normal file. In addition,die castings consist of magnesium,zinc, aluminum, alloy or similarcombinations of metal which havethe tendency to clog regular files.

    Depending on the shape, ApexTool Group has a variety offiles that will meet the required

    application. Suggested filesare found in the "job by job" fileselector of this book, or you maycontact your Apex Tool GroupCustomer Service Representative.

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    12 13

    The use of stainless steel andalloy steels has created otherfiling techniques. These steelswith hard chromium and nickelcontent are tough and dense. Thiscauses them to be abrasive, whichshortens the life of the normal file.

    To overcome these problems, fileshave been developed with goodwearing qualities. These files, whenused with a light pressure and aslow, steady Stroke, will removemetal and provide a good finish.

    Filing aluminum

    Aluminum is soft and is difficultto file, file teeth clog even undermoderate pressure. Filingaluminum is divided into:1) Filing roughness from aluminumcastings,2) Filing sheet and bar aluminum,3) Filing aluminum alloys.

    To produce a good finish, theAluminum Type A file has been

    developed. The file upcut is deepwith an open throat, the overcutfine which produces small scallopson the upcut. This breaks up thefilings and allows the file to clear.This also overcomes chatter andprevents too large a bite. By usinga shearing stroke toward the left, agood finish can be obtained.

    Filing brass

    Brass is difficult to file because itis softer than steel, but tough. Thisdemands teeth that are sharp,sturdy and cut to prevent groovingand running the file off the work.

    The Brass file has a short upcutangle and a fine long angle overcutwhich produces small scallops tobreak up filings and enable the fileto clear. With pressure, the sharphigh-cut teeth bite deep, with lesspressure, the short upcut anglesmoothes.

    Filing stainless steel

    Bronze is similar in nature tobrass in some aspects, but variesaccording to the percentages ofalloying elements.

    Average sharpness of the file issatisfactory for some bronzes,

    while for others, a file that canmaintain its sharpness for longerperiods is required. Thus, for theharder bronzes, a file with a moreacute angle at the top of the toothis desirable. This is known as athin topped tooth.

    The direction of stroke of the fileshould be crossed frequently toavoid grooving with bronze and

    brass.

    Filing Wrought Iron

    Wrought iron is relatively simple tofile. It is soft but only moderatelyductile so it is not necessary for afile to be very sharp to obtain goodresults.

    Filing plastics

    Hard plastics are dense and brittle,and material is removed as lightpowder. The abrasiveness of hardplastics requires files with highsharp teeth. Soft plastics are filedin shreds so Shear Tooth filesshould be used for thisapplication.

    Depending on the density of thematerial, Apex Tool Group hasthe file that will meet the requiredapplication. Suggested filesare found in the "job by job" fileselector of this book, or you maycontact your Apex Tool GroupCustomer Service Representative.

    Filing Bronze (Copper, tin or other alloying elements)

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    14 15

    Soft materials such as Aluminum,Brass, Copper, Plastics hardrubber and Wood, a Shear Toothfile provides fast material removalwith good smoothing qualities. Thecombination of the Single Cut andthe Long Angle helps the Shear

    Tooth file to clear. Because of theLong Angle the file has a tendencyto run to the left on narrow surfaces.This can be overcome by filing witha diagonal stroke to the right.

    Precision filing

    For filing such as that employedby the instrument industry, there

    is a range of Swiss Pattern files.The delicate precision work callsfor these files be made to exactingmeasurements and finer cuts.

    The flat Precision file should beused with a slow smooth strokemoving the file laterally along thework on the forward stroke. In usingRound or Half Round types, thefiling should be clockwise to ensure

    a deeper cut and a smoother finish.

    Saw Filing

    Efficient saw filing demands, firstof all, a steady hand and a goodfile. Also, the file must be correctin design, cut and size for the typeof saw and the type of teeth to befiled.

    The stroke must be absolutely level,as the slightest rocking will affectthe cutting edge of the saw-tooth.The file must be lifted off the workwhen drawing back for the nextstroke.

    The teeth have to be set at thecorrect angle in relation to eachother. This is best done with a "SawSet" usually before filing. However,some filers prefer to do this afterthe saw has been filed. To file sawteeth, provisions must be made tohold the saw. A saw vise should be

    Filing soft materials

    used, to be sure there is no chatteror vibration in the saw. This willshorten the life of the file.

    Handsaws of two types, theCrosscut and the Rip must bereset, normally every fourth orfifth filing. Check that teeth areof equal height. This can beaccomplished by passing the filelightly lengthwise along the tops ofthe teeth. Some may be flattened,others are hardly touched. Theflattened teeth will require morefiling to put them in shape.

    These files should be used:

    Sharpening hand saws

    Five 7"/175mm Regular Taper or 6"/150mm Heavy Taper

    Five and a half 7" /175mm Regular Taper or 6" /150mm Heavy Taper

    Six 7" /175mm or 8" /200mm Slim Taper

    Seven 6" /150mm, 7" /175mm Slim Taper and 9" /225mm or 10" /250mm Double Ender

    Eight 6" /150mm Slim Taper or 7" /175mm Extra Slim Taper or 9"/225mm Double Ender or 8"/200mm Double Extra Slim Taper

    Nine 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 7"/175mm Double Extra Slim Taper or 8"/200mm Double Ender

    Ten 5" /125mm or 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper,

    6"/150mm Double Ender

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    16 17

    Rounded hooded chain saws:These type of chain saws requireRound Chain saw files specificallydesigned for the task. These filesare available in various diametersto fit a sizes of Round Hoodedchain saws. Place the file against

    the beveled cutting surface of theteeth that face both sides andprovide their own clearance at anangle of 20 to 45 with the saw

    blade, depending on manufacturersspecifications. The direction of thefiling stroke is off the cutting edge.It is essential that the file be heldlevel and it should be pressedback and slightly up during thefiling stroke. Every other tooth isfiled, and then the chain saw isreversed. The depth gauges of thistype of saw control the depth of thecut that the saw will take. As thecutting teeth are sharpened, theybecome lower, and it is necessaryto lower the depth gauges an equalextent. The difference in heightbetween cutting teeth and depthgauge should be between 020"/

    5mm and 030"/ 75mm.

    File the depth gauge only asrequired to maintain dimensionsbetween cutter and gauge as cutteris filed back. Do not file off toomuch. This overloads motor andchain and the chain will clog. Usea depth gauge, chainsaw file, or amill file.

    Before removing the saw bladesfrom saw, lower the blade until only1/64" (4mm) protrudes above thetable. Place a file over the openingin the table and by hand, revolvethe saw backward against the file.Be sure that the file touches eachtooth top. Remove the saw bladeand sharpen, using the following:6"/ 150mm and 7"/175mm saws

    Filing chain saw teeth

    Sharpening circular saws

    use 6"/150mm Cantsaw file.8"/200mm and 9"/225mm saws use8"/200mm Cantsaw file.10"/250mm and up use 10"/250mmCantsaw file.

    Some large size circular saws may

    be sharpened without removingthem from the saw as long asthere is no chatter. Large circularsaws with insert type teeth aresharpened with a Mill file. Thelarger the saw, the larger the file.

    The teeth of the crosscut saws cutwith their edges and points: edges

    must be beveled and sharp. Startat the point of the saw and worktowards the handle. Place the filein the gullet to the left of the firsttooth set away from you. Hold thefile level with the angle of the sawblade. At this angle, it should touchon the bevels of both teeth. Whenfiling the flattened teeth, only halfshould be filed away at a time.Miss the next gullet and file the onefollowing until every other gullethas been filed.

    Reverse the saw and beginprocess from second gullet awayfrom saw point.

    Filing hand ripsaws

    For pointing and filing, follow the

    same procedure as the Crosscutsaw. It must be remembered thatthe Rip saw is filed so that thetooth points do the cutting, notthe edges. Teeth should be filedat right angles to the blade. Everyother tooth is brought to a squareedge, the saw is reversed and theremaining teeth filed.

    The Crosscut saw has two typesof teeth, cutters and rakers. Thecutters do the cutting, the

    Filing the hand crosscut saw

    Sharpening crosscut saws

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    18 19

    rakers clear the cut. This is filedat an angle of 45 from the filer.This permits access to cutters andenables the teeth to be filed at thecorrect angle.

    Teeth should be checked

    for levelness, the raker teethbeing between 1/100"/25mm to1/64"/.4mm below level of cuttingteeth. The filer should use aCrosscut Saw file or a Mill file andfile all cutter teeth to a point. Thesaw is placed vertically and thefile used across the rakers. Shouldthe gullets of the teeth requiredeepening, a Round file or a Millfile with round edge can be used,

    or use the back of the Crosscut file.

    There are many tools andimplements in industry, agricultureand gardening that require regularsharpening. Such tools may befiled towards or away from theedge, the former for the early part

    of the task and the latter for thelight finishing touches. For coarsesteel cutting edges for hoes,ploughs etc., Home and Gardenfiles, as well as Axe and Handyfiles are available. For hardercarbon steels in cutter knives,shears etc., the Second Cut orSmooth Mill provides a sure, butsmoother bite. It is essential thatthe work glaze be removed in the

    first few strokes, so apply extrapressure in very slow, deliberatestrokes at the beginning.

    Rasps

    Rasps are broadly classifiedas wood, cabinet and horseRasps. Also available are raspcombinations known as Four-in-

    Hand (or Shoe Rasp) and WoodCraft Rasp.

    The Wood Rasp is a coarser cutthan the Cabinet Rasp and

    Sharpening tools and implements

    is made primarily for the rapidremoval of stock. For finerwoodwork, the Cabinet Raspprovides a means of bringingmortise-and-tenon joints to aproper fit. The Horse Rasp is usedfor shoeing horses. The Plater's

    Rasp is available for light hoovessuch as racehorses.

    Woodchuck

    Woodchuck rasp is a chisel / raspcombination tool used for a varietyof wood working tasks. Each toolfeatures a flat wood rasp on oneside and a half-round wood rasp onthe other. There are edge teeth for

    those hard to get spots. The chiselpoint features an extremely sharp,polished and ground blade.

    Care of the file

    The teeth of the file should beprotected when the file is not in useby hanging it in a rack or keeping itin a drawer with wooden divisions.

    Files should always be keptclear of water or grease, sincethis impairs the filing action. It isadvisable to wrap the file in a clothfor protection when it is carried ina toolbox.

    The file teeth should be kept cleanat all times by using a file card, or awire file brush, to clear the groovesbetween the teeth.

    Safety

    For safety reasons, a file should

    never be used without a tight

    fitting handle. Serious accidents

    can result if the handle becomes

    detached exposing the sharp

    point of the tang.

    Apex Tool Group offers a variety

    of different size file handlesproduced in traditional wood, orfrom modern plastics. If you needhelp in selecting which handle isright for your file, contact your ApexTool Group Customer ServiceRepresentative today.

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    20 21

    Aluminum alloy Flat Bastard File, Aluminum File, Magicut

    Auger Bit Auger Bit File

    Auto Body Bodifiles

    Babbitt Flat Babbitt, Super Shear, Flat Files

    Bearing, brass Magicut

    Bearing, bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut

    Beveling Flat Bastard, Mill File

    Blacksmith Rasp and Flat Bastard, Half-Round Bastard,Flat Coarse File

    Bolt threads Taper, Mill or Knife File, Mill Bastard

    Brass Flat Bastard File, Magicut, Super Shear

    Bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut

    Cabinet, wood Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp or Woodchuck

    Cast iron Flat, Half-Round, Square or Round File, according to shape of material

    Casting rough Flat Bastard File

    Contact points Mill Bastard, Second Cut, and Tungsten Point Files

    Copper Flat Bastard File, Magicut

    Cutter, This tool is generally ground and sharpened byMachine tool an emery wheel. Can be filed only when in an annealed condition. Use file to suit shape or surface.

    Cutter, milling See Cutter, Machine tool

    De-scaling Flat Bastard File

    Die block Flat Bastard File

    Die casting Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard File, RoundBastard File, Square Bastard File, or Mill Bastard

    File, according to shape of the die casting and finishdesired.

    Die forging Flat Bastard File or Half Round Bastard File,

    according to shape of the die forging.

    'Job by Job' file selector 'Job by Job' file selector

    Die shop Swiss Pattern Files of appropriate shape

    Electric If surface is large, use Mill Bastard

    Connections File, otherwise use Tungsten point.

    (cleaning)

    Fender, auto Bodifiles

    Fiber Flat Bastard File or Rasp

    Fine work Swiss Pattern Files

    Finishing Mill Bastard File. For lathe filing, use

    Mill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe File

    Foundry casting Flat Bastard File

    Furniture, making Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp, or Mill Bastard File

    Garden Tool Home and Garden File

    Grooving Square Bastard, Round Bastard,

    Half-Round Bastard, or Slim Taper,

    according to shape of groove

    Hard rubber Flat Bastard File

    Hole Round Bastard File or Square Bastard File

    Horse-shoeing Horse Rasp, Plater's Rasp

    Hot metal, filing Flat Bastard File

    Iron Bastard-Cut File according to shape of material

    Joint, mortise and Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasptenon

    Key way Square Bastard or Pillar Bastard File

    Keys, filing Warding Bastard File

    Knife Mill Files

    Lathe-turned Mill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe

    Section File

    Laminate Laminate File, Plastic File, Mill Bastard File

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    22 23

    Lawn mower Mill Bastard File or Home and Garden File.

    Lock, mending Warding Bastard File.

    Machinists' work Machinists' File such as Flat, Half Round, Square or

    Round. Also Mill or Tapers, in cuts according to work.

    Millwrights' work Flat, Half-Round, Round, Square Mill Files.

    Model, metal Swiss Pattern Files.

    Molded part Flat Bastard File or Mill Bastard File.

    Notch Taper or Knife File.

    Ornaments, wood Files, including Cabinet File, CabinetMaking Rasp. Round Bastard Mill Bastard.

    and Slim Taper File.

    Pattern making, Files, including Cabinet File, Cabinet

    Wood Rasp, Pattern Makers Rasp, Woodchuck,

    Round Bastard, Square Bastard, Mill

    Bastard and Slim Taper File.

    Pipe fitting Half-Round Bastard File.

    Planer knife Mill Bastard File.

    carbon steel

    Plastics Flat Bastard File. Also Mill Bastard File, Plastics File,

    Laminate File, sharpened for plastics.

    Plumbers' work Half-Round Bastard.

    Rotary mower Home and Garden File, Handy File,

    Blade Flat Bastard.

    Rough filing Bastard File depending on shape to be filed.

    Slot Knife File, Slim Taper or Warding.

    Snagging Flat Bastard File.

    Soft metal Flat Bastard.

    Stainless Steel Flat, or Mill File sharpened for stainless

    Steel Flat Bastard File.

    'Job by Job' file selector

    Steel alloy Use file applicable to the shape of the material.

    File steel alloy only when it is annealed.

    Switch contacts Contact Point File or Mill Bastard File, according to

    surface area of switch contacts.

    Switch, electric Mill Bastard File or Contact Point File, according to

    size of switch.

    Template Files, including Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard

    File, Mill Bastard File, or Round Bastard File.

    V-groove Files, including Knife, Taper, Slim Taper,

    X Slim Taper, XX Slim Taper.

    Wood working Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasp.

    Zinc Babbit File.

    SAWS

    Band Saw Band Saw Taper Single-Cut File

    Cant Saw Cantsaw or Mill Bastard File.

    Chain Saw Round, Special Square, Lozenge File* (Special Mill Filefor Depth Gauge)

    Circular Saw Mill Bastard, Cantsaw and Slim Taper Files

    Cross-Cut Saw Special Crosscut, Mill, Round, or Round Edge Mill File.

    Hand Saw Slim Taper, Extra Slim Taper, or Double Extra Slim Taper

    File, according to points of saw. File recommended for saw

    points per inch. Saw points shown in Bold.

    5 - 7" Regular Taper 51/2 - 7" Regular Taper

    6- 7" or 8" Slim Taper

    7- 7" or 8" Slim Taper

    8- 6" Slim Taper, 7" Extra Slim Taper

    or 8" Double Extra Slim Taper

    9- 6" Extra Slim Taper or 7" Double Extra Slim Taper

    10- 5" or 6" Extra Slim Taper

    Wood or Mill Bastard and Slim Taper Files

    Buck Saw

    'Job by Job' file selector

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    Cross Section Name Shape

    Flat Rectangular

    Hand Rectangular

    Pillar Almost square

    Warding Thin

    Square Square

    Three Square Triangular

    Round Circular

    Half Round Third-Circular

    Knife Knife-Shaped

    Profile Selector for Special Purpose Files

    Aluminum Flat Rectangular

    Aluminum Half-Round

    Long Angle Flat Rectangular

    Profile Selector for Machinists Files

    Character of Teeth Taper General Uses

    Usually bastard. Also Taper in width A general purpose

    second-cut and smooth file

    One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Finishing flatsecond-cut and smooth width surfaces

    One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Keyways, slots

    second-cut and smooth width narrow work

    Usually bastard. Also Width sharply Filing ward notches

    second-cut and smooth tapered in keys. Narrow

    thickness work

    uniform

    Bastard, second-cut and Tapered Enlarging holes or

    Smooth recesses Mortises,

    keyways and splines

    Sharp edges. Bastard Tapered Filing acute angles,

    second-cut and smooth corners, grooves,

    notches

    Usually bastard. Also Either tapered Enlarging holes;

    second-cut and smooth ("Rat Tail")* shaping curved or blunt surfaces

    Usually bastard. Also Uniform in Concave corners

    second-cut and smooth width crevices, round

    holes

    Usually bastard. Also Tapered Cleaning out acute

    second-cut and smooth curving to a angles, corners,

    narrow point slots

    Made in one cut only. Tapered Filing aluminum

    Fast-cutting teeth alloys and other soft

    metals

    Made in one cut only. Slightly Filing aluminum

    Fast-cutting teeth tapered alloys and other soft

    metals

    Made in one cut only. Slightly Lathe work where

    Both edges safe tapered smooth finish is

    desired. Also soft

    metals

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    Cross Section Name Shape

    Hand Rectangular

    Pillar Width narrower

    than Hand File

    Warding Thin Rectangular

    Square Square

    Three-Square Triangular (Equilateral)

    Round Circular

    Half-Round Third Circular

    Knife Knife-Shaped

    Cant Triangular

    Profile Selector for Swiss Pattern Files

    Character of Teeth Taper General Uses

    Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfaces

    faces and one edge. width

    Other edge safe or uncut

    Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfaces

    faces. Both edges safe width

    Double-cut on two flat Tapered in Slots, locks and

    faces. Single-cut on two width uniform keys

    edges in thickness

    Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes

    Double-cut on three Tapered Corners, holesFaces. Single-cut on

    edges

    Double-cut Either tapered Corners, holes

    or uniform

    (straight)

    Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes

    Double-cut on flat faces. Tapered SlotsSingle-cut on edges

    Double-cut on three Tapered Corners

    faces. Single-cut on two

    sharp edges