subject: Shaping Metal With Files [print this page] Files are pieces or lengths of hard steel with rows of teeth. Files are used for many reasons. They are used to sharpen the saws, shape the metal or to smooth the sharp edges of the metal. Files come in different sizes and shapes and each of them has different arrangement of the coarse teeth. The shape of teeth determines the task of the files, for instance, small teeth are good to smooth the edges while large coarse teeth make them suitable for shaping and removing soft metals.
The teeth of a file are characterized by its cut. Usually teeth of a file have two types of cut: single cut and double cut. A single cut file consists of sharp parallel angled ridges across the full width. Single cut file is useful for sharpening the tools. A double cut file on the other hand consists of two crossed sets of ridges making a diamond shaped teeth. These files are used to remove the metal.
It is important to clear the term file grades here. The file grade is determined as a measure of the size and spacing of the teeth. It is not necessary that different grades have same type of teeth. Remember, the larger is the size of the file, the larger will be the size of the teeth. Different grades of the file are used to perform different functions. Like coarser grades are used to remove the soft metals, finer grades are used to give smooth finish, second cut grades are for multiple tasks. Rasps are also there for woodwork.
Shapes of Files
Files are available in different shapes and sizes to perform different tasks:
Rectangular Files
-Files which are rectangular in section and get narrower towards the point with double cut edges are known as flat files. A more pointed version for cutting keys is called warding files.
-Hand files are pretty much like flat files, but they get thinner towards the point instead of narrowing. They also have a one edge flat (without teeth). Pillar file has a very narrow hand.
Half Round Files
These files usually have a double cut flat face and a single or double cut round face.
Round Files
Small round files are usually called rat tails. Round files are mostly single cut and are used for concave surfaces.
Square Files
Square files contain four double cut faces and are used for square corners and cutting slots.
Triangular Files
These files have three double cut faces of equal width. They are also called three square files. Knife file is a kind of triangular file but having one narrower single cut face. Another triangular file is known as saw file with a single cut.
Other than these, there is a mill saw file with one flat and one or two rounded edges. This is used to sharp the axes and saws.
Points to Remember while using files
-Files are usually very hard and can easily be broken if misused.
-File has its own task to do, so never use it in place of hammer or lever.
-Files need special care as they are made of steel and there are chances of rust. Rust will make the teeth blunt and your file become useless.
-Use the files carefully as they tend to break dangerously.
-Using file without a handle is risky. Always use a handle with file; especially tang of a file is extremely dangerous for you.
-After using the file, it is not a bad idea to clean the teeth of the file with file card. File cards are designed to clean the teeth. They contain wire brushes with hard bristles.
