Lathe Files

[Kpar]

Are the large angle single fine cut files worth it, or will a normal single smooth cut be just a good ?.
I've noticed a large different in cost.

 

[Jasonb]

Mine does seem to remove the metal a lot faster and also not clog. I don't tend to use it for just knocking off the corners but when shaping curved surfaces it works well. These are the shavings it takes off of steel

 

[ShopShoe]

Kpar,

I spent some time reading up on file types and filing techniques a few years ago. I bought several types of files to use on the bench and only one lathe file.

I do use the lathe file from time to time and my experience matches JasonB's. I do recommend you get a lathe file to see how you can use it. I realize that in your location files may be expensive, but you may find there are benefits to you that make up for some of the cost.

Otherwise, my general advice is that having several types of files is good practice and that they also wear out and need replacing or possibly resharpening from time to time. Other general advice is to buy good brand name files from industrial suppliers and not "no-name" cheep tools from discount sources. Files are like other cutters and better ones used as designed outperform lesser ones used for the wrong task.

Also: "Obligatory safety notice:" You must have handles on your files.

--ShopShoe

 

[L98fiero]

Otherwise, my general advice is that having several types of files is good practice and that they also wear out and need replacing or possibly resharpening from time to time. Other general advice is to buy good brand name files from industrial suppliers and not "no-name" cheep tools from discount sources. Files are like other cutters and better ones used as designed outperform lesser ones used for the wrong task.

'good brand name' is relative, I used to buy Nicholson files, they were always great, I bought some about 7 or 8 years ago that were garbage, everyone is outsourcing to the least expensive supplier so for me it's a try one before you buy multiples.

 

[petertha]

I was curious about this myself. For mile manufacturers that don't describe them as 'lathe' or 'large angle' is there something more specific that would make them good for this purpose? I bought a few Vallorbe files to try one day when my wallet was on fire. They were spendy but man do they cut nice. Seems like the N-Am brands we could count on a decade ago have gone to hardware store quality. I have old worn files that cut better than new out of the box.

 

[ChazzC]

As with most things, "it depends." I picked up a 10" Westward Lathe file (Grainger brand, sufficient for my limited use) about 2 years ago:

On steel this does provide a better finish than a standard single-cut file, and as @Jasonb noted, doesn't pin as much. One important feature that this lathe file (and I think most if not all lathe files) has safe edges so you can use (with caution) up against a should.

About 4 years ago I got a pair of Westward Aluminum files (files for Aluminum):

Not unlike Lead files that are used on auto body work, except not as coarse a cut and straight teeth instead of arcs (so maybe not so similar?). Again don't pin like regular files do on Aluminum. I use these primarily for bench filing, but they also perform well when used with the lathe.

@ShopShoe 's caution is worth repeating, particularly as 99% of "good quality" files do not come mounted in a handle, unless they are previously-owned.

With regard to pinning, File Chalk (Railroad or white Sidewalk Chalk) will help prevent this, and it is important to keep the teeth clean using a File Card:

 

[Jasonb]

They have a shearing action which is why the swarf peels off in thin swirls.

The Tome one I have are still made in Portugal as they have been for 170yrs. I also have quite a few of their other more "normal" files and needle files.

https://tomefeteira.com/

Piece of copper pushed along the angle of the teeth is also good for cleaning files.

 

[Kpar]

Some good info here. The photo from Jasonb shows swafs much the same as my shear tool. I've just got to find out where I can get a long angle cut file in Australia.

 

[ChazzC]

Some good info here. The photo from Jasonb shows swafs much the same as my shear tool. I've just got to find out where I can get a long angle cut file in Australia.

You could always try making one . IIRC, Clickspring has a video showing the process (on a small scale).

EDIT: Chris Makes Files:

 

[Richard Hed]

'good brand name' is relative, I used to buy Nicholson files, they were always great, I bought some about 7 or 8 years ago that were garbage, everyone is outsourcing to the least expensive supplier so for me it's a try one before you buy multiples.

Also, many huge corporations buy out some smaller company then proceed to millk the good name of the company by selling 3rd rate stuff--have seen it happen MANY times: Bushnell binoculars, Black & Decker, and many others.

 

[Niterate]

Some good info here. The photo from Jasonb shows swafs much the same as my shear tool. I've just got to find out where I can get a long angle cut file in Australia.

If you don't want to do faceless ebay/amazon purchases, there's always bricks and mortar stores in Oz if you google.

Bought mine locally, poor online presence, disinterested sales staff.. No idea if this mob is any good, for $40 aud + shlipping, you could but try ..

https://mektronics.com.au/products/nicholson-300mm-12in-file-long-angle-lathe-file-fine-cut-2se

That said their price plus shipping may be better than this .. supposed local ebay offering, maybe the ebay one is *special* in comparision..

 

[Richard Hed]

If you don't want to do faceless ebay/amazon purchases, there's always bricks and mortar stores in Oz if you google.

Bought mine locally, poor online presence, disinterested sales staff.. No idea if this mob is any good, for $40 aud + shlipping, you could but try ..

https://mektronics.com.au/products/nicholson-300mm-12in-file-long-angle-lathe-file-fine-cut-2se

That said their price plus shipping may be better than this .. supposed local ebay offering, maybe the ebay one is *special* in comparision..

View attachment 161109

Damn--I just bought four files and all of them were in that price range--!