My message to the world about hand files

[ajchien]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Sorry your wrong with this. Most mechanics use a double cut file which is made to cut in both directions. Using this sort of file in both directions is correct.
You would be correct if using a single cut or rasp.
Quote:
Drawfiling:
This consists of grasping the file at each end, pushing and drawing it across the work piece


http://www.nicholsontool.com/MagentoShare/media/documents/nicholson-guide-to-filing-2014.pdf


Huh. That's news to me. I thought a double cut file is made so remove more stock in shorter time. I thought it should still be used on the forward stroke. It could be used in in both directions when using draw filing technique.

FWIW. My preference is for single cut files. Most of the time I'm filing something, it's because I only want a little bit of metal taken off, so slower is better.

 

[Merkava_4]

Trav -- the double cut files work similar to a twin blade razor. One diagonal line makes a rough cut and then the other diagonal line going in the opposite direction makes a finer cut. You still need to use it on the forward stroke if you want to avoid dulling the file. I don't use my files like those guys in the videos you posted. I mainly use my files to sharpen stuff and I use the forward stroke only.

 

[Trav]

I understand.