The Guide to Files and Filing

THE GUIDE TO FILES AND FILING

P.O. Box 728 Apex, NC 27502 www.cooperhandtools.com CHT06-11103/MW ??????/10M/PRINTED 11/06 USA Cooper No. 550587 © 2006, Cooper Industries, LLC Specifications subject to change without notice. Introduction How a file is made Today various kinds of material, Choosing the right file can be confusing, with so product finish and working con- many sizes, shapes and cuts available it is difficult dition make file development an to decide the right one for the job. industrial science. File manufac- ture involves the study of file The range of Nicholson® files available from Cooper steels, file design and file per- Hand Tools covers every job task requirement. formance for all file applications. 1. File Steel: Is cut to proper This booklet has been specially produced to simpli- length from various width thick- fy file selection and application for any file user. ness and cross sections such as rectangular, square, triangular, round and half round. History 2. Rough shaping: The blank is punched to shape or is heated The file has been with man now for and forged with drop hammers many years and one of the first and rollers to shape the tang recordings is in the Bible during the and point. reign of King Saul. 3. Annealing: The forged blank This would be approximately 1090 is heated to an elevated temper- BC and at that time files would have ature and then cooled slowly under controlled conditions to been used for sharpening various soften the steel for tooth cutting types of primitive tools. From the first and to make internal steel struc- files the development and evolution ture uniform. can be traced from stone implements 4. Final Shaping: The annealed to files with teeth running at right blanks are ground or milled to angles across the file blank to pres- produce a surface necessary for ent day quality machine produced the uniform formation of the teeth. This is followed by drawfil- files. ing that produces the perfectly true flat or curved surface nec- The first attempt to cut files by essary for the uniform formation machine was approximately 1490 AD of the teeth. and resulted from an invention by 5. Forming teeth: The teeth are Leonardo da Vinci. However the first formed by a rapidly reciprocat- machine which actually cut files was ing chisel that strikes succes- sive blows on the file. The hard- that made by the Frenchman, ened chisel cuts into the soft Chopitel in 1750. blank displacing and raising the steel into the desired tooth At this time files were made from structure. mild material and did not require 6. Hardening: The file is then 7. Finishing: The file is annealing. To produce a hardened hardened by heating it in a cleaned and sharpened by surface various preparations were molten bath to a predetermined bead blasting. The tang is used to carburize the file teeth. But it temperature. This is followed by reheated to give strength immersing the file in a quench- was the inventions of such men as without brittleness. It is then ing solution. This combination of given a series of tests by Bernot, Nicholson, Whipple and heating and cooling under care- trained inspectors, and oiled Weed that provided machines capa- fully controlled conditions brings to prevent rust. ble of producing better files than the file to the maximum hard- those produced by hand. ness to the very top of the cutting edges. 2 3 File Terminology File Terminology Each part of the file has a available, all with their own names. A rasp-cut has a series of name and there are many dif- This section of the booklet will help individual teeth that are ferent shapes and sizes of you understand the file and the formed by a single-pointed files. Furthermore, there are terms used: tool. This produces a rough- varying types of file cuts cut and is used primarily on Point Belly Heel Tang wood, hooves, aluminum and lead. A curved-cut / mill tooth file has its teeth arranged in Length curved contours across the file face and is normally used in Type: The cross-sectional automotive body shops for shape or style of the file i. e. smoothing body panels. quadrangular, circular, triangular or irregular. These sections Plater's Rasp: A rasp file are further classified according combination that is used pri- to their contours i. e. blunt, marily by farriers in the trim- taper etc. ming of horses' hooves. Blunt: A file whose edges are Woodchuck: A multi-purpose parallel from end to end and of Wood chisel / rasp combina- constant width. tion tool used by cabinetmak- ers, homebuilders, and con- Taper: The reduction in cross struction workers. section of the file from its heel to the point. A file may taper Bastard: File coarseness with width, in thickness or in between "Coarse and Second both. Cut." Coarseness: The number of Back: The convex side of a teeth per inch length of the file. half-round or other similarly shaped file. Cut: The character of the file teeth with respect to the Edge: The intersection of two coarseness (bastard, second- adjacent faces of the file. cut and smooth.) Safe Edge: A smooth or uncut A single-cut file has a single edge of the file. set of parallel, diagonal rows of teeth. Single-cut files are Pinning: Filings wedged often used with light pressure between the file teeth. to produce a smooth surface finish or to put a keen edge on Shelling: The breaking of file knives, shears or saws. teeth, usually caused by using A double-cut file has two sets too much pressure reverse fil- of diagonal rows of teeth. The ing, filing sharp corners, or second set of teeth is cut in edges. the opposite diagonal direction, and on top of the first set. Handle: A holder into which The first set of teeth is known the tang of the file fits. If the as the overcut while the sec- file has an integral holder this ond is called the upcut. The is known as a solid handle file. upcut is finer than the overcut. The double-cut file is used with heavier pressure than the single-cut and removes material faster from the workpiece. 4 5 Choosing the right file How to use a file correctly To achieve the desired results it is In addition to the amount of stock Filing is an industrial art - grip, essential that the right file be used to be removed, the contour of its stroke and pressure may vary, to for the job. In selecting the right removal is equally important and is fit the job. There are three elemen- file the user should consider the determined by the shape of the file. tal ways a file can be put to work shape, size and coarseness of the For example, a triangular file They are: file. should be used on acute internal Straight filing: This consists of The size and the coarseness of angles, to clear out square corners pushing the file lengthwise-straight the file are directly related, so the and in sharpening saw teeth. ahead or slightly diagonally-across larger the file the more stock it will the workpiece. remove and the smaller the file the Drawfiling: This consists of grasp- finer the finish it will achieve. ing the file at each end, pushing Most files also have three grades and drawing it across the work- of cut: bastard-cut, second-cut and piece. smooth-cut. The coarser the cut of Lathefiling: This consists of the file, the rougher the finish of stroking the file against work the work. Therefore, the size of the revolving in a lathe. file and the grade of its cut must be taken into account against the For normal filing, the vice should amount of stock to be removed be about elbow height. When and the fineness of fi nish that is there is a great deal of heavy filing required. it is better to have the work slightly lower. If the work is of fine and delicate nature, the work can be A flat file should be used for gener- raised to eye level. al-purpose work, a square file for For work that could become dam- enlarging rectangular holes and a aged in the vice through pressure, round file for enlarging round holes. a pair of protectors made of zinc, A half-round file can be used for copper or aluminum sheet should dual purposes, the flat face for filing be used between the workpiece flat surfaces and the curved face and vise jaws. for grooves. The Grip For files needing two-handed operation, the handle should be grasped in one hand and the point of the file in the other hand. The file handle should be rested in Generally speaking bastard and the palm with the thumb pointing second-cut grades of double-cut along the top of the handle and files would be chosen for the fast the fingers gripping the underside. removal of stock while single-cut The point of the file should be files and smooth double-cut files grasped between the thumb and would be chosen for finishing. It is the first two fingers with the thumb however almost impossible to lay being on the top of the file. down exact guidelines for the right file for the job, but using the basic When heavy filing strokes are facts given here the user should required, the thumb on the point is have a reasonably clear picture in normally in line with the mind, the nature, size of the work, the kind of finish required, the working tolerance allowed and the risks (if any) of spoiling the work.

6 7 Drawfiling file; the tip of the thumb pointed Drawfiling consists of grasping the forward. For lighter strokes howev- file firmly at each end and alterna- er, the thumb can be turned to as tively pushing and pulling the file much as right angles to the direc- sideways across the work. Since tion of the stroke files are made primarily to cut on a If the file is being used one-hand- longitudinal forward stroke, a file ed for filing pins, dies or edged with a short-angle cut should tools not being held in a vise, the never be used, as it will score and forefinger, and not the thumb is scratch instead of shaving and placed on top of the handle in line Shearing. When accomplished with the file. properly, drawfiling produces a finer finish than straight filing. Carrying the file Normally, a standard Mill Bastard file is used for drawfiling, but For normal flat filing, the operator where a considerable amount of should aim to carry the file forward stock has to be removed, a Flat or on an almost straight line in the Hand file (Double Cut) will work same plane, changing its course faster. However, this roughing enough to prevent grooving. Too down leaves small ridges that will much pressure often results in a have to be smoothed by finishing rocking motion causing a rounded with a Single Cut Mill file. surface. Lathe filing Keep the file cutting When filing work revolving in a One of the quickest ways to ruin a lathe, the file should not be held good file is to apply too much rigid or stationary, but stroked con- pressure, or too little, on the for- stantly. A slight gliding or lateral ward stroke. Different materials of motion assists the file to clear course require different touches; itself and eliminate ridges and however, in general, just enough grooves. pressure should be applied to While a Mill file is capable of good keep the file cutting. If allowed to lathe filing, there is a special Long slide over the harder metals the Angle Lathe file with teeth cut at a teeth of the file rapidly become much larger angle. This provides a dull, and if they are overloaded by cleaner shearing, self-clearing file, too much pressure, they are likely eliminates drag or tear, overcomes to chip or clog. chatter and reduces clogging. On the reverse stroke, it is best to Uncut edges on this file protect lift the file clear of the workpiece, any shoulders on the work, which except on very soft metals. Even are not filed, and the dog, which then pressure should be very light, holds the workpiece. never more than the weight of the Lathe filing is usually employed for file itself. fitting shafts. Where stock is to be removed, a 12"/300mm or 14"/350mm Long Angle Lathe file is preferable. This file will provide the finish suitable for a drive fit. For a running fit a Mill file will provide a smooth finish. Where

8 9 a fine finish is required a Swiss and filing in the correct manner. All Pattern and or Pillar file in No. 4 things being correct, a smooth cut- should be used. ting action and a good clean finish Recommended Surface Feet per on the work is achieved. If there is Minute for Lathe Filing: stubborn resistance, chances are the wrong file is being used, the file is damaged or the wrong Cast Iron Approximately 150 method is being used. Annealed Tool Steel Approximately 175 Filing rough castings Machinery Steel Approximately 350 Snagging castings, removing fins, spurs and other projections, is Soft Yellow Brass Approximately 500 hard on normal files. Their teeth are for fast cutting and do not pos- sess the ruggedness for driving Many lathe filers make a practice against hard projections and of not using a new file for work edges. This filing engages only a requiring an extremely fine finish. few teeth, thus putting a strain on In using the Long Angle Lathe file, each. For such work, it is better to care should be taken at shaft ends use a Foundry file with sturdier as this fast cutting file may cut too teeth and heavy-set edges to deeply. resist shelling or breaking out. Do not run a hand over lathe work, as oil and moisture can coat the Filing die castings surface and make it difficult for the file to take hold. For lathe work Like foundry castings, die castings that has oval, ecliptical or irregu- usually have sharp corners, webs, larly round form, the finer Swiss fins or flashing which are liable to Pattern files are most satisfactory. damage a normal file. In addition, die castings consist of magne- sium, zinc, aluminum, alloy or sim- Filing different metals ilar combinations of metal which Different metals vary greatly in have the tendency to clog regular character and properties, some files. are softer than others are, and Depending on the shape, Cooper some are more ductile and so on. Hand Tools has a variety of files The nature of the metal has to be that will meet the required applica- taken carefully into account when tion. Suggested files are found in choosing the right file and apply- the "job by job" file selector of this ing it to the job. For instance, a book, or you may contact your soft ductile metal requires a keen Cooper Hand Tools Customer file and only light pressure must Service Representative. be applied during filing if the work is not to be deformed. Conversely, a hard and less ductile metal may require a file with duller teeth to avoid them biting too deep and breaking off when pressure is applied. When filing a material the user can normally feel whether or not he is using the right file, 10 11 Filing stainless steel Filing Bronze (Copper, tin or other alloying elements} The use of stainless steel and Bronze is similar in nature to brass alloy steels has created other filing in some aspects, but varies techniques. These steels with hard according to the percentages of chromium and nickel content are alloying elements. tough and dense. This causes Average sharpness of the file is them to be abrasive, which short- satisfactory for some bronzes, ens the life of the normal file. while for others, a file that can To overcome these problems, files maintain its sharpness for longer have been developed with good periods is required. Thus, for the wearing qualities. These files, harder bronzes, a file with a more when used with a light pressure acute angle at the top of the tooth and a slow, steady is desirable. This is known as a Stroke, will remove metal and pro- thin topped tooth. vide a good finish. The direction of stroke of the file should be crossed frequently to Filing aluminum avoid grooving with bronze and brass. Aluminum is soft and is difficult to file, file teeth clog even under moderate pressure. Filing alu- Filing Wrought Iron minum is divided into: Wrought iron is relatively simple to 1) Filing roughness from aluminum file. It is soft but only moderately castings, ductile so it is not necessary for a 2) Filing sheet and bar aluminum, file to be very sharp to obtain 3) Filing aluminum alloys. good results. To produce a good finish, the Aluminum Type A file has been Filing plastics developed. The file upcut is deep with an open throat, the overcut Hard plastics are dense and brit- fine which produces small scallops tle, and material is removed as on the upcut. This breaks up the light powder. The abrasiveness of filings and allows the file to clear. hard plastics requires files with This also overcomes chatter and high sharp teeth. Soft plastics are prevents too large a bite. By using filed in shreds so Shear Tooth files a shearing stroke toward the left, a should be used for this good finish can be obtained. application. Depending on the density of the Filing brass material, Cooper Hand Tools has the file that will meet the required Brass is difficult to file because it application. Suggested files are is softer than steel, but tough. This found in the "job by job" file selec- demands teeth that are sharp, tor of this book, or you may con- sturdy and cut to prevent grooving tact your Cooper Hand Tools and running the file off the work. Customer Service Representative. The Brass file has a short upcut angle and a fine long angle overcut which produces small scallops to break up filings and enable the file to clear. With pressure, the sharp high-cut teeth bite deep, with less pressure, the short upcut angle smoothes.

12 13 Filing soft materials Soft materials such as Aluminum, used, to be sure there is no chat- Brass, Copper, Plastics hard rub- ter or vibration in the saw. This will ber and Wood, a Shear Tooth file shorten the life of the file. provides fast material removal with good smoothing qualities. The combination of the Single Cut and Sharpening hand saws the Long Angle helps the Shear Tooth file to clear. Because of the Handsaws of two types, the Long Angle the file has a tendency Crosscut and the Rip must be to run to the left on narrow sur- reset, normally every fourth or fifth faces. This can be overcome by fil- filing. Check that teeth are of ing with a diagonal stroke to the equal height. This can be accom- right. plished by passing the file lightly lengthwise along the tops of the Precision filing teeth. Some may be flattened, others are hardly touched. The flat- For filing such as that employed by tened teeth will require more filing the instrument industry, there is a to put them in shape. range of Swiss Pattern files. The delicate precision work calls for These files should be used: these files be made to exacting measurements and finer cuts. Five 7"/175mm Regular Taper or 6"/150mm Heavy Taper The flat Precision file should be used with a slow smooth stroke Five and a half 7" /175mm Regular Taper or 6" /150mm Heavy Taper moving the file laterally along the work on the forward stroke. In Six 7" /175mm or 8" /200mm Slim Taper using Round or Half Round types, the filing should be clockwise to Seven 6" /150mm, 7" /175mm Slim Taper and ensure a deeper cut and a 9" /225mm or 10" /250mm Double Ender smoother finish. Saw Filing Eight 6" /150mm Slim Taper or 7" /175mm Extra Slim Taper or 9"/225mm Double Ender or Efficient saw filing demands, first 8"/200mm Double Extra Slim Taper of all, a steady hand and a good file. Also, the file must be correct Nine 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 7"/175mm Double in design, cut and size for the type Extra Slim Taper or 8"/200mm Double Ender of saw and the type of teeth to be filed. Ten 5" /125mm or 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 6"/150mm Double Ender The stroke must be absolutely level, as the slightest rocking will affect the cutting edge of the saw- tooth. The file must be lifted off the work when drawing back for the next stroke. The teeth have to be set at the correct angle in relation to each other. This is best done with a "Saw Set" usually before filing. However, some filers prefer to do this after the saw has been filed. To file saw teeth, provisions must be made to hold the saw. A saw vise should be 14 15 Filing chain saw teeth Rounded hooded chain saws: use 6"/150mm Cantsaw file. These type of chain saws require 8"/200mm and 9"/225mm saws Round Chain saw files specifically use 8"/200mm Cantsaw file. designed for the task. These files 10"/250mm and up use are available in various diameters 10"/250mm Cantsaw file. to fit a sizes of Round Hooded Some large size circular saws may chain saws. Place the file against be sharpened without removing the beveled cutting surface of the them from the saw as long as teeth that face both sides and pro- there is no chatter. Large circular vide their own clearance at an saws with insert type teeth are angle of 20∞ to 45∞ with the saw sharpened with a Mill file. The blade, depending on manufactur- larger the saw, the larger the file. ers specifications. The direction of the filing stroke is off the cutting edge. It is essential that the file be Filing the hand crosscut saw held level and it should be pressed The teeth of the crosscut saws cut back and slightly up during the fil- with their edges and points: edges ing stroke. Every other tooth is must be beveled and sharp. Start filed, and then the chain saw is at the point of the saw and work reversed. The depth gauges of this towards the handle. Place the file type of saw control the depth of in the gullet to the left of the first the cut that the saw will take. As tooth set away from you. Hold the the cutting teeth are sharpened, file level with the angle of the saw they become lower, and it is nec- blade. At this angle, it should essary to lower the depth gauges touch on the bevels of both teeth. an equal extent. The difference in When filing the flattened teeth, height between cutting teeth and only half should be filed away at a depth gauge should be between time. Miss the next gullet and file 020"/ 5mm and 030"/ 75mm. the one following until every other File the depth gauge only as gullet has been filed. required to maintain dimensions Reverse the saw and begin between cutter and gauge as cut- process from second gullet away ter is filed back. Do not file off too from saw point. much. This overloads motor and chain and the chain will clog. Use a depth gauge, chainsaw file, or a Filing hand ripsaws mill file. For pointing and filing, follow the same procedure as the Crosscut Sharpening circular saws saw. It must be remembered that the Rip saw is filed so that the Before removing the saw blades tooth points do the cutting, not the from saw, lower the blade until edges. Teeth should be filed at only 1/64" (4mm) protrudes above right angles to the blade. Every the table. Place a file over the other tooth is brought to a square opening in the table and by hand, edge, the saw is reversed and the revolve the saw backward against remaining teeth filed. the file. Be sure that the file touches each tooth top. Remove the Sharpening crosscut saws saw blade and sharpen, using the following: The Crosscut saw has two types 6"/ 150mm and 7"/175mm saws of teeth, cutters and rakers. The cutters do the cutting, the

16 17 rakers clear the cut. This is filed at is made primarily for the rapid an angle of 45° from the filer. This removal of stock. For finer wood- permits access to cutters and work, the Cabinet Rasp provides a enables the teeth to be filed at the means of bringing mortise-and- correct angle. tenon joints to a proper fit. The Horse Rasp is used for shoeing Teeth should be checked for level- horses. The Plater's Rasp is avail- ness, the raker teeth being able for light hooves such as race- between 1/100"/25mm to horses. 1/64"/.4mm below level of cutting teeth. The filer should use a Woodchuck Crosscut Saw file or a Mill file and file all cutter teeth to a point. The Woodchuck rasp is a chisel / rasp saw is placed vertically and the file combination tool used for a variety used across the rakers. Should the of wood working tasks. Each tool gullets of the teeth require deep- features a flat wood rasp on one ening, a Round file or a Mill file side and a half-round wood rasp with round edge can be used, or on the other. There are edge teeth use the back of the Crosscut file. for those hard to get spots. The chisel point features an extremely Sharpening tools and implements sharp, polished and ground blade.

There are many tools and imple- Care of the file ments in industry, agriculture and gardening that The teeth of the file should be pro- require regular sharpening. Such tected when the file is not in use tools may be filed towards or away by hanging it in a rack or keeping from the edge, the former for the it in a drawer with wooden divisions. early part of the task and the latter Files should always be kept clear of water or grease, since this for the light finishing touches. For impairs the filing action. It is advis- coarse steel cutting edges for able to wrap the file in a cloth for hoes, ploughs etc., Home and protection when it is carried in a Garden files, as well as Axe and toolbox. Handy files are available. For harder carbon steels in cutter The file teeth should be kept clean knives, shears etc., the Second at all times by using a file card, or Cut or Smooth Mill provides a a wire file brush, to clear the sure, but smoother bite. It is grooves between the teeth. essential that the work glaze be removed in the first few strokes, so Safety apply extra pressure in very slow, deliberate strokes at the begin- For safety reasons, a file should ning. never be used without a tight fitting handle. Serious accidents Rasps can result if the handle becomes detached exposing the Rasps are broadly classified as sharp point of the tang. wood, cabinet and horse Rasps. Cooper Hand Tools offers a variety Also available are rasp combina- of different size file handles pro- tions known as Four-in-Hand (or duced in traditional wood, or from Shoe Rasp) and Wood Craft Rasp. modern plastics. If you need help The Wood Rasp is a coarser cut in selecting which handle is right than the Cabinet Rasp and for your file, contact your Cooper Hand Tools Customer Service Representative today. 18 19 'Job by Job' file selector 'Job by Job' file selector

Aluminum alloy Flat Bastard File, Aluminum File, Magicut® Die shop Swiss Pattern Files of appropriate shape

Auger Bit Auger Bit File Electric If surface is large, use Mill Bastard Connections File, otherwise use Tungsten point. Auto Body Bodifiles (cleaning) Babbitt Flat Babbitt, Super Shear®, Flat Files Fender, auto Bodifiles Bearing, brass Magicut® Fiber Flat Bastard File or Rasp Bearing, bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut® Fine work Swiss Pattern Files Beveling Flat Bastard, Mill File Finishing Mill Bastard File. For lathe filing, use Blacksmith Rasp and Flat Bastard, Half-Round Bastard, Mill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe File Flat Coarse File Foundry casting Flat Bastard File Bolt threads Taper, Mill or Knife File, Mill Bastard Furniture, making Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp, or Mill Bastard File Brass Flat Bastard File, Magicut®, Super Shear®

Bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut® Garden Tool Home and Garden File

Cabinet, wood Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp or Woodchuck Grooving Square Bastard, Round Bastard, Half-Round Bastard, or Slim Taper, Cast iron Flat, Half-Round, Square or Round according to shape of groove File, according to shape of material Hard rubber Flat Bastard File Casting rough Flat Bastard File Hole Round Bastard File or Square Bastard File Contact points Mill Bastard, Second Cut, and Tungsten Point Files Horse-shoeing Horse Rasp, Plater's Rasp Copper Flat Bastard File, Magicut® Hot metal, filing Flat Bastard File Cutter, This tool is generally ground and sharpened by Machine tool an emery wheel. Can be filed only when in an annealed Iron Bastard-Cut File according to shape of material condition. Use file to suit shape or surface.

Cutter, milling See Cutter, Machine tool Joint, mortise and Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasp tenon De-scaling Flat Bastard File Key way Square Bastard or Pillar Bastard File Die block Flat Bastard File Keys, filing Warding Bastard File Die casting Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard File, Round Bastard File, Square Bastard File, or Mill Bastard Knife Mill Files File, according to shape of the die casting and finish desired. Lathe-turned Mill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe Section File Die forging Flat Bastard File or Half Round Bastard File, according to shape of the die forging. Laminate Laminate File, Plastic File, Mill Bastard File

20 21 'Job by Job' file selector 'Job by Job' file selector

Lawn mower Mill Bastard File or Home and Garden File. Steel alloy Use file applicable to the shape of the material. File steel alloy only when it is annealed. Lock, mending Warding Bastard File. Switch contacts Contact Point File or Mill Bastard File, according to Machinists' work Machinists' File such as Flat, Half Round, Square or surface area of switch contacts. Round. Also Mill or Tapers, in cuts according to work. Switch, electric Mill Bastard File or Contact Point File, according to Millwrights' work Flat, Half-Round, Round, Square Mill Files. size of switch.

Model, metal Swiss Pattern Files. Template Files, including Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard File, Mill Bastard File, or Round Bastard File. Molded part Flat Bastard File or Mill Bastard File. V-groove Files, including Knife, Taper, Slim Taper, Notch Taper or Knife File. X Slim Taper, XX Slim Taper.

Ornaments, wood Files, including Cabinet File, Cabinet Wood working Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasp. Making Rasp. Round Bastard Mill Bastard. and Slim Taper File. Zinc Babbit File.

Pattern making, Files, including Cabinet File, Cabinet SAWS Wood Rasp, Pattern Makers Rasp, Woodchuck, Round Bastard, Square Bastard, Mill Band Saw Band Saw Taper Single-Cut File Bastard and Slim Taper File. Cant Saw Cantsaw or Mill Bastard File. Pipe fitting Half-Round Bastard File. Chain Saw Round, Special Square, Lozenge File* (Special Mill File Planer knife Mill Bastard File. for Depth Gauge) carbon steel Circular Saw Mill Bastard, Cantsaw and Slim Taper Files Plastics Flat Bastard File. Also Mill Bastard File, Plastics File, Laminate File, sharpened for plastics. Cross-Cut Saw Special Crosscut, Mill, Round, or Round Edge Mill File.

Plumbers' work Half-Round Bastard. Hand Saw Slim Taper, Extra Slim Taper, or Double Extra Slim Taper File, according to points of saw. File recommended for Rotary mower Home and Garden File, Handy File, saw points per inch. Saw points shown in Bold. Blade Flat Bastard. 5 - 7" Regular Taper 5 1/2 - 7" Regular Taper Rough filing Bastard File depending on shape to be filed. 6 - 7" or 8" Slim Taper 7 - 7" or 8" Slim Taper Slot Knife File, Slim Taper or Warding. 8 - 6" Slim Taper, 7" Extra Slim Taper or 8" Double Extra Slim Taper Snagging Flat Bastard File. 9 - 6" Extra Slim Taper or 7" Double Extra Slim Taper 10 - 5" or 6" Extra Slim Taper Soft metal Flat Bastard. Wood or Mill Bastard and Slim Taper Files Stainless Steel Flat, or Mill File sharpened for stainless Buck Saw

Steel Flat Bastard File.

22 23 Profile Selector for Machinist’s Files

Cross Section Name Shape Character of Teeth Taper General Uses

Usually bastard. Also Taper in width A general purpose Flat Rectangular second-cut and smooth file

Hand Rectangular One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Finishing flat second-cut and smooth width surfaces

Pillar Almost square One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Keyways, slots second-cut and smooth width narrow work

Usually bastard. Also Width sharply Filing ward notches Warding Thin second-cut and smooth tapered in keys. Narrow thickness work uniform

Square Square Bastard, second-cut and Tapered Enlarging holes or Smooth recesses Mortises, keyways and splines

Three Square Triangular Sharp edges. Bastard Tapered Filing acute angles, second-cut and smooth corners, grooves, notches

Round Circular Usually bastard. Also Either tapered Enlarging holes; second-cut and smooth ("Rat Tail")* shaping curved or blunt surfaces

Half Round Third-Circular Usually bastard. Also Uniform in Concave corners second-cut and smooth width crevices, round holes

Knife Knife-Shaped Usually bastard. Also Tapered Cleaning out acute second-cut and smooth curving to a angles, corners, narrow point slots Profile Selector for Special Purpose Files Made in one cut only. Tapered Filing aluminum Aluminum Flat Rectangular Fast-cutting teeth alloys and other soft metals

Made in one cut only. Slightly Filing aluminum Aluminum Half-Round Fast-cutting teeth tapered alloys and other soft metals

Made in one cut only. Slightly Lathe work where Long Angle Flat Rectangular Both edges safe tapered smooth finish is desired. Also soft metals 24 25 Profile Selector for Swiss Pattern Files

Cross Section Name Shape Character of Teeth Taper General Uses

Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfaces Hand Rectangular faces and one edge. width Other edge safe or uncut

Pillar Width narrower Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfaces than Hand File faces. Both edges safe width

Warding Thin Rectangular Double-cut on two flat Tapered in Slots, locks and faces. Single-cut on two width uniform keys edges in thickness

Square Square Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes

Three-Square Triangular Double-cut on three Tapered Corners, holes (Equilateral) Faces. Single-cut on edges

Round Circular Double-cut Either tapered Corners, holes or uniform (straight)

Half-Round Third Circular Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes

Knife Knife-Shaped Double-cut on flat faces. Tapered Slots Single-cut on edges

Cant Triangular Double-cut on three Tapered Corners faces. Single-cut on two sharp edges

26 27