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Thread: Metal files 101

  1. #31
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pete F View Post
    Yes I actually wrote above that of all things a file should NEVER be used on a lathe without a handle. The potential for a very serious accident is just too great. I erased that part of the post, but now you menton it .... you were very lucky!

    Pete
    you were going to write it but you thought no one is silly enough to use a file without a handle on the lathe, guess what my friend? im living proof and got the scar to prove it. its kind of like when you buy new shoes and theres them little packets of moisture absorbers with a warning "DO NOT EAT", because i really want to eat one (not) but, i guess its there because someone probably ate one.

    live and learn.

  2. #32
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    Just in relation to using the file on the lathe,what position in regards to the chuck do you stand and what hand is on the file handle?

    Question not directed to any but all users.

  3. #33
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    i know when i got stabbed with the tang i was in quite close standing at 45 degrees or near abouts and got it on the right side just under the ribs.

  4. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by kraits View Post
    you were going to write it but you thought no one is silly enough to use a file without a handle on the lathe, guess what my friend? im living proof and got the scar to prove it. its kind of like when you buy new shoes and theres them little packets of moisture absorbers with a warning "DO NOT EAT", because i really want to eat one (not) but, i guess its there because someone probably ate one.

    live and learn.
    I thought it sounded like I was trying to lecture members ... I had horrible flashbacks of being on the receiving end of the same "lectures". Never slept so well in my life

    Ok one of my "good" files is actually only a half file as it's intended to be used for ski tuning and a longer file is inconvenient. Brand is Viiala from Finland. A bit of searching indicates that these guys really knew how to make files, sadly bought by Bahco in the 90's so no doubt rubbish by now. Mine is a chrome file, but guess they did others. It looks like there's still some NOS around so I may try to grab some more while I can. I love that little file, beautiful little curls come off the teeth like a miniature shaper!

    Some of my newer files are "Always" brand, trust the Poms to come up with such an imaginative name Impossible to find on the net.

    I checked and at least one Nicholson I have that I like is made in the USA, others weren't as good, but not sure of their country of origin despite being the same brand.

    Pete

  5. #35
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    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    Just in relation to using the file on the lathe,what position in regards to the chuck do you stand and what hand is on the file handle?

    Question not directed to any but all users.
    Hi PC,

    No hands on the handle...

    I wondered about what is the correct way ( if there is one), I hold the file backwards, handle facing away and underneath the work, so if it grabs, it goes away from me, ( and away from the work)... I'm interested in how others do it. I try to stay well away from the chuck If I can..

    Regards
    Ray

  6. #36
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    Pete can you grab me a couple too in any size/pattern?

    I am just buying some screw-on wooden file handles on Amazon for not much money. Many of my file handles are flea-market pine jobs that are splitting. A sympathetically shaped hardwood handle is hard to beat, and probably soon unobtanium.

    On one of the forums someone spiked golf balls onto the tangs as handles and reported good results. That seems like a fine use for an otherwise useless object.

    Greg
    It's all part of the service here at The House of Pain™

  7. #37
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    Google "skroo zon file handles" and see what you think. I'm on my phone so posting links is beyond me.
    Chris

  8. #38
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    Ray that is definately a different approach,if its working for you thats good.
    I would say usually when fileing on the lathe most opperators that I have seen hold the file handle in there left hand and hold the tip of the file in there right,they would also be standing on the right side of the chuck.

    From what I have seen and experienced if the file comes into contact with a projection on the job or the chuck it has a tendency to either flip staight back or to the left of the chuck,others may have different results.

  9. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by Greg Q View Post
    Pete can you grab me a couple too in any size/pattern?
    Will do, but it looks like just the 8" #2 at this stage if you're happy with that. I'll send it down when it arrives.

    Pete

  10. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Google "skroo zon file handles" and see what you think. I'm on my phone so posting links is beyond me.
    I have a few of those handles, made by Lutz. They are around $8 ea though, and there are less expensive versions on Amazon

    Greg
    It's all part of the service here at The House of Pain™

  11. #41
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    Hi all,
    An interesting thread.
    Just my 2 bobs worth on storage.
    I lay one on a oily cloth ,wrap ounce, then another file,wrap 1/2 wrap,another file etc.
    you can wrap 6 or 8 in the one bundle and they are protected from themselves,other tools and rust.If you have more then one bundle just group them in lots that may be used at one type of job.
    Works for me.
    The acid restoring/sharping interest me,seems like there is vering results. does anyone really have it worked out as to acid strength and time?

  12. #42
    Dave J Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by RayG View Post
    Hi PC,

    No hands on the handle...

    I wondered about what is the correct way ( if there is one), I hold the file backwards, handle facing away and underneath the work, so if it grabs, it goes away from me, ( and away from the work)... I'm interested in how others do it. I try to stay well away from the chuck If I can..

    Regards
    Ray

    Hi Ray, Pipeclay,
    I usually use the left arm up over the chuck/headstock and stand sort of in front of the headstock. For some jobs it's easier to go the opposite, but it seems awkward to me that way.
    I have never had an accident or near miss using it that way, but I seem to get into a different frame of mind when I pick up a file to use on the lathe, like a fresh start sort of thing, and I concentrate more.

    Dave

  13. #43
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    Every one to there own,probably just habit but I try not to stand in front of the chuck during most if not all opperations,have seen quite a few mishaps with items flying off.

  14. #44
    Dave J Guest

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    If I was to tell someone how to do it now, I would not tell them to do it my way as who knows their experience with power tools etc.
    My brother who is a fitter showed/taught me how to do it that way when I bought my first lathe and as far as I knew it was right as all the old text books said so as well.
    I have tried to get myself out of doing it that way after reading about it on these type of forums, but after many years of doing it my way it's hard, and I don't feel I have full control the other way which I have found to make it easy to slip into the chuck.

    Dave

  15. #45
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    I will never file right-handed in a lathe. I will never reach over a spinning chuck for anything.

    Many years ago at TAFE we were being taught about filing. Someone piped up and said "What about draw filling?" The response was, "That's for people who don't know how to file."

    On cleaning, I like to give a quick clean every few strokes, before the chips get compacted. For this a file card is most convenient. So sue me. I haven't noticed any additional dulling, but none of my files are spring chickens anyway. And doing it frequently means you only need to lightly brush the surface. I guess a brass brush would be better though.

    Oiling is one thing I'm confused about. I was taught - can't remember if it was TAFE or high school - to never rub the work surface with your fingers because the oil from your skin would make the file skate. So I've always tried to keep my files and workpieces clean and dry. But some people oil their files. Maybe a light oil is ok, like diesel? Guess I should try it.

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