Files

Discussions of tools wether you bought them or made them yourself. Anything from screwdrivers to custom chucks and drilling rigs.
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BriarShrink
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Files

Post by BriarShrink »

I'm looking to get some more files for shaping. I have some random ones, but looking for what would work best. Suggestions? Pics greatly appreciated too.

Best, Tom

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LatakiaLover
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Re: Files

Post by LatakiaLover »

UFOs must be real. There's no other explanation for cats.
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sandahlpipe
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Re: Files

Post by sandahlpipe »

You need a pillar file with a flat edge for stem work. I use a 00 cut for that. I also keep a 0 and 2 cut pillar file close at hand. I can go from 2 right to 320 or 400 grit most of the time. Also, a round file in a 0 and 2. Pippin and crossing files come in handy for a few odd cases like curves.

I also have a few other random files that I've modified in one way or another to suit specific purposes.

Otto Frei is a good source. Also, stewmac sells a nut seating file that works great for the button.
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BriarShrink
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Re: Files

Post by BriarShrink »

Thanks so much Jeremiah and LatakiaLover!

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PremalChheda
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Re: Files

Post by PremalChheda »

Aluminum or vulcrylic file for shaping stems and stummel. Fine single cut to remove previous file marks.
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BriarShrink
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Re: Files

Post by BriarShrink »

Thanks Premal. Anyone use microplanes?

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LatakiaLover
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Re: Files

Post by LatakiaLover »

BriarShrink wrote:Thanks Premal. Anyone use microplanes?
Nifty for wood, but they don't work on vulcanite or acrylic.

If you can't afford good files use contact cement to glue 80/100/120 grit cloth-backed paper to assorted lengths and shapes of shim stock (a package of 50 is a couple bucks in any hardware store). The paper will last longer and work better with a 1mm or 2mm layer of mouse pad material sandwiched between the paper and the wood. In short, for about $20 you can have a coffee can stuffed with "home made" files.
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BriarShrink
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Re: Files

Post by BriarShrink »

Cool.

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DocAitch
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Re: Files

Post by DocAitch »

Second on Otto Frei and the nut file from Stew Mac. The general file set from Stew Mac didn't last very long, can't recommend it.
A round file and coarse pippin are useful at the transition between bowl and stem
I like an 0 cut pippin (6-8") for stem sculpting, and my most used wood shaping file is a 10" half round 0 cut from Otto Frei ( which I use after the French wheel). I use this on large surfaces like those final tweaks on bowl thickness or shank lines.
I also use a fine cut flat bastard from Nicholson for thinning the bit area and pre shaping behind the button, before the nut file and the pillar work.
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