best files for pipemaking

kola · Post by **kola** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 4:31 pm

What are the best files for pipemaking? (this includes files for stummel work and stem work)

In the past I have purchased some other tools for LeeVally and their Gransfor tools. Great stuff. I do not want cheap files that break in half or dull after one use. (ala "WallyWorld or "made in china")

Kola

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 4:51 pm

Nicholson is generally considered to be of consistently high quality. I've never been disappointed by that brand.

Sasquatch · Post by **Sasquatch** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 5:04 pm

Nicholson makes good files.

Get a 1/2 round rasp, 8", a full round rasp tapering from 3/16 or so up to 3/8" or so, a couple of flat files with "safe edges" which is to say they have no teeth on the sides, and as fine a file as you can find for touch ups. Nicholson makes a tiny little flat file, I can't remember what it's called, or you can find them at jeweller-supply places. These are known in the industry is "pillar" files. George Dibos put me onto these and they are great for final work.

kola · Post by **kola** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 5:09 pm

mucho gracias.

press 1 for English.

ND Pipes · Post by **ND Pipes** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 5:43 pm

http://www.fine-tools.com/feile4.htm

kola · Post by **kola** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:13 pm

Thanks gents!

mredmond · Post by **mredmond** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:35 pm

I've had success with the Iwasaki files Woodcraft sells. I had some cheap HF ones that I quit bothering with pretty quickly. Once I started using the Iwasaki ones I became a big fan of using files to dial in final shaping and for stem work.

Micah

wdteipen · Post by **wdteipen** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 10:40 pm

I'll second Nicholson files. They're good quality and easy to find. I do have trouble finding them with a safe edge so I grind down a safe edge on mine on my own. I like double cuts for quick removal and single for more refined work before moving to nail files and sandpaper.

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