edge-safe files

[nolo]

I purchased mine here:

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/sear ... nd=iwasaki

[e Markle]

I can't figure out why I would need an edge-safe file.

Yes, but you can't even figure out which side of the pipe is the front.

I'm just sayin'...

[e Markle]

I guess I knew behind the button would be the answer, but I don't really see why it's necessary. Must be we do thing in a different order. I'm not ever that worried about the back of the button.

I also have a file that I've rounded the edge on so I can file all the way to the radius on a saddle bit. It lets me make a more consistent slope with my files instead of cutting into the radius with a hard edge.

[oklahoma red]

I will probably make at least one edge of all my files safe eventually. I have an ignition file i shaped to file the inside of the slot. The file is .030" thick, about half the thickness of the #199 cutter used on the slot. It has really helped produce a deep vee slot.

Ignition file! Now there is a blast from the past. I wonder if you can still buy them and how many here know what they were for (and don't say "filing your ignition"

I have 4 Iwasaki files and they cut like crazy. Like someone said, watch your knuckles. They'll bark you up real quick.

Chas.

[Tyler]

I guess I knew behind the button would be the answer, but I don't really see why it's necessary. Must be we do thing in a different order. I'm not ever that worried about the back of the button.

I also have a file that I've rounded the edge on so I can file all the way to the radius on a saddle bit. It lets me make a more consistent slope with my files instead of cutting into the radius with a hard edge.

Now here's an idea I can get behind. Nice.

So, are you filing on the front of the saddle or the back?

[RadDavis]

So, are you filing on the front of the saddle or the back?

This would probably depend on the delta of the dimension.

Rad

[Tyler]

So, are you filing on the front of the saddle or the back?

This would probably depend on the delta of the dimension.

Rad

That's true. Take that into account Ernie.

[Joe Hinkle Pipes]

I actually bought mine at sears about 4 months ago. I really dont know what they are intended for, but they are a little thinner and wider than the needle files i have and produce about the same results as far as finish goes.

[andrew]

well, I've only recently started using files with a safe edge near the button. it does slow down your work. Maybe I haven't given the safe edge thing a fair shake yet. Learning to use the tool properly and all that. I guess we'll see. I like the idea of having a rounded edge when working around the saddle. I think my beard has a few gray hairs from working near any curve with a sharp file edge. I'm thinking that the same guys that invest in cheap file companies have ownership in sand paper companies too.

[smokindawg]

I made my own safe edge file, but now that I have that one figured out, I can see how making use specific files is a plus. Just as making any other pipe making specific tools is.

[eric]

Will it wreck the Iwasaki files if I use them on lucite?

[wdteipen]

I use both. I use inexpensive Nicholson files but the safe edge ones are hard to find locally. If I can't find the safe edge ones I just grind my own safe edge. I actually find that safe edges that I grind myself are better because the factory safe edges have a bit of a rounded corner on the safe edge.