pipemakersforum.com

Hey folks!

Just wondering what kinds of tiny files ya'll use for button/ slot work. I've heard of crossing files, and riffler files. I'm looking to improve my button work, and I figure some good files can help me along the way.

Cheers!

Yeti

Awesome question! I'm interested in hearing about more diverse files myself.

The files I use right now are a set of needle files I got from e-bay for something like $5. They work great and didn't break the bank. I also have a larger rasp and file that I got from Lowe's a year or two ago that works great for flat or curved surfaces, as it's a 4-in-1.

http://www.creativecoldsnow.com/browse. ... 18564.html

I'm not sure if this one is the right size, but I used to buy these from a pottery supply store in Orlando. The ones I used didn't have any markings to say what the diameter was, but it couldn't have been more than 1mm...
I always kept a spare, they broke pretty easily.

Lots of "needle" files are nothing like anymore - they are usually pretty clunky.

Jeweller's suppliers seem to have very small ones. "Crossing file" I think is the designation for the one I like best - it's sort of a flattened oval.

http://www.lacywest.com/19files.htm#Cro ... le%20Files for example - look at the crossing needle files down the page a ways.

I also use a saw-like appliance similar to what Walt posted there - dremel used to make a jigsaw, and you can still occassionally find a very thin abrasive-coated wire "blade" for it. Love that thing. Also have some tiny saw blades from dremel and X-acto -
The ol' number 15 keyhole is pretty tiny in real life and a real cutter.

http://www.xacto.com/products/cutting-s ... de-15.aspx

I use a jigsaw blade and make my own like the one Sas gave the link for. I just turn a wood handle on the lathe and then glue the cut down jigsaw blade in it. Works great.

I use several different sets of needle files from different makers..... Some cheap, some not so cheap.

I also use a larger file that I've ground the edge down on so it's smooth. That way it only cuts on one side.

This is what I buy (and where I buy them). I buy 4 or 5 sets at a time, and I throw away about 7 of the 10 in each set. You really only use a handful of the profiles they have.

hey Ernie, do you break them frequently? I am having that problem

rev

the rev wrote:hey Ernie, do you break them frequently? I am having that problem

rev

No, you don't need to use much pressure. Most of the shaping should be done with a drill bit and a jig saw blade. These are just to touch up.

I just bought a set of Nicholson needle files at Home Depot

I also made a slot saw using a saber saw / jigsaw blade - ground a taper on the back side - and epoxied it into a file handle

e Markle wrote:

the rev wrote:hey Ernie, do you break them frequently? I am having that problem

rev

No, you don't need to use much pressure. Most of the shaping should be done with a drill bit and a jig saw blade. These are just to touch up.

but what if you are a cave dwelling troglodyte like me...

or Sas?

rev

the rev wrote:

e Markle wrote:

the rev wrote:hey Ernie, do you break them frequently? I am having that problem

rev

No, you don't need to use much pressure. Most of the shaping should be done with a drill bit and a jig saw blade. These are just to touch up.

but what if you are a cave dwelling troglodyte like me...

or Sas?

rev

Then you break them left and right.

Thank you for your help

rev

YAR! SAS BREAK!!