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I'm hoping you can help me out. I've finally decided to bite the bullet and get some good files. I'm using them only for stem work, but I'm finding that I'm using them a lot lately. I need some help identifying what works best for our hobby. I'd like a set that takes me from rough shaping to fine tuning. What all do I need? What brands are the best? I know the best will cost me, but that's ok.

So, what do you use that you love, or what would you love to have yourself some day?

Thanks.

Brian.

As far as files go just about anything not made in China will work well all shapes all styles you will probably find a use for. Also machinists files that have a blind end or face will be invaluable.The good news is that you don't have to buy them all new there are old school American made available at yard sales and flea markets for short money There is is also a company in Portugal that makes files that Tom Eltang swears by but the name escapes me.

pipeguy wrote:As far as files go just about anything not made in China will work well all shapes all styles you will probably find a use for. Also machinists files that have a blind end or face will be invaluable.The good news is that you don't have to buy them all new there are old school American made available at yard sales and flea markets for short money There is is also a company in Portugal that makes files that Tom Eltang swears by but the name escapes me.

Cool, thanks. I'm looking into the Portugal made files now.

Brian.

I use Nichols files because that's what the local place carries and they work really well. For shaping the stem I use a double cut bastard file, and a smooth cut lathe file for final shape tuning and bringing everything together. From there I use Tropic Shine nail files that I get from Sally Beauty - 180 (white), 220/320 (blue), and 400/600 (pink).

I also use the nichols files and sally's 100 and up nail files.One file I really like is called a wax file.I get these on amazon or e-bay.They work really well on briar also.You of course can spend what You like, but these get the job done.The wax file is around 10 dollars.At Sally's get the discount card and save a lot over a year. note wax files are vulcrylic.

I have not tried them yet, but the vulcrylic files seem to be the best suited for stems. Technique and pressure will allow you to use just one file to do the entire stem from roughing to detail work.

I like the Iwasaki files for taking briar off quickly. For everything else I like the Swiss Grobet line. Their "Vulcrylic" is especially good on just as the name implies: vulcanite and acrylic.
Chas.

I like a file with a motor

Perfect. Thanks guys. I think I'll give the Swiss Grobet Vulcrylic a try. They sound pretty good. I don't use files on the briar at all, so these sound like the winners for stems.

I appreciate your help!

Brian.

Grobet makes good files.
Nicholson are ok, but their new stuff is so-so.
Your best bet for buying what you want is ottofrei.com.

andrew

They're not cheap, but grobet makes better files than just about anyone out there. They sell to jewlers and aircraft industry, etc.

andrew

ORDERED!!! Got the Grobet 6" Equalling 0,2, and 4. That should should do it pretty well. Any time I can get a high quality tool (or 3 in this case) for under $100 bucks, I'm pretty happy.

Thanks again for your help.

Brian.

Good choice on the Grobets.

Growley wrote:ORDERED!!! Got the Grobet 6" Equalling 0,2, and 4. That should should do it pretty well. Any time I can get a high quality tool (or 3 in this case) for under $100 bucks, I'm pretty happy.

Thanks again for your help.

Brian.

I'm confused. What files did you buy? I thought you were going to get the wax file. Just curious.

If anyone needs / wants the Portuguese files Tom Eltang uses i have a store just around the corner that sells them.

Harbor freight ftw!

bregolad wrote:Harbor freight ftw!