Files

A file is a metalworking and woodworking tool used to cut fine amounts of material from metal or wood. It most commonly refers to a hand tool, which takes the form of a hardened steel bar with a series of sharp, parallel ridges, called teeth. Most files have a narrow, pointed tang at one end to which a handle can be fitted to the user’s preference.

Files come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, cuts and tooth configurations. All files are made from hardened steel. The cross-section of a file and the cut of the file refer to how fine its teeth are. They are defined as, from roughest (Cut 000 to smoothest cut 8: Bastard, rough, middle cut, second cut, smooth, and dead smooth. A single-cut file has one set of parallel teeth while a cross-cut or double-cut file has a second set of cuts forming diamond shaped teeth. Most files have teeth on all faces, but some specialty flat files have teeth only on the face or only on the edge know as a safety edge, so that the user can come right up to another edge without damaging the finish on it.

Hand files that are from a large bastard 8” file up to smaller 4” files, cuts ranging from very rough 000 up to cut 4, mainly used on larger items.

Smaller needles file mainly from 22cm-12cm are used for finer works and come in a large variety of shapes available from cut very rough 000 to very fine & smooth cut 5.

This special file is small to medium sized and comes in an assortment of cross sectional shapes and profiles. The varying profiles and shapes enable them to be used in hard to reach, or unusually shaped areas. We stock normal Swiss cut files as well as diamond coated.

Instead of having teeth cut into the file's working surface, diamond files have small particles of industrial diamonds embedded onto the surface .The use of diamonds in this manner allows the file to be used effectively against extremely hard materials, such as stone, Glass or very hard metals such as which a standard steel file is ineffective. Unlike normal files diamond files are also the only type that may be used with a back-and-forth motion without damaging the file. If used in conjunction with water to clean the impurities in between the diamond coating to get the best results.

Ideal for filing wax tubes, bars and blocks, these files have special rough spiked teeth that are further apart which stop clogging of the wax in between the Teeth. Ideal for fine work and detail. Available as a set and only one rough cut.

A double sided half round wax hand file helps with getting the finger size and larger surfaces even and level.

Honing oil is a liquid, solution or emulsion used to aid in the cutting or grinding of metal, typically by abrasive tools or stones. It can also be called machining oil, tool oil, cutting fluid, and cutting oil.

In the context of hand blade sharpening, honing oil is used on a sharpening stone to protect the stone, carry away the debris (swarf), and to more efficiently produce a keen edge on a metal blade such as a knife. In a machine shop it also carries away excess heat and depending on composition, may prevent unintentional tearing and welding of the metal.

The Arkansas stone is famous the world over for its unique capacity to impart an extremely fine finish to a cutting edge. No other oilstones can approach the sharpening characteristics of this beautiful creation of nature. They are nearly pure Silica & can be many times harder than marble. Ideally used for sharpening setters gravers, knifes / blades.

The graver produces a unique and recognizable quality of line that is characterized by its steady, deliberate appearance and clean edges. Gravers are made with particular shapes and sizes that yield different line type. Flat gravers are used for fill work on letters, as well as "wriggle" cuts, remove background, or create bright polished cuts.

Knife gravers are for line engraving and very deep cuts. Round gravers, and flat gravers with a radius, are commonly used on silver to create bright cuts. Square or V-point gravers are typically square or elongated diamond-shaped and used for cutting straight lines.

• Escapement files are generally narrower and thinner than standard needle files.
• Escapement files are used for the most delicate and precise filing requirements.
• Escapement files have square handles and are always very short (12-14cm) from tip to handle end.
• Several types of escapement files are available in different cut lengths

I'm sure like most goldsmiths you have a drawer full of loose needle files and find it frustrating to paw through the pile of files, looking for just the right one? Not only is this a waste of time, but it's also poor maintenance of your files, which aren't benefiting from being rubbed up against each other all the time. Here's a tip that will make it easy for you to spot just the right file...

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