Files are hand-held locksmith tools for finishing various hard materials: metal, wood, plastic, etc. The processing is done by filing, scraping or smoothing. The goal is to remove a thin layer of the material.
The saw consists of two parts: the working part and the handle. The handle is the part by which the saw is gripped with a clenched palm and moved back and forth along the surface of the material being processed. It is made of wood or plastic and is less often cast monolithically with the working part. The working part is made of high-carbon tool steel, which is subjected to surface hardening.
Most often, the working part has an oblong shape with a different cross-section, according to which the main types of files are determined: flat, round, semi-round, triangular.
The working part has notches that form the cutting edges. According to the number of notches per centimeter of length, files are of the following types:
- Grinding wheels (4.5-12 notches per cm)
- Small (facial) (13-26)
- Grinding files (42-80)
Files with large notches are called rasps.
Files are most often used for metalworking and for sharpening cutting tools (knives, saws, etc.). Rasps are used in the woodworking and leather industries.
In order for files to last longer, they must be properly cared for and some basic rules must be followed when working. When filing a thick layer, first use a coarse file and then finish the job with a finer one. With a brand new file, only soft metals should be filed initially, until the tips of the teeth become slightly blunt and then harder materials can be filed. Objects made of hardened steel should not be filed - this damages the file. Sharp edges should be filed first with an older file and only after they have been rounded can the work be continued with a new file. Soft metals should not be filed with fine files, because their cuts will quickly fill with chips. Files should be protected from oil and moisture. An oiled file should be cleaned with naphtha. File grooves fill less if they are rubbed with chalk beforehand. Files should only be cleaned with a brass brush - a steel brush should not be used.
FILES FOR METAL AND WOOD
- Metal sawing
Filing is in most cases a finishing operation that is performed after rough cutting in order to obtain the desired dimensions of the parts. Depending on the shape of the processed surface, files of different sizes and profiles are used - flat, square, triangular, round, semi-round, etc., and most often they are double-cut. According to the number of teeth per 1 cm of length, the files are divided into six groups, numbered from 0 to 5. Files with cut number 0 (zero) have the fewest but largest teeth and are used for rough filing. Files with cut number 1 are used for semi-clean work, those with cut numbers 2 and 3 - for clean filing, and with cut numbers 4 and 5 - for final processing.
When filing, the workpieces should be securely clamped in a vice so that they protrude no more than 5-10 mm above the jaws. The handle of the file is held with one hand, and the other hand presses and holds its front end. It is pressed simultaneously with both hands, with the greater pressure being transferred to the hand that is currently closer to the workpiece. To obtain a smoother surface, the directions of filing are crossed. When filing curved surfaces, the file follows the curvature that must be obtained. For very fine work, for example, repairing keys and locks, so-called watchmaker's files are used.
- Sawing wood
Wood files are used to shape details and often to make holes by sawing. The most commonly used are large files /rasps/ with a rectangular and semicircular cross-section. The fatigue and quality of work depend a lot on the way the file is held: the handle is held with the right hand, and the palm of the left hand is placed open at the front edge of the file, with the fingers bent and gripping it tightly.
The tool moves back and forth, like a file when pushed forward.
A wood saw is a good helper for leveling small pieces, shaping curved surfaces, etc. Highly suitable for working at home with semi-circular files.
DIAMOND FILES
Diamond files are a specific type of this tool. They are used for small metalworking jobs with fairly hard materials: metal, ceramic tile, glass, etc.
Diamond files are suitable for: precise and deep sanding, round filing, removing irregularities, precise cutting.
The main advantages of this type of file are faster processing compared to conventional models, longer tool life, and maintaining low temperatures of the tool and the surface being processed.
Diamond files are suitable for processing: glass ceramics, porcelain, wear-resistant coatings, graphite, fiberglass, reinforced plastics, natural and synthetic stones, refractory materials.
