Giving myself eye strain again....Files

Aukai

Aukai

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Been looking at the subject, former good companies, aren't anymore. American grade, Swiss grade. I'm a little skeptical about ebay, thinking you don't know the real condition till you get it. I did read some threads here, but were a few years old. I would like to get a couple of must have files, and know they are good. Thank you as always.
 
I use Bahco. Although they are now made in Portugal?? or Brazil (can't remember which), I have not noticed any dive in quality compared to my Swedish Bahco files. They still last and work great.

Paul.
 
I'm slowly starting to switch to Pferd machinist's files. I'm attaching some useful info from them so you know what you're looking at. One Pferd file that I want is the Flat File Plus - one safe edge, chip breakers, etc. https://www.pferdusa.com/products/201a/201a02/201a0202P.html

One of the first files I suggest you get is a lathe file. I think the first of Ken's links above is a lathe file. The one I have is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-American-Pattern-Single-Rectangular/dp/B006P2XGDU. I have the 8 and 10" and they work so well that I may buy more from Pferd.

You need at least one single cut/bastard file for roughing, the length of which depends on your anatomy. For me, at 5'-8", I prefer a 10" file.

You need at least one double cut file for finishing. I prefer an 8" for this.

You need at least one round file for enlarging/moving holes. I have several but surprisingly, I prefer a chainsaw file with a constant diameter most of the time.

For fine work, I use Grobet files. These are like riffler files for metal. It is amazing how fast and precisely these cut.

I must have 25 or more files scattered around in my shop but the lathe file, bastard and smooth files are the work horses. I particularly like them for drawfiling.

Brands that I know to be good: Pferd, Grobet.
Brands that work pretty good: Nicholson, Simmons.

I'm sure others will be along shortly.
 

Attachments

  • Pferd Files.pdf
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Thank you, been looking at the Pferd line, Nicholson since moving to Mexico is having popularity issues, and I think I saw something similar for Simmons. This is just what I have been coming across, hence my possible error on the subject. I saw it on the internet......
 
American pattern and Swiss pattern files are not grades, they describe the pattern of the cutting edges.
 
Thank you wreck, still learning.....I saw it on the internet....

American 'bastard cut' is equivalent to Swiss 'grade 00'.

American 'second cut' is equivalent to Swiss 'grade 0'.

American 'smooth cut' is equivalent to Swiss 'grade 2'.
I'm still confusing to myself.....
 
Just a quick word here:

If you don't know about file sharpening, here's a great reference:

BOGGS TOOL AND FILE SHARPENING COMPANY

You can't beat their deal - send 'em all your old files, and they sharpen them and send them back. They'll all come back sharp or sharper than new, and the cost is really low! Read about the process - it's 120 year old technology, but effective for sure. Basically steam/abrasive blasting.

I thought it was too good to be true until I sent a bunch of files - even the ones they said were rejects came back so good it was amazing.
 
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