Metal Working Files...Which?

[EmilioG]

I have to file a small 1/2" diameter round O1 tool steel ball end after cutting in some flutes and before heat treating. It's a small groove cutter with three flutes. I need to hand file the relief angles, which will be quite small. The lands will be only .020" wide. I need small files I imagine. I have many files, a lot of small Swiss files. What type and size of files can I use for this project and filing harder steels in general?

I've been ready and studying the use and care of files, which is basic to all metal work and machining operations, so I'd like to learn as much as I can. I'm still in grade school while most of you here have .Phd's.
All of your help is appreciated. Bob, Mikey, Will, et al...................................

 

[mikey]

I only have a set of Grobet riffler files for this sort of thing but I've been thinking about this one if I have a project that justified them: https://www.pferdusa.com/products/201f/201f05P.html.

I suspect common files like the Grobet files will cut un-hardened stuff. I do not know how they will work after you cut those flutes because there may be some work hardening. That's why I suggested you look at the Pferd set.

 

[darkzero]

All of your help is appreciated. Bob, Mikey, Will, et al.......

Sorry, Emilio, Mikey or Bob will probably give you some good input. The only PHD I have is "Probably Heavy in Debt".

I don't do much file work other than light deburring and I just recently completed my modest set of files which are Pferd. I'll probably do less deburring now by hand cause I also recently got me a "cheater machine", is what I call it anyway, a chamfering & deburring machine.

 

[mikey]

I'll probably do less deburring now by hand cause I also recently got me a "cheater machine", is what I call it anyway, a chamfering & deburring machine.

You have to know what I'm gonna' say, right? Where are the pics!!!

I stopped trying to die with the most toys, Will. You're just kicking my butt here.

 

[darkzero]

Haha, the files or the machine? *I think that was a stupid question

EDIT: Yes it was, I didn't even see what you quoted! duh. Ok, BRB

 

[mikey]

Yeah, it kind of was ...

 

[darkzero]

Well I was planning on posting a thread about it later after I play with it some more but here it is. I've been wanting to make one after seeing Stefan's unit as these things are crazy expensive but it was on sale & I couldn't resist. Probably too much cognac that day. I love this thing!

And just so Emilio doesn't get mad for hijacking his thread. Here's a picture of some files to relate to the thread. Ok, well not really but it's all I got. Sorry Emilio.

 

[Bob Korves]

I have never had any trouble filing O-1 in the soft condition, and have not really noticed work hardening with machining it. My Simonds needle files are at least 30 years old, still going, so I must be doing something right. I use them quite a bit. My rifflers are Chinese, and are just about untouched, probably a good thing. Just start filing, and then try to know when to stop. That is the hard part. Good filing on small work requires learned skills, very good light, and a comfortable work position. And patience. And music you enjoy. And no deadlines. And it is worth it!

 

[mikey]

Thanks Will. Not that I didn't believe you but I am not familiar with these machines and didn't know what they can do. Now I know and ... I'm resisting really hard. I assume you can change cutters and produce round edges as well? Finally, if you don't mind, what do these things cost?

 

[mikey]

I have never had any trouble filing O-1 in the soft condition, and have not really noticed work hardening with machining it. My Simonds needle files are at least 30 years old, still going, so I must be doing something right. I use them quite a bit. My rifflers are Chinese, and are just about untouched, probably a good thing. Just start filing, and then try to know when to stop. That is the hard part. Good filing on small work requires learned skills, very good light, and a comfortable work position. And patience. And music you enjoy. And no deadlines. And it is worth it!

Hey Bob, I would add good magnification to the list! Next time I do some fine file work I'm going to put on some of my Son's rap music and see if it speeds things up.