What is the purpose of a hand file?

What is the purpose of a hand file?

Any type of hand file or flat file can be used to put a bevel on the edge of a piece of metal. They can also be used to round corners and create convex surfaces. Due to their safe edge, smooth, single cut hand files can also be used to file fingernails.

How do I use a single cut file?

A single-cut file has a single set of parallel, diagonal rows of teeth. Single-cut files are often used with light pressure to produce a smooth surface finish or to put a keen edge on knives, shears or saws.

How do I bend a file?

Using a torch, heat the area that you want to bend until it is bright orange. Press the file onto the firebrick and bend it as uniformly as possible. It may take several tries of heating the file to get the desired bend. You can also use pliers to bend the hot steel.

Does a file cut both ways?

First, a file is like a saw blade and only cuts in one direction. Both file and saw teeth have an angle relative to the work surface known as a rake. Using the file in such a way can damage the file because it will round over the top of the teeth dulling the file without doing any work.

What are master files?

A collection of records pertaining to one of the main subjects of an information system, such as customers, employees, products and vendors. Master files contain descriptive data, such as name and address, as well as summary information, such as amount due and year-to-date sales.

How is a file cut in a hand file?

The file is held flat against the surface it is to cut / smooth. The file is then pushed forward and it cuts on the forward stroke. It is then lifted away from the metal and returned to the starting point for the next push forward. This is called ‘through filing’

How is a file held in both hands?

Hand files are normally held in both hands. The file is held flat against the surface it is to cut / smooth. The file is then pushed forward and it cuts on the forward stroke. It is then lifted away from the metal and returned to the starting point for the next push forward. This is called ‘through filing’

What’s the best way to smooth a hand file?

To get your work really smooth, take a piece of emery cloth (or wet and dry paper if working on plastic, fine grade sandpaper if working on timber) and wrap it around the blade of the file. Using the backwards/forwards motion describe above, push and pull the cloth over the surface, checking it regularly until you get that fantastic mirror finish.

How are hand files used in the workshop?

Hand files are used in the workshop to smooth rough edges. They can be used to smooth a range of materials including metals such as brass and steel to wood based materials such as MDF. They are made from high carbon steel and they are heat treated so that they are tougher than the steel or other materials that they are to be applied to.