Tool Lathe files

[ChazzC]

That was fast.

View attachment 57162

I need to turn up batch of file handles again.

I see that Amazon CA uses the same oversized boxes as Amazon US (better packing material, though).

After seeing your photo, I took a second look at the photo of the 10" Long Angle file:

Then checked my Warrior 10" Lathe File (Grainger/Zoro brand):

Angle is significantly shallower (30°) than the Nicholson, which looks to be ~45°.

Please let me know us know how it performs.

 

[Ironman]

I drill a 1/4 hole in a golf ball and drive the ball onto the file tang. Lazy mans handle.

 

[Dan Dubeau]

I've got a few golf ball handles. They do work, I like them on smaller files, not so much on bigger ones. They don't fit in drawers, where I store most of my files. I turned some nice wood handles years ago with copper ferrules. Always wanted to make a bunch more someday, but just never got around to it. The last couple file handles i made I simply drilled chunks of hardwood pallet, pounded them on and then shaped them on the disc sander with flats, not round. Some with 5, some 6, some 8. They were actually very comfortable to use, and very quick to make.

I'm always torn between taking the time to make nice things, and just making things quick to get it done and over with. The pallet wood was a done and over with decision, but they turned out pretty nice and functional it makes me just want to do that from now on....

I actually use a lot of files without handles....gasp....ya I know, judge me..... Not on a lathe though, never on a lathe. But for hand work, sure. I preferred them mostly handless because they fit in my toolbox drawers better, and using them flat to deburr plates was handy and something I did a lot. But my most frequent users all had handles. If I ever get a nice bench space to work at, with room for a big file rack, I will put handles on the entire drawer full.

I think that's the most words I ever wrote about file handles lol.

 

[Ian Moss]

I have mentioned it before... I find drilling a golf ball and hammering it on makes a file handle that fits my hand just right. Everybody has, or has a buddy with golf balls to spare. They stay on securely and do the job.

 

[Johnwa]

Ok, if you could only is fine cut a good choice?

 

[Dan Dubeau]

I would rather a fine cut than course. You're not likely to being rough filing anything on a lathe, that's what cutting tools are for. More likely to be filing in a fit/finish, or for chamfers where a fine cut would be better suited. If I ever need a rough file on a lathe, it doesn't need to be a long angle lathe file. My take on it anyway..

 

[PeterT]

Just to throw out my personal rant opinion. Most of the files on the hardware market are not your Dad's Nicolson's from 15-20+ years back. Even if you buy them by name from a machinist supplier, they are not as well cut, not nearly as sharp and they will not last very long. Maybe if I had a forge I would beat them into a potato seeder or paint can lid opener & vent my frustrations. Gesswein in Canada has some 'Swiss pattern' which I think are still under the Vallorbe name. Now I heard they also relocated production facilities so I cant speak for anything more recent than 4 years ago when I got mine. They could be old or new stock. More options are available in USA & Europe but require even more Kanuckistan Pesos. They cost more but they actually cut metal as opposed to the anemic skid marks from a cheap file. OK rant over, you have been warned LOL.

https://www.gessweincanada.com/product-p/731-0601m.htm

 

[Ironman]

I see that Amazon CA uses the same oversized boxes as Amazon US (better packing material, though).
After seeing your photo, I took a second look at the photo of the 10" Long Angle file:
Please let me know us know how it performs.

I just received my new 12" Westward lathe file so now I can toss the old one I have used for 20 years. Made in India. I got a Nicholson in November and I felt it was too short for me. I prefer my hands to be well away from the chuck.

 

[Engmaxx]

Longer tooth angle. Supposed to cause more of a shearing action. I had one at one point a long time ago, no idea where it went. My favourite lathe file was always a std 6" single cut bastard. I don't file surfaces in to fit or finish on a lathe very often, mostly just to edge break. Even if you do, you can skew the file for more shear angle anyway, but you can't do that next to a shoulder. Maybe I should buy another lathe file again just to buy some tools. That's what we do right?

It's been a long time since I've used one, but I think you're right, they do have a safe edge too Tom.

ok, it's not a drill sharpener, but you got me off my wallet.....

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001HWJT5W?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

Damn it...learned something, bought something.

 

[PeterT]

I just received my new 12" Westward lathe file so now I can toss the old one I have used for 20 years. Made in India. I got a Nicholson in November and I felt it was too short for me. I prefer my hands to be well away from the chuck.

If the metal is decent, don't toss it. Make a 'self defense screwdriver'. As long as its labelled in both official languages, good to go. Current hardware store files are made from 50.2% soupcanium.

 

[Ironman]

If the metal is decent, don't toss it. Make a 'self defense screwdriver'. As long as its labelled in both official languages, good to go. Current hardware store files are made from 50.2% soupcanium.

View attachment 57456

Very nice. It's hard to get a carbon steel blade now, they want the shiny stainless steel that won't hold an edge. I made a knife once from a planer blade...big disappointment, as soon as it hit bone the edge would chip.

 

[Johnwa]

ok, it's not a drill sharpener, but you got me off my wallet.....

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001HWJT5W?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

But it only weighs 0.01 ounces!