I use wood and metal files a lot in my woodworking, and was wondering if other people use them. You never see anyone in the magazine using them on their projects, and I wonder if they need to be rediscovered by woodworkers. Once you learn the different types and what they can do will eliminate a lot of plane and knife work, and one grabs a file very often. Mine are always close at hand. They will tweak a tenon much finer than a plane can, and can do so much more than most woodworkers realize.
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I use wood files and rasps extensively for shaping cabriole legs and for making curved templates. It is the the best way I know of for taking a set of complex arcs from a French curve to wood. If I am making only one piece, I work the actual wood (table apron etc) with a file, spokeshave and scraper. To make several pieces, I use files to shape a template out of some 1/4” material for later use with a router. I find the Swiss design (half round coming to a point) the most useful and of good quality.
I have not thought of using a file to adjust a tenon. A chisel or a plane is my normal weapon of choice. I will have to try the file. Thanks for the idea.
I use metal files for tuning plane frogs, flattening scraper edges and sharpening saws.
Files are one of the most useful hand tools in my shop.
I have a collection of metal files that work very well on wood. The half rounds are really nice. The flats with the smooth edge on one side and the serrated on the other is also very handy. I like metal files on mitered corners because you can adjust the alignment very subtlety.
Edited 3/2/2008 10:00 am ET by 9michael9
Just another way is to use playing cards for shims on a shooting board. They work really well. Ooops sorry, just read you post again. I use the cards on mitred corners. :-)
I also use files for all kinds of adjustments when necessary and for smoothing cabriole legs. I have a four in hand that is great. One end is square with a file on one side and a rasp on the other. The other end is oval with file/rasp combo on it too. Saves a LOT of time from switching back and forth. Sometimes I wish it were longer though.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
When working with wood, rasps see a lot more use than files. My files see more metal. I make much of the hardware I use and they are put to good use. I would rather use planes, chisels, and other blades over files for woodworking. I like the clean cuts they make as opposed to files. Although one could argue that a rougher surface is better for a tenon.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
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