Hello.
I’m finding some interest in files and i’ve come across some contradictory information (surprise surprise) about single cut vs double cut. The prevailing internet info and some book info i’ve found states that a double-cut file pattern cuts (removes material) faster than single-cut patterns (assuming same coarseness). Yet one source – Garrett Hack’s “classic hand tools” book (seemingly pretty reliable) – states that “Single-cut files clog less quickly than double-cut, and they cut faster, but they wear out faster, too. Both leave am equally good finish” (Hack, 135).
So anyone having any clearing evidence one way or the other. One thought I had was that some cources may be refering to cutting wood, others metal. And perhaps double is faster in one instance and single in the other?
Any input is much thanked,
-t
Replies
Double cut files cut faster but don't leave as nice a finish as single cut files. Life? It depends on how coarse the file is. I use files often if not daily. My guess is that Garret Hack's experience is only with American pattern files and he wasn't paying very close attention to the results.
Oh Heck Yah
The main thing when it comes to woodworking files is to get the hand made ones: that way the "teeth" are not exactly the same distance apart and so cut smoother and don't leave a chatter wave like the mass produced files will.
These files are breath takeingly expensive, compared to the hardware store files, and are with out question sharper so there can be no comparison.
Now . . .
the only choice from there is coarseness. Use the double cut, clog or no clog to rough in then the single cut to smooth out.
[ Oh I see now after rereading your post. You are talking double cut verses single cut for the same "tooth" depth/pitch. One reason for a single cut in that case may be for draw filing or because of the confines of certain areas on certain projects a single cut may not cut well in the direction you have to push it.]
With metal a bit of chalk rubbed on now and again helps with the clogging issue but a file brush with hooked wire brush on one side and a bristle brush on the other is your best clog fixer.
With metal I swear the single cut clogs more but the teeth are, generally, also less deep so . . .
Also there are two ways to use a file, at least, for instance on softer material such as aluminum if you push on the cut stroke then DRAG the file across the work on the return stroke it helps pull the chips out of the file and keeps it from clogging because the aluminum is kind of gummy and sticks in the teeth.
Might help in your woodworking depending on the wood.
With harder metal, the various alloys of steel, it is considered bad form to drag the file on the return stroke and so one picks it up off the work on each stroke. This preserves the sharp edges of the "teeth".
Always a trade off.
PS: I would call up Garrett Hack and talk with him about the files.
PPS: let us know what he says.
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