Files For Wood (25 Photos): Rasp, File And Other Types. Drill Files (cutters). How To Use It Correctly At Home?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

The file is one of the oldest tools used to process parts and workpieces. Its popularity is still high these days. This is because the tool is simple and reliable. However, for work, you need to choose the most effective set that will allow you to quickly cope with the task at hand.

What it is?

A file for wood is a working blade (bar) made of steel, on the surface of which a notch is made. This tool is highly effective on a variety of surfaces, including wood and metal. And also many users like it for its low price.

Files for metal and wood are different, which can be seen by the notch . After all, it can be different in depth and profile. As a result, a suitable tool is selected for each specific application.

In addition to the block, the file has a handle, which is made of wood or plastic. Typically, the two parts of the tool are connected with a clamping ring. It is by the handle that the file is held when working. Some variants of the device can be two-handed and resemble a plane in their appearance.

Appointment

Files are designed to remove a thin layer of wood. As a result, the surface of the workpiece becomes flat and takes on the desired shape . A grinder can perform similar tasks. However, it is very difficult to work with it when it is necessary to perform delicate types of work or the details are too small.

Views

There is a wide variety of files on the market today. Many of the types are versatile and can be equally well suited for both woodworking and metalworking. Depending on how the working part looks like, the tools are divided into types, and each has its own name.

Single cut

Single files have one-way lines on the surface. They are usually used when working with soft types of metals, wood and plastic. You can just as effectively use tools for sharpening hacksaws designed for wood.

Double cross cut

A double or cross notch looks like a line drawn in two directions. As a result, a shape is formed that looks like a rhombus. This notch is also known as a cross cut. It is highly efficient as it allows work to be done at high speed. With such a tool, you can not only remove the metal layer, but also grind the chips into dust . Most often, a double notch device is used when it is necessary to process hard metal, for example, steel, cast iron or bronze.

It should be noted that the main lines on the file are at an angle of 75-80 degrees. As for the additional notch, it is applied at an angle of 55 degrees.

Arc cut

Milling-arc grooves are necessary in cases where it is necessary to show good quality and high speed. Files with this type of notch are chosen for working with wood and non-ferrous types of metals.

Rasps

A file called a rasp has large teeth. This species has high productivity. However, it must be borne in mind that the quality of work may not be entirely desirable, since the device is rather crude . It is designed for wood, stone and plastics. They don't work with metals.

Stamped files

A stamped dot cut looks like a small burr on the web. These cutting parts are great for cutting soft materials like leather, wood or rubber.

Needle files

Needle files are small files with a fine notch. They are recommended for use when it is necessary to process hard-to-reach places on parts or surfaces. Devices of this type can be common for metal or wood, as well as diamond-coated for hard surfaces (ceramics, stone, glass) . Needles are often needed by jewelers and artists to create engravings.

Power Tool Accessories

Of course, hand files are low cost, but when working with them, you need to put a lot of physical effort. You can simplify your sanding work by using an electric tool. Today many manufacturers have models of automated files. They, like manual ones, are divided into several types.

• Network models high-performance and operate from a conventional 220 V. Often they are also called grinding or belt, since there is a narrow abrasive belt on the working part. The main disadvantage of such a device is that it is a prototype of a flat file.
• Cordless tools does not need power from an outlet. In fact, the motor runs on battery power. The working body of the device in this case is a tape nozzle.
• Pneumatic files when working, they use the energy of compressed air. The main advantage of this type of tool is its affordable cost. The compressed air allows you to work at a good speed. However, the appliance must be connected with a high pressure hose to the compressor.

It is worth clarifying that with some skills, a drill can be used as a file. To do this, it is enough to pick up special nozzles (cutters) for it.

Types by the shape of the section of the working part

Files also differ in the shape of the working area. This allows you to choose the optimal tool for processing a particular surface (part).

• Flat cutters are ideal if you need to work on a flat surface.
• Triangular or triangular tools are used for grooving, grooving, internal holes.
• A square file is good for use where there is a need to make the hole larger. It is also suitable for the design of right angles inside cavities.
• The round version is best used when it is necessary to carry out work on sharpening the chains. Devices of this type are also very effective for the design of holes and surfaces with concavities.
• The semicircular tool is versatile. After all, it allows you to make roundings and work with flat surfaces.
• The rectangular look is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including shaped ones.

Manufacturers

A large number of models of files from well-known manufacturers are presented on the modern market, among which there are Japanese, Russian, Polish, Chinese and others. The most popular brands are Husqvarna, Makita, Intertool, Master, Mega, Metabo, Bosch, Matrix, Stayer, Stihl, Vira, Topex, Metallist, Zubr, Sibrtech.

Wood files have a coarser cut. Hard steel is most often used for their manufacture. And also the handle is important for them, which should be ergonomic. Experts recommend not choosing individual tools, but immediately ready-made sets of 3 files or more.

For beginners, you can opt for the NEO rasp set. The set contains round, flat and semicircular file models. This makes it possible to deal with a large number of operations.

For the manufacture of tool blades, the manufacturer uses high-hardness alloy steel. As for the handles, they are made of comfortable non-slip material.

The set of tools for woodwork from the Polish-Chinese company TOPEX also includes optimal file shapes . The devices are specially designed to work with wooden blanks. Due to the length of 20 centimeters and the comfortable handles, the files will certainly find wide application.

Top Tools tools attract buyers primarily by their affordable cost . All three files with traditional bar shapes are made from carbon steel. This allows them to be used to work with any kind of wood. Among the disadvantages of devices from this manufacturer, users note inconvenient handles.

How to work with a file?

To properly process the plane of the tree, you will need to learn how to use a file correctly. And also compliance with some rules will avoid injury and prolong the life of the instrument.

• The processed product needs preliminary cleaning from dust and shavings. To do this, you can use soft bristled brushes. This is necessary in order to better evaluate how the surface should be sanded.
• Wooden blanks should be clamped in a vice to get the right angle. High quality can be achieved if an angle of 90 degrees is maintained between the file and the bent arm.
• When filing, it is necessary to apply certain efforts with the right and left hand during work. This way, the wood will not be damaged when turning.
• The surface must be processed diagonally to the grain of the wood. This is due to the macroscopic structure of the tree.
• Take the file with your right hand and always by the handle. The left hand should be on the edge of the work surface. The tool is used for reciprocating movements. At the same time, moving away from yourself and towards yourself.
• For the best quality it is necessary to sweep the shavings from time to time with a brush.
• You can finally bring the product to a perfect look using sandpaper.
• At the end of the work, clean the tools.