Let's Talk Files

[lars]

I need to purchase some new files.  I have a pretty basic set that I'm going to leave in the garage, so I'm essentially starting over.  I would like to hear what others have learned over before I pick up some items, as I never put much thought into this before.  Needle files and rifling files are on the list.  The questions are:

Diamond files - take 'em or leave 'em? 

Ideal coarseness if you cold only pick one?  If you use more than one coarseness grade, what do you use?

Buy a (cheaper) set or find some really good ones as singles and buy just a few?

[nsc39d8]

The first thing I learned when I got serious into the hobby and started the RPM route was don't skimp on your tools. As I pushed myself to learn more and improve my modeling skills I purchased more tools.
Files are the one thing I continue to purchase. Diamond files as I was told are a gimmick, "diamonds are tough and hard so they will cut more" just an excuse to charge more.

I would start with what you consider a moderately priced set and go from there with your purchases. A good needle file and riffler files et are a must, I use mine on almost every project. I would say stay with a medium to fine grit on your files, use sanding sticks of various grit for the major sanding. Various shapes are recommended as well, Flat, round, square and triangular come to mind. Also find a set that is curved at the end to get in the places like end ribs and to cut down on the surface area you are filing on as well.

Hope this helps.

[gevohogger]

Rockford files were the best but unfortunately are out of production.

[edwardsutorik]

Needle files come in at least two lengths: 4" and 6". And LOTS of different shapes.

My favorite of these, right now, is a single sided 0 cut* 4" Nicholson. It cuts smoothly and quickly.

The last batch of 4" needle files I bought, I got from MSC Direct. I don't believe they sell crap. My 6"ers, I don't use too much. They're from the olden days, probably from the hobby shop. I DO have in mind getting some better ones, someday.

I've got a couple of cheap sets of riffler files from Amazon. About $20 for a dozen or so. They DO work, but:

I also bought seven of the Grobet, in cut 0 and cut 4. They're about $35 each. And REALLY pleasant to use.

My Grobet rifflers are in a stand on my bench. My cheapos are in a box "over there". Guess which ones I use.

You can save a few bucks by buying some not-needle small files from the hardware store. Nicholson, if they have them. A 4" and a 6" flat in a couple or three appropriate cuts. And round. Shouldn't cost ya much. I also have duplicates of these files, with a bit of colored tape on the tang--it indicates "plastic only". Don't know that it matters, but I still do it. I also have a big ole 14" fine cut that I use for special occasions--again, plastic only.

Needle file lengths are for the TOTAL length of the thing in your hand. Regular file lengths are based on the length of the cutting surface. Thus a 4" regular file is actually about 6" long, overall.


*"Cut" is the term for the coarseness of the file teeth. At least for the files I'm looking at, the bigger the number, the finer the teeth.


Ed

[grahamline]

Depends a little on what you expect to be filing. I try to keep my metal-working files separate from those I use on plastics.

[tillamook]

One word: Vallorbe. Great Files, but heavy on the wallet.

[lars]

Thanks for the replies. Diamond files seemed gimmicky to me, so I'm not going to worry about them. I'll see what the wallet will bear in for some good files and I think I will get a few in different levels of coarseness.

I'm leaning to fewer, but better. I'm guessing files are like camera lenses or pots and pans. You can have 12 of them, but you'll use the same 3 90% of the time.