guzzicat Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 I need a small file to work on a piece of steel, I bought two sets of needle files, one on line & one in local harware shop, both lost their cut before work was completed, anyone advise on a souce of a proper file ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 (edited) Depending how much your metal removing small files are usually fine cut. Have a look at Cromwell tools they usually stock engineering files. Or a hobby steam engine suppliers, I bought some small drills and taps for shotgun front beads cheaper than other places from one. Vallorbe make good files I use them on chainsaw blades. You can buy sets of needle files line cheap enough. Edited December 12, 2018 by figgy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultrastu Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 Grinder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzicat Posted December 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 12 minutes ago, Ultrastu said: Grinder I need to enlarge a small square hole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultrastu Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 Dremmel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sportsbob Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 (edited) From Hobby shops you can get diamond files, there is also a range of products under the Permagrit brand which may by suitable. Ripmax are the importers and they may be able to suggest a stockists. Edited December 12, 2018 by sportsbob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forestred Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 I've got these if you want them, never been used, a bit coarse but yours if they are any use to you. Pm your address and I will post them to you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 All files require regular cleaning with a file card while being used. It sounds like the material you removed filled the working surface and made your files ineffective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.C Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 You want Grobet Valorbe needle files, Swiss made. Just now, TIGHTCHOKE said: All files require regular cleaning with a file card while being used. It sounds like the material you removed filled the working surface and made your files ineffective. A piece of brass can be more effective at removing lumps from stubborn clogged teeth, or chalk the file regularly before you start if material is very soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeon Shredder. Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 I have 3 square section diprofiles, .102, .110 and .115 a/f, or a triangular one which is .205 a/f if any of those will suffice PM me your address and l will post one off to you. PS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amateur Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 If you are enlarging a square hole, a triangular file is the tool to use, so that you can get into the corners. I have bought quite a few cheap files from Lidl which have given as good, if not better service than those that I bought from my local tool shop (when it still existed) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 8 hours ago, Ultrastu said: Grinder 8 hours ago, guzzicat said: I need to enlarge a small square hole I believe Grinder is better suited to the rounder hole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 2 minutes ago, Fatcatsplat said: I believe Grinder is better suited to the rounder hole I do believe that is the accepted case! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 I am also seeking some decent files, however, not to derail the tread but it may help the OP also:- 1 - Is there a direct correlation between teeth number/cut on normal files and grit/micron size on diamond files? 2 - If there is what is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amateur Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 1 hour ago, Fatcatsplat said: I believe Grindr is better suited to the rounder hole Just corrected your spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazooka Joe Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 12 hours ago, guzzicat said: I need a small file to work on a piece of steel, I bought two sets of needle files, one on line & one in local harware shop, both lost their cut before work was completed, anyone advise on a souce of a proper file ? They certainly don't make files like they used to, I'm still using needle files that the firm I served my apprenticeship with gave me, that's 47yr ago. Sorry, cannot advise on what to buy I've had no need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted December 13, 2018 Report Share Posted December 13, 2018 Boot sales are your friend - Have a root around in the old rusty second hand tool piles. Some very toughened steel bargains to be had Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amateur Posted December 13, 2018 Report Share Posted December 13, 2018 You haven't said what grade of steel it is. Mild steel should file very easily, but if it is a hardened grade, you may have to soften it by heating to bright red and allowing to cool slowly before filing. If you can't do that, then diamond files may be the only answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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