Japanese Feather Files.

[planemaker]

Shown are 2 different brands of Japanese Feather Files. The NITTO brand I just received from Canada. They are also the brand I normally use with my backsaw work. They leave a very smooth finish on the handle during shaping, and are excellent for working around those hard to get to areas, such as the lambs tongue The NITTO brand (shown below) are toothed on both sides, and are made to a very good quality. The TRADE MARK brand I have not used before. Compared to the NITTO, they appear to be manufactured to a much lower standard. You will also note that the TM brand (shown below) are only toothed on the 1 side. That was not mentioned during purchase.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0505_zps4jkgoq2o.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0505_zps4jkgoq2o.jpg.html)

[planemaker]

Concave curves of the saw handle shape are difficult to work with the Japanese Feather file. Convex curves are okay. This file can also be used on brass, so its very useful when profiling brass hardbacks.

Stewie;

[Sawdust Maker]

fine or standard cut?

[planemaker]

fine or standard cut?

Hi Nick. Standard (Single Cut).

[Heavansabove]

Here is a discussion of single and double sided feather files https://www.fine-tools.com/euroscha.html

[planemaker]

Good information Peter. For the work I do with the feather file, having it only toothed on 1 side limits it use. Its a bit like purchasing a 3 square file that's only toothed on 2 flat faces.

Cheers Stewie;

[derekcohen]

The NITTO brand (shown below) are toothed on both sides, and are made to a very good quality. The TRADE MARK brand I have not used before. Compared to the NITTO, they appear to be manufactured to a much lower standard. You will also note that the TM brand (shown below) are only toothed on the 1 side. That was not mentioned during purchase.

Stewie, my understanding (since I have only read this) is that the double sided files are for rip teeth, while the single (safe) sided files are for cross cut teeth. They are designed for Japanese saw teeth, not Western saw teeth.

Incidentally, coincidentally I have been looking at these files - not so much for filing Japanese saws (mine are all impulse hardened) or Western saws (I use standard triangular files), but for possibly filing misshapen dovetails. It would help to know how thick these files are. Could you post the thickness from the tip if the triangle, and also the width of the splay from the tip of the triangle? Thanks.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[planemaker]

Hi Derek. Will do.

regards Stewie;

[planemaker]

Hi Derek. Measured from the NITTO file; the centre thickness is 3mm, & the width of the side splay is 10mm.

Stewie;

[Sawdust Maker]

Another question if I may and this might be a dumb one but I'll ask anyway

I've been looking at the 'Tools from Japan website and wondered about the different sizes available, so:

is a 75mm standard cut the same as a 100mm standard cut? ie does it have the same number of cuts per cm or is the smaller length finer?

hope this makes sense

[derekcohen]

Thanks Stewie!Regards from PerthDerek

[planemaker]

Another question if I may and this might be a dumb one but I'll ask anyway

I've been looking at the 'Tools from Japan website and wondered about the different sizes available, so:

is a 75mm standard cut the same as a 100mm standard cut? ie does it have the same number of cuts per cm or is the smaller length finer?

hope this makes sense

Hi Nick. I have used these files at 75,100, and 120 lengths, and the teeth per inch all look the same. Do not ask me to count them.

regards Stewie

[Sawdust Maker]

Thanks


... Do not ask me to count them.

regards Stewie

Why not? can't you count? :p

[planemaker]

I went to use these newly purchased feather files on some today, and realized that I have been supplied with Fine Cut files, and not the usual coarser Standard Cut I am used to working with. The difference between the 2 types of cut is quite evident when used on a wood. Fine Cut is just not coarse enough for wood. Unfortunately the type of cut is not always advertised by most sellers on ebay, which does leave the buyer in the dark, as I have just experienced. There is an exception to the rule, and that is Tools From Japan. As seen by their web page. (ignore the diamond feather edge files for use on wood).

http://www.toolsfromjapan.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=346_347

regards Stewie;