Thread: Metal files - plane challenge- which kit?

Back to files, one trick my metal work teacher taught me in 1967 was to "chalk a file", just rub the file with chalk before applying it to a bit of metal since it reduces the build up of swarf between the teeth and makes "tapping the file" to clear the sward more effective. It works best for soft materials like Al/brass/plastics but I found it also works on mild steel. The biggest difference I found it makes is when using a file on mild steel in a lathe where files tend to clog very quickly.

One of the most commonly used sets of files in my shed are needle or jewellers files of which I have several cheap sets. I've occasionally looked at the Vallorbe set but at around $120 for a set of 6 I've passed on them several times. I do go through quite a few files sharpening the various size chains on my chainsaws so I buy Vallorbe for this purpose. To show what volume sales do for pricing I usually buy them by the box of 12 and they only cost ~$30 so at least I have decent round files in about 4 different sizes for other mental working purposes.