File Basics: How to select and use files for metalworking
Рет қаралды 414,534
11 жыл бұрынA file is one of the most useful tools you can have in a workshop, but they're rarely fully understood and appreciated in our modern mechanized age.
Files have been around for over three thousand years, and before machine tools became available they were one of the primary means of making precision objects!
In this video I show the basic types of files, the differences between them, and how to use them.
Here is a nice set of files to get started with: amzn.to/1xAbPvI
Make sure to get a file card for cleaning your files: amzn.to/1sXoVnv
I also highly recommend a sturdy vise when using files: amzn.to/1wiFcEp
-Aaron
@Avel_runner 4 жыл бұрын
2020 and I'm here consulting your videos to start bladesmithing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, know that you've helped a lot of people achieve meaningful things in their lives!
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
Awesome mate! Really glad to be able to help!
@vaskro462 3 жыл бұрын
Cool same
@lar7905 7 жыл бұрын
I learned a couple things here at the ripe old age of 67. Thank you. Nice job. Good presentation.
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Larry! Great to hear!
@maxclusiv 3 жыл бұрын
Life is all about learning.............
@lar7905 3 жыл бұрын
Mr X I watched it again. This guy is a good teacher. No glam ...gets to the point...NO PUN INTENDED...Nice to see it again and review. I am 71 now.
@sanseijedi 3 жыл бұрын
@@GoughCustom 4 years later and I, too, learned stuff I should already have known, also 67. Cheers, mate!
@Jamestfarrell 3 жыл бұрын
38 years since High School metal shop and a great refresher!
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear Jimmy!
@cymeriandesigns 9 жыл бұрын
Re: using a paintbrush to clean the file, if you trim the bristles very short, it stiffens them considerably. Naturally, the brush is useless for anything else after that, so you'd want to do this with a brush that would be discarded or a cheap one, but it's surprising how frequently you'll find uses for it. I find myself reaching for mine often.
@GoughCustom 9 жыл бұрын
Cymerian Designs That's a good suggestion!
@GenePavlovsky 5 жыл бұрын
I bought a nail brush for this purpose, it has several rows of short bristles.
@TheLexiconDevils Жыл бұрын
Paintbrush?? Brass brush
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Yes! I just finished shooting the video for showing the filing jig yesterday. Once it's edited I will be uploading it, should be up soon.
@stevenk8189 8 жыл бұрын
Yesterday I saw your tip with the chalk and today I tried it. Holy moley, I couldn´t believe the difference! It´s like I have a new file. Thanks a lot! Only tiny little scratches left, wich are a lot easier to fix than before. It´s fantastic you do those videos, helped me in many ways. Greetings from Germany
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
+Stefan Krüger Hey Stefan! Very glad the video was helpful mate!
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
+Sangam Swadik Glad to hear mate!
@Bujang_haram 2 жыл бұрын
All of what i need is on your video.. thanks a lot for ur tutorials sir..
@GoughCustom 2 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Nice! People are often amazed that you can make beautiful refined things with only hand-tools!
@TsmithJustin 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! Been waitimg for a video like this for a while. I wanna start using hand file, this was very helpful.
@B0redom13 4 жыл бұрын
I love how clean your work is. You make such great knives
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate! Glad you found them useful! The inch to metric stuff is annoying at first, but you get used to it!
@Mrboxo 10 жыл бұрын
Hey Aaron loving the vids mate. During my apprenticeship(fitter and turner) I got stuck in the deburring section for 3 months, hated it! Another method to free up any stubborn pits is to make a scraper that conforms exactly to the profile of the teeth of the file, aluminium and brass work the best. Simply take some stock about 3/4 of an inch wide and rub in the same direction as the teeth it will form itself to the shape of the peaks and valleys, works a treat at cleaning out your file heaps better than the file card.
@GoughCustom 10 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching mate! Good tip about the brass/aluminum file cleaner! I occasionally use round bar offcuts for exactly the purpose you describe if there are stubborn chips in there...
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
No worries mate! Thanks for watching!
@1964cowdog 8 жыл бұрын
I put one together, didn't take long to do. Works great. Thanks for posting this, lot of us out there that can't devote the cash for expensive power equipment to do the job.
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
Very glad the video was helpful mate!
@phishertube 11 жыл бұрын
You should have your own show. Very nicely done thanks.
@peggystevens5144 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for a clear, concise video. You answered a lot of questions for this gal!
@GoughCustom 5 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear Peggy!!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Yes, I used a double-cut bastard file when filing the bevels on the jig.
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lee! Glad you liked it!
@mauserrifle2101 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video....It's Good Knowledge to have about tools that are used in the trades. Alot of people don't know or even care about this kinda thing. But alot of us Do!!!
@GoughCustom 10 жыл бұрын
Glad you found it helpful!
@Mikhandmaker 6 жыл бұрын
Nice vídeo man! Thanks for share
@GoughCustom 6 жыл бұрын
No worries mate!
@wolverine9632 9 жыл бұрын
Great tips on choosing and using files! This helped me a lot.
@GoughCustom 9 жыл бұрын
Excellent, good to hear mate!
@PebelWasTaken 11 жыл бұрын
I never new about file cards. Thanks for the great video
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
I assume you mean the blue ones... They came from Reid Supply, they're Grobet brand. They're available separately and they're not expensive. I'm a big fan of them, they hold the tang of the file very firmly and they're quite comfortable! Glad you've liked the videos so far!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
For people just getting started in anything knife related I generally recommend O1, purely because you can make a decent knife out of it and it's easy to get. Other steels may give better results with simple equipment but they're not easy to find.
@johnswimcat 6 жыл бұрын
At last a video showing how to use a file card, thank you
@GoughCustom 6 жыл бұрын
No worries mate!
@Giovanni-od7if 4 жыл бұрын
Great video! Extremely helpful and well presented! Thank you!
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
I'm glad it was of interest to you!
@nitinbhosale01 8 жыл бұрын
Cool video. I've been looking for all this information. thank you for your time.
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
+Nitin Bhosale No worries at all mate!
@jimschmitz4821 8 жыл бұрын
This Guy is nothing but a pro!Thanks for the tips. Great Stuff.
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jim! hopefully the video was helpful!
@alyoung8910 4 жыл бұрын
I too learned a few things here and I’ve been a union carpenter for past 31 years. Great job and thanks for sharing!
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
No worries at all mate!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
For preventing rust I use Vapour Corrosion Inhibitors in my tool-chest, basically little boxes that emit a protective vapour that coats the files. I do this because I prefer or my tools not to be oily all the time. The other option is just to coat them with a light oil before putting them away WD-40 or Starret M-1 would both likely work just fine!
@joeselzer850 3 жыл бұрын
what file do i get to file down the side of a thick flat bar? i need to file down the side from 2 inch width down to 3 lines before reaching the 2 inch mark? so i think it 13__16th or 7/9 like i side 3 line before reaching the 2 inch mark i wish home depot could gran it down for me or cut a piece off the side i do not have any grinding tools of cutting tools just the wood saw cutting tool i do not have a vice also will have to make some like vice grips of some
@shaikkarimulla7886 7 жыл бұрын
Too nice explanation I can watch up lessons whole day tnx a lot bro
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
+shaik karimulla no worries mate!
@Neur0bit 4 жыл бұрын
Great tips. Learned so much from your video. Thanks so much!
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
No worries mate, glad it was helpful!
@clinthightowerclinthightow4950 5 жыл бұрын
Good job, very helpful information, just what I needed, thanks.
@GoughCustom 5 жыл бұрын
No worries Clint!
@dusanstevic89 2 жыл бұрын
This is a great video. Thank you for making it!
@drumcorpsbear Жыл бұрын
Short and efficient education. Thank you.
@GoughCustom Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@steelwitness 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I am not a metal worker by any means but i love making custom cars. This info helped a lot, I almost bought the wrong set.
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Glad the video was helpful Chris!
@mattjames1639 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the watch, very informative. One thing to note. I recently learnt that the correct name for a triangular file is actually three square. Live and learn
@GoughCustom 6 жыл бұрын
No worries at all mate! TIL as well!
@ddanilov22 10 жыл бұрын
Very nice video,mate!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
I'm glad it was useful!
@MattyK166 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks dude. Handy to know. An Aussie in Canada? I checked out your knives...awesome.
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks bud! Yeah Aussie living in Canada since '06!
@guitardaddy6 11 жыл бұрын
How long should your files last you? what are your opinions about how to prevent rust on files? do you prefer specific brands to others? Great video.
@sudo_nym 4 жыл бұрын
Always something to learn on Aaron’s channel! 🇬🇧👍🇦🇺
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
Glad you think so mate!
@sudo_nym 4 жыл бұрын
@@GoughCustom Making my 1st knife, so always check in!
@jimmyhudzgarage 10 жыл бұрын
I enjoy using a file. it seems like I have better control than I do when using a grinder or sander and the surface seems much easier to keep true. Thank you for the video, makes me want to go to the hardware store and shop for more files. I also enjoyed the filing jig video.
@GoughCustom 10 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate! Glad you liked the video
@itypefaster 10 жыл бұрын
love the videos and info
@Chris3836 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info I really appreciate it.
@lbcustomknives 11 жыл бұрын
really enjoyed watching that bud, thank you for sharing, take care. lee.
@Devon.Martin 2 жыл бұрын
Very informative. Thank you!
@eblackshaw 11 жыл бұрын
Hello Aaron. Thanks for the great channel. I've been trying to get through most of your videos - great information, edit / production makes your channel very nice to watch. One question - where do you get your steel stock from? I've been looking around for local sources (Ontario) - seen some flat stock in CanTire but haven't got a clue what type of steel it is. Again, thanks and keep'em coming.
@zakirajput2163 7 жыл бұрын
thank you sir, it is very informative.
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
No worries!
@tammymilda2169 2 жыл бұрын
good clear video.
@novahex4209 3 жыл бұрын
thanks mate, great explanations
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
No worries at all! Hope the video was helpful!
@cristapherandrade9757 3 жыл бұрын
Very Educational! Thank you!
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@uncut_cowboy 3 жыл бұрын
No wasted time, thank you so much for the great video
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate!
@juergenwitte5064 10 жыл бұрын
Hello Arron, nice vid. Could you please recommend an inductry shop grade file set that includes everything you just mentioned. Please no generic made in Brazil tools...
@nitramretep 8 жыл бұрын
Good video, very informative and well done.
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
+Peter M Thanks Peter! Hope it was helpful!
@nitramretep 8 жыл бұрын
Very helpful and well explained!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
The only reason to use a bench or belt grinder over a file is really that it's quicker. I try to show hand-tools in my videos so that other people will want to have a go at the stuff I'm showing, if I only showed power tools then everyone would assume they need big, fancy, expensive power tools to do the work... I use power tools for my personal stuff as well, but for small things it's often easier/faster just to grab a file or a hacksaw. Good question!
@jplieurance 2 жыл бұрын
Good information - thanks!
@GoughCustom 2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Jeff!
@Masterof1ne 11 жыл бұрын
I feel like i know a lot about the tools i am using until i watch you. Thank you and keep making videos like this!
@Luke-id1cp 4 жыл бұрын
Great video I appreciate this very much.
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
No worries at all!
@adamzimmerman9459 3 жыл бұрын
great job really helped
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Adam!
@shivanageswarraochimaladin5605 6 жыл бұрын
I am currently working my practicals. Thank you sir
@GoughCustom 6 жыл бұрын
No worries, best of luck!
@caribmedical57 4 жыл бұрын
Very helpful for rookies like me. More videos please. Thanks! 😄
@GoughCustom 4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful mate!
@DavidLRamos1 Жыл бұрын
Great video
@neiloppa2620 Жыл бұрын
Great Video!
@GoughCustom Жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
@mversantvoort 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation, thanks! Question: if single-cut files leave a smoother surface finish, then why is the large blue-handled 'smooth' file a double-cut file? I assume it's mainly used for leaving a smooth surface finish, but wouldn't a single-cut file be better for that purpose?
@3thirty689 7 жыл бұрын
why the heck are you not on the History channel? This channel and the wisdom you share is amazing, (thank you for sharing that with us by the way). It's better than watching the Discovery Channel.
@mrsillyname 8 жыл бұрын
A little tip I learned was to use a piece of brass to help remove stuborn clogs in files, the brass is soft enough not to hurt the file. It works really well, hope this helps someone! cheers
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
+Justin Thoma Hey Justin! Yes that's a good tip! I have used that in the past very successfully!
@Hydra572HQ 8 жыл бұрын
Great video. Subbed.
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it mate!
@gravelbar 10 жыл бұрын
Nice vid! Hello from a distant relative across the pond!
@GoughCustom 10 жыл бұрын
Cheers Steve!
@RoyAndrews82 9 жыл бұрын
I'm making a box from Plexiglass. Going to make box or finger joints to join the box together, but I'm doing it with a table saw, and hand files. Was wondering if you knew of a type of files that were square and about 5mm in width.
@Marie579 Жыл бұрын
Yes very informative thanks for posting the video.
@GoughCustom Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@jonhcontreras 6 жыл бұрын
nice presentation, nice accent.... thanks for sharing
@GoughCustom 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jon!
@PaulLadendorf 3 жыл бұрын
Nice job. Thanks for the vid! Would be good to know what determines quality of files other than price.
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Hey Paul! It's a bit of a hard question to answer as I'm sure there are good files that are inexpensive and bad files that are expensive! Ultimately it's a question of steel, hardness and the geometry of the teeth, but these are very hard things to evaluate without actually using the files and seeing how well they cut and how long they last... I would recommend simply buying a good brand that is made in the USA or Europe and has a good reputation... I like Grobet brand files personally!
@canusakommando9692 7 жыл бұрын
Simple and clear. I enjoyed this lesson very informative. Thanks Aaron.
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you liked it!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
@prashantpandey8212 4 жыл бұрын
Kindly clarify Which type of file can use for stainless steel material to avoid contamination.
@KrisKasprzak 9 жыл бұрын
nice job.
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Hey mate! I'm glad my editing is ok, that's one of the areas that I'm newest to in all this! Well it just so happens that if you're in Ontario you have a number of choices. If you want tool steel (O1, A2) then the best place I've found so far is KBC tools. You can order online or go to one of their stores. I order online, they ship the stuff from the US, but there's no customs fees or anything. They ship very quickly too! If I order in the morning I often get the stuff the next day.
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Definitely agree with that.
@Taiya1805 3 жыл бұрын
Very informative love it :)
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Very glad that it was helpful!
@johntabor2619 Жыл бұрын
Perfect video
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
I haven't made a knife from a file yet, it's on my todo list though!
@johnhenshall1995 11 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@michaelschut2245 11 ай бұрын
What would be your recommendation for a first file for general purpose use on metal. In other words, if you could have only one, what would you suggest?
@armourcraft 11 жыл бұрын
I like the handles on your files. Where did you get those? Did they come on the files? Is so, what brand of files do you use? Thanks for the videos. Can't wait to see the filing jig video.
@jaycehudson 8 жыл бұрын
Loving the videos. I've wanted to craft my own blades for a long time and thanks to your vids, feel ready to give it a go. I was wondering about using Damascus steel. What do you think of the idea. Is it any different to work a damascus blank?
@GoughCustom 8 жыл бұрын
+Jayce Hudson Thanks Jayce! You will be fine to work with damascus steel blanks using the same methods I show on my channel. I wouldn't recommend starting with damascus though as it's expensive and the first one never quite comes out how we planned!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
If you want other fancy steels then your options are mainly online stores, here's a list of the ones I use and recommend: Jantz Supply: jantzsupply . com New Jersey Steel Baron: newjerseysteelbaron . com Canadian knifemaker supply: knifemaker . ca Hope that helps mate!
@osamabinliftin1981 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info
@osamabinliftin1981 7 жыл бұрын
Wish I could afford one of your blades, the way you do the glass breaker looks so fresh
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Really glad you like my work!
@GoughCustom 11 жыл бұрын
Hey mate, I recommend watching the other videos on my channel first. I have videos that will cover 90% or more of what you need to know. If you still have questions after that I'll be happy to help!
@binhminh417 7 жыл бұрын
Very helpful video! To cut a soft, unremovable, corroded metal spud stuck in a 2"-tub drain, should I use a cut-triangle or cut-round file? Thank you
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
Can't say I know what to do regarding your situation without seeing the problem myself, hope you get it worked out!
@friedmule5403 7 жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks:-) The name "file card" is from the same looking "brush" that are used to card wool (to clean wool), You have a great knowledge and are good at explaining the subject. maybe there is a miner unimportant error, depending on who you ask. But still great video:-)
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
+Fried Mule thanks mate!
@OthmanAlikhan Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video =)
@nathanharper7724 10 жыл бұрын
thanks for the video, I've just made your filing jig a week ago and have been working on one of my knives to make a nice bevel, my only problem is that the file i'm using is a single cut. it leaves bad gauges in the knife no matter how much I clean it and towards the end of making a bevel produces a loud irritating squeek. I've been looking to buy a new one and thinking of getting a double cut bastard for the job. is that what you use for your bevels? if not, what would you recommend, and was wondering what brand of double cut files do you buy? thanks alot :)
@woozhi9218 3 жыл бұрын
Normally single cut is what leaves mirror like finish doublce cuts tends to have very tiny gouges which is okay since the average height of the surface is more important.
@sunswimgitman 3 жыл бұрын
Cool to run across this file video, then realize it's by Aaron Gough of whom I have an amazing Gough Custom knife! 👍
@GoughCustom 3 жыл бұрын
Hope it was helpful David!
@sunswimgitman 3 жыл бұрын
Definitely! I learned I need a half-round fine file. Also, your knife is superb! Sincere Best and Appreciation! Dave
@georgeyyang1995 11 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@user-zd7id9rx3f Жыл бұрын
Are there any type of files mounted in a jig where it would help file one edge square with another?
@peytonarmstrong6787 7 жыл бұрын
Nicholson are like the best files ever my grandpa has a crap ton of them and are AWESOME!
@GoughCustom 7 жыл бұрын
Nice, glad that you like them! The old ones in particular are good!
@lilypower 11 жыл бұрын
ey, no problems ;) im a tools salesman and know aloot about them but it's fun and good learning anyway, im glad that they are more people then me that are "nuts" enought to clean and care of their tools instead of use and throw.. :)
@iacomastro 10 жыл бұрын
Aaron, you're a natural born teacher.
@GoughCustom 10 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much mate! Funnily enough I don't think I'm a terribly great teacher in person, I find it much easier in the videos...
@iacomastro 10 жыл бұрын
Anyway you're great. Thanks again.
Immersed
Рет қаралды 112 МЛН
DO NOT Make a Knife Out Of a File Till You Watch This Video-A Simple Guide To Files And Knife Making
OUTDOORS55
Рет қаралды 276 М.
Gregg Distributors LP
Рет қаралды 547 М.
Robinson Foundry
Рет қаралды 191 М.