Replies

1. 
   stantheman | Dec 28, 2021 09:40am | #1

   Dont know about the plane question. But I use files on just about every project. I have a stack of old nameless files that are probably Nicholson, but the brand I found I like enough to recommend is Pferd. Its German and not cheap online but somehow I can feel it working better. I bought it cheap at a surplus store so the cost did not influence my opinion.

2. 
   mikeinohio | Dec 28, 2021 10:06am | #2

   In years past I have rehabbed 2 old Stanley planes that both required flattening of the sole. I did the flattening with sandpaper and it worked great. So when it came time for me to ease the plane's sharp edges I used sandpaper as well. 150 grit, if I recall.

   So you don't need to buy a file unless you really want to :)

   Mike

3. 
   esch5995 | Dec 28, 2021 11:47am | #3

   Many years ago Nicholson files were the first machine cut files that actually had decent quality and were affordable, but fast forward to 2021 and through a combination of cheap imported competition and out sourcing the quality is not what it used to be. As for needing them to tune up your planes that will depend upon the quality of the planes, top quality planes from Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, etc will need very little if any tune-up. On the other hand second tier manufacturers like Stanley, BenchDog, Woodriver, etc. probably will need the soles flattened and some sharp edges eased, maybe even mouths squared and more sometimes. How you do that can vary outside edges can certainly be eased with wet dry paper but a mouth that needs adjustment will certainly require a small file a 6" Mill file would be fine and could be used to ease any sharp edges as well.

4. 
   toxicatom5 | Dec 28, 2021 08:55pm | #4

   Thanks for your replies, everyone.

   @esch5995 I'm very new to all of this, and it looks like there are ton of different mill files available (single/double cut, a range of tpi) -- any direction you can point me in?

   Thanks!

1. 
   esch5995 | Dec 28, 2021 11:18pm | #5

   Some of the answers to your questions will depend upon whether the file you buy is an American or Swiss pattern. American pattern files are usually sold as smooth, second, or bastard with bastard being the coarsest. The actual TPI will vary with the size of the file. Swiss pattern files are rated from 00 to 6 with 6 being the finest. The link below is to a Swiss pattern file that should do the job well. It is a Swiss #4 so pretty fine cut which is what you want, you don't need to remove a lot of material simply soften some sharp edges or possibly adjust a mouth occasionally all fine adjustments that need to be done carefully. The other thing that this file offers something that most don't, it has no teeth on the edge so if you do have to adjust a mouth you don't need to worry about side teeth cutting into the side of the mouth widening it, which you don't want to do, while you can still cut into the corner.

   Hand Files, for Extra Fine Finish, 6" Long x 31/64" Wide

   https://www.mcmaster.com/4251A31

1. 
   toxicatom5 | Dec 30, 2021 01:39pm | #6

   Thank you esch5995! That is very helpful information and much appreciated!