THE GUIDE TO FILES AND FILING - Evenfall Studios

File TerminologyEach part of the file has aname and there are many differentshapes and sizes offiles. Furthermore, there arevarying types of file cutsLengthType: The cross-sectionalshape or style of the file i. e.quadrangular, circular, triangularor irregular. These sectionsare further classified accordingto their contours i. e. blunt,taper etc.Blunt: A file whose edges areparallel from end to end and ofconstant width.Taper: The reduction in crosssection of the file from its heelto the point. A file may taperwith width, in thickness or inboth.Coarseness: The number ofteeth per inch length of the file.Cut: The character of the fileteeth with respect to thecoarseness (bastard, secondcutand smooth.)A single-cut file has a singleset of parallel, diagonal rowsof teeth. Single-cut files areoften used with light pressureto produce a smooth surfacefinish or to put a keen edge onknives, shears or saws.A double-cut file has two setsof diagonal rows of teeth. Thesecond set of teeth is cut inthe opposite diagonal direction,and on top of the first set.The first set of teeth is knownas the overcut while the secondis called the upcut. Theupcut is finer than the overcut.The double-cut file is used withheavier pressure than the single-cutand removes materialfaster from the workpiece.available, all with their own names.This section of the booklet will helpyou understand the file and theterms used:Point Belly Heel TangFile TerminologyA rasp-cut has a series ofindividual teeth that areformed by a single-pointedtool. This produces a roughcutand is used primarily onwood, hooves, aluminum andlead.A curved-cut / mill tooth filehas its teeth arranged incurved contours across the fileface and is normally used inautomotive body shops forsmoothing body panels.Plater's Rasp: A rasp filecombination that is used primarilyby farriers in the trimmingof horses' hooves.Woodchuck: A multi-purposeWood chisel / rasp combinationtool used by cabinetmakers,homebuilders, and constructionworkers.Bastard: File coarsenessbetween "Coarse and SecondCut."Back: The convex side of ahalf-round or other similarlyshaped file.Edge: The intersection of twoadjacent faces of the file.Safe Edge: A smooth or uncutedge of the file.Pinning: Filings wedgedbetween the file teeth.Shelling: The breaking of fileteeth, usually caused by usingtoo much pressure reverse filing,filing sharp corners, oredges.Handle: A holder into whichthe tang of the file fits. If thefile has an integral holder thisis known as a solid handle file.4 5