Filing metals: How to file flat, square and curved surfaces
Filing metal is an essential technique in jewellery making. Although simple in concept, following proven practices combined with the right filing techniques and the right jewellery making files, ensures the job becomes a breeze.
Filing metal: The basics
What is a metal file used for?
Filing is used in jewellery making to remove excess metal, even out surfaces, smooth or to shape, form and texture pieces.
Are there specific files for certain tasks?
There are several methods of filing metal and the actual files come in a variety of shapes, grades/cuts and sizes. The shape of the file you choose will depend on the job you are completing. For example flat files are used for straight edges or convex curves such as the outer edge of a disc, and curved files are used on concave curves such as the inside of rings.
What does the “cut” of a file mean?
The cut of each metal file type describes the arrangement of teeth and therefore the amount of material the file will remove and the surface finish it will leave. The most commonly used, and the most useful hand file for metal is a medium cut 2 file, (Cut 0 = course, Cut 4 = fine) this general purpose file removes material quickly, and leaves only light markings which can be easily removed later on in the polishing and finishing process.
Different types of files for metal work
In terms of types of file, both needle and hand files are the most commonly used in jewellers workshops.
The common shapes of hand files for metal work are:
- Flat files a general use file for use on flat surfaces and outside curves
- Square files for use in grooves or inside angles
- Three square files for tight angles and difficult to reach areas
- Round files for inside curves
- Half round files for inside curves
- Knife files for limited access corners
- Crossing files for inside curves
Safety back files for tight angles as the serrated edge is only on one side
How to add a handle to your file
Needle files have an integral handle; however hand files often require a handle to be fitted. This can be tricky to start with so make sure you work slowly and precisely to avoid attaching your file handle at an angle.
Here’s how to fit your handle to your file:
- To fit your handle place the file in a vice with the ‘tang’ (where the handle is fitted) pointed upwards.
- Heat the tang until red hot ensuring you direct the flame upwards.
- Push the file handle onto the hot tang, allowing it to burn into the handle.
- Then tap the handle with a mallet until secure.
How to file flat, square and curved surfaces using different file types
Learning how to file flat, square, and curved surfaces may seem simple but perfecting it to the point that it becomes second nature takes time and some patience. But with a little dedication and regular practice you’ll soon find your go-to hand files and a technique that fits you.
To get you started we explain how to file flat, square and curved surfaces below – happy filing!
How to file metal in a straight line
When straight filing, ensure that the metal is secured, as an unstable bench peg/metal will lead to inaccuracies and mistakes. When learning how to file metal in a straight line, use long strokes, applying pressure on the forward stroke. (Remember that when filing metal, your file will only cut on the forward stroke)
Only move the file and not the jewellery you’re working on. This will ensure consistent, flat strokes for a neat finish.
Make sure that the file is level and that you watch the metal to ensure accuracy, allowing you to continually assess the pressure/placement of your next stroke.
When filing metal you should work at a steady pace, as an aggressive technique increases the chance of inaccuracy. Many jewellers mark their metal as a guideline to measure progress and to see where they need to file.
How to file square edges
Before you start filing metal you’ll need to make sure you have a perfectly square edge to work to. Invest in a steel square and you’ll get a perfectly straight line at the pefect right angle to work with.
If you’ve cut your metal with a jeweller’s saw, you’ll need to remove all of the burrs to form a straight line. You may also want to flatten out your sheet metal before you start filing to make sure that the edges and lines of your metal are perfectly lined up and straight.
In principle filing metal with square edges shouldn’t be any more complex thatn filing one straight edge. Just remember to work at a steady pace and use consistent stroke on each side of the metal you’re working with. Check your edges are completely square using your steel square for reference at regular intervals.
How to use a metal file to create curves (convex)
With a flat faced file place the file on the metal and push forward using a sweeping action that follows the curve, ensuring the file is level. Use marks to guide the filing process, and check the surface whilst filing.
How to file inside curves
When filing metal with an inside or concave surface, such as the inside of a ring, you’ll need to use a half round file. You’ll need a similar forward motion as you file but you also want to roll the file from side to side on the forward stroke so that you follow the curve accurately.
Hand Files – an essential jewellery tool
Filing metal is a key technique that, once mastered, gives you great control over shaping metal and forming designs. Learning how to file metal jewellery initially it takes practice, concentration and a level of intuition to ensure accurate lines or curves are achieved. But with some of our tips to hand and the right types of filing tools, you’ll soon be able to master the basics and move onto more complex jewellery making techniques. Shop our complete range of hand files for metalsmithing and invest in some essentials to get you started.
source https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/learn/filing-metals-how-to-file-flat-square-and-curved-surfaces/
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