ChrisLBren Posted July 23, 2020 Share #1 Posted July 23, 2020 Hey Group, I know I saw a comment recently about files and a certain manufacturer that makes the best ones for our modeling purposes. Can anyone share a link ? Thanks much, Chris Nirvana and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTHokiEE Posted July 23, 2020 Share #2 Posted July 23, 2020 This topic has some good info on files: I'm trying to recall where I bought mine... Edit: I bought a handful of Grobet files from Contenti Moab and mtaylor 2 Quote Current Build: HM Sloop Echo 1781 (First Scratch Build) Previous Builds: HM Cutter Alert, Sharpie Schooner, Chesapeake Bay Flattie, Half-Hull (NRG) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moab Posted July 23, 2020 Share #3 Posted July 23, 2020 Hey Chris. I don’t know about the best but my favorites for the smaller 6” files are Grobet or Vallorbe . They’re PRICEY but imo they’re great. The grading system they use (or at least I’m familiar with for the files I have) goes from 0 or 00 (the most corse) and then 1, 2, 3 and 4 to progressively finer finishes. I originally ordered a 4 and it was too fine for initial wood (or metal) removal but was usable for fine finishing. By no means am I an expert and I’m sure others will offer better information. Just google those brand names If you’re interested. Stay Safe...Moab Canute, mtaylor, VTHokiEE and 1 other 4 Quote Completed Builds: Virginia Armed Sloop...Model Shipways Ranger...Corel Louise Steam Launch...Constructo Hansa Kogge...Dusek Yankee Hero...BlueJacket Spray...BlueJacket 26’ Long Boat...Model Shipways Under Construction: Emma C. Berry...Model Shipways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaager Posted July 23, 2020 Share #4 Posted July 23, 2020 https://www.artcotools.com/grobet-habilis-files/ No perspective on the subject but the files in this link might serve. But even with these, it is a bad idea to hold the handle end, file with the tip end, and apply downward force in the area in between - especially if the area under the downward force is not in contact with anything. Hard steel, that really holds a sharp edge does not like to bend. It would rather break. Moab, mtaylor and Canute 3 Quote NRG member 45 years Current: HMS Centurion 1732 - 60-gun 4th rate - Navall Timber framing HMS Beagle 1831 refiit 10-gun brig with a small mizzen - Navall (ish) Timber framing The U.S. Ex. Ex. 1838-1842 Flying Fish 1838 pilot schooner - framed - ready for stern timbers Porpose II 1836 brigantine/brig - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers Vincennes 1825 Sloop-of-War - timbers assembled, need shaping Peacock 1828 Sloop-of -War - timbers ready for assembly Sea Gull 1838 pilot schooner - timbers ready for assembly Relief 1835 ship - timbers ready for assembly Other Portsmouth 1843 Sloop-of-War - timbers ready for assembly Le Commerce de Marseilles 1788 118 cannons - framed La Renommee 1744 Frigate - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryland Craze Posted July 23, 2020 Share #5 Posted July 23, 2020 I ordered this set from Otto Frei. https://www.ottofrei.com/Glardon-Vallorbe-LA2442-2-Needle-File-Sets-of-6-5-1-2-14-cm-Medium I am satisfied with the files and the service was excellent. I highly recommend this company. Here is a link to the main page of their files: https://www.ottofrei.com/jewelry-tools-equipment/bench-tools/files mtaylor and Nunnehi (Don) 2 Quote Ryland Member - Hampton Roads Ship Model Society - Ship Model Society of New Jersey - Nautical Research Guild Current Build - Armed Virginia Sloop, 18th Century Longboat Completed Build - Medway Longboat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPDDET Posted July 23, 2020 Share #6 Posted July 23, 2020 Vallorbe files have served me well. Not cheap but good quality. I have escapement files from them as well as a cheaper mini file set from Husky. The escapement files are smaller than the mini files. mtaylor, Moab and druxey 3 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Blarney Posted July 24, 2020 Share #7 Posted July 24, 2020 A jewelers' supply is a good source for files and other small hand tools. And I find that wine corks make excellent handles. Small file tangs can be pushed in, while for larger files I drill a hole first and sometimes glue in a brass tube that accepts the tang. Finally, avoid using the same file for both wood and metal. Canute, mtaylor and druxey 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Green Posted July 24, 2020 Share #8 Posted July 24, 2020 MSC sells a wide variety of high quality files and rifflers of all sizes. All sold individually or by the set. Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisLBren Posted July 24, 2020 Author Share #9 Posted July 24, 2020 Thanks for the tips everyone ! Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DelF Posted July 24, 2020 Share #10 Posted July 24, 2020 There was a recent discussion on Vallorbe files here that might also help. Derek mtaylor, Ryland Craze and Canute 3 Quote Cheers, Derek Current build: Duchess of Kingston On hold: HMS Winchelsea Previous builds: HMS Speedy, English Pinnace, Royal Yacht Caroline (gallery), Victory Cross-section (gallery), US Clipper Albatros, Red Dragon (years ago!) On the stocks: 18th Century Longboat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Green Posted July 26, 2020 Share #11 Posted July 26, 2020 I didn't think MSC could be beat for one-stop-shopping for files but I just checked McMaster Carr. McMaster Carr has more. McMaster Carr only sells to business. If you can make that sort of connection, they are a great resource for tooling or fasteners. Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim Landis Posted July 26, 2020 Share #12 Posted July 26, 2020 I was just able to get some miter gears from McMaster Carr purchased and delivered to my homemusing my personal credit card. No business account was needed... mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Green Posted July 26, 2020 Share #13 Posted July 26, 2020 Jim: I knew that! I've ordered from them just as you have. I got McMaster Carr confused with Granger. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Pellett Posted July 26, 2020 Share #14 Posted July 26, 2020 If these industrial supply houses have a physical presence where you live, Granger has a store here, they usually have a City Desk that deals with walk in customers. They will order what they don’t have in stock. You just don’t have a house account so it’s credit card or cash. Roger mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liogier Posted October 8, 2020 Share #15 Posted October 8, 2020 Hello Group, you could find Vallorbe files sell in France to this website: https://vallorbe.fr/ They don't have all the file in stock. But the stock is bigger weeks after weeks. Noël Ryland Craze and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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