Best Files

[ChrisLBren]

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

[VTHokiEE]

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]

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

[Jaager]

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.

[Ryland Craze]

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

[CPDDET]

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.

[Bob Blarney]

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.

[Charles Green]

MSC sells a wide variety of high quality files and rifflers of all sizes.  All sold individually or by the set.   

[ChrisLBren]

Thanks for the tips everyone !

[DelF]

There was a recent discussion on Vallorbe files here that might also help.

 

Derek

[Charles Green]

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.

[jim Landis]

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...

[Charles Green]

Jim:

 

I knew that!  I've ordered from them just as you have.  I got McMaster Carr confused with Granger.

[Roger Pellett]

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

[Liogier]

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