Handy Hints For Using a File Effectively

One of the staples of the jewelry making craft is your stock of files. Files are used for smoothing larger areas or when a greater amount of metal has to be filed away. They can also be used for finishing an edge as they come in both coarse and smooth cut. It is good to have an assortment.

Basic as they may be, files are rarely used with any efficiency. These handy hints should make your filing easier and more effective:

- Clean the metal with pumice powder.
- Place the metal on a steel surface plate.
- Tap with a mallet to straighten.
- Rub the file lightly with chalk; this helps to keep the teeth from becoming filled with metal filings.
- Hold the metal firmly.
- Put the pressure on the forward stroke, remove the pressure on the back stroke to keep the cutting edge of the teeth from becoming dull.
- Clean the file at intervals.
- Remove the burr on the filed edge with a scraper or coarse emery cloth.

A little tool maintenance does go a long way!