"Needle Files" Topic

Fairly new to working with metal figures. Where possible I try to use a blade and wet and dry paper to smooth up flash etc.

But where the material to remove is more significant or difficult to get at I think needle files are more appropriate. I have some cheap sets both traditional and diamond and they work fine but the grit is quite rough and leaves scratches.

Been looking at some finer ones and it seems I have to go with better quality files which are more expensive expensive – but you get what you pay for.

They are sold individually and come in about 15 different profile shapes. Thinking of buying four or five and was wondering which shapes you find most useful, which ones you most commonly use.

Thanks for any help or advice

Rat tail
One I call a knife blade file. One side is fairly wide and the other comes down to a narrow edge.
Flat. Pointed somewhat at the end.
Round, but not rat tail.

I have lots of other shapes, but these are the ones I can think of that I use the most.

Tom

Same as Garyowen. I use them on the thicker stuff then go back over with an Xacto knife or use the round one to get in between some of the tight spots, arms and bodies or parts of cannons ect…

So looking at these

I think you are saying round, hand and knife (maybe warding rather than knife).

The reason I ask is that I have loads from cheap sets but I don't tend to use many of them – mostly the hand and the round. But then I am guilty of picking whatever comes to hand and using that.

That's the thing, I'm no expert so I'm not sure the specific purpose of some of the shapes.

Two words, "Dremel Tool"

I mostly use a half-round, square, and round.

Dremel tools vibrate too much…look for a Foredom. Rotary burs still won't replace a proper needle file for many tasks. Torque will drag the bur into places you don't want and you might damage things.

Swiss cut files will be very fine for the task, avoid cheap Chinese steel hobby files, they'll bend from just a dirty look.

The varied shapes are jewelry related. You really just need the basic shapes.

The other thing that will make these files very useful is a projecting bench pin to clamp to your work surface.