Note: This is a classic reprint of an article from NEWS #016, April 1994.
The NEWS #106 article was extracted from
English Mechanic and World of Science
No.878. Jan 27. 1882. p.485
“A Lesson in Filing”. J.H. Evans
“To use a file is one thing, but to file with the same is quite a different matter, and I think a few hints upon this most important branch of mechanics will be found of much service to many of our readers.
To file properly, then, must be the aim of all who undertake to do it at all, and until a flat surface can be filed with a certain amount of ease, it cannot be said that the workman, whoever he is, can file; therefore before going on to different things, let the beginner settle down to his work with the determination to overcome the difficulty of filing a flat surface. I say the difficulty, because it is a matter that will take some practise, and now I will endeavour to show the best means of setting about such a job.
Take a piece of wrought-iron about 2″ square and with a 10″ file, bastard cut, make a commencement. The vice should be so fixed that it is a convenient height, and that ought to be about the level of the right elbow, or a little below, if anything. The point of the file should be held in the left hand and the handle grasped in the right, so that the thumb is uppermost. To one who has not filed before it will feel very awkward at first. The left knee should be slightly bent, and the body must move in conjunction with the knee, by doing this the weight of former is thrown on the file, and a pressure created, which will compel the file to cut the material. The right foot ought to be about 2′6″ from the left, but here a great deal must be left to the operators, and it will be found that the most convenient pose is always the best; the elbow should be kept well into the sides, as nothing looks worse than to see a man at work who requires the room of two or three for his arms.”
Evans continues at length to describe the process of filing and the care of files. Types of files, file cards and the problem of “pins” are examined in minute detail. Before discussing tasks such as filing convex and concave surfaces and square holes he makes these observations;
“I dare say, in these enlightened days, when so much work is done by machinery of different kinds, that many may look upon these few remarks as worth very little; but to whatever extent machinery is eventually brought into use, we shall not be able to dispense with the file.”
Later Evans condemns some workshop practices, “l have often noticed in different factories the men with a whole sheet of emery cloth around a file. This it will be seen, must render the surface anything but flat. Cloth should be avoided in all cases, and in my opinion emery cloth is only fit for housemaids to polish fenders.”
Of course any type of file needs a handle and Evans has strong views on this subject, “l know many amateurs who have tools of all kinds fitted with hardwood handles. Now this is essentially bad, as they never hold in; and when using a 12″ file, should it come out of the handle, it would probably do a deal of damage.... The best handles are those of softwood.”
One hundred and twelve years later Evan's methods are still sound. By following his instructions total mastery can be achieved provided sufficient application is applied. His observations on machinery have proved to be correct. It is still true that anything can be done with files. But how often are they used?