Mill Bastard File - Ace Hardware

1. Is a proficient metallic file worth it; where to purchase?

   Is a good metal file worth the money, or would Home Depot's most expensive file suffice? I mainly demand to acuminate my lawnmower blade, just I'm certain I'll utilize it for other random tasks (i.e. sharpening other woodworking tools).

   I looked at the the $10-xv ones at Dwelling house Depot (and Ace hardware) and they seemed decent, but this is something I'll take for life, maybe it's worth spending twice that amount for a nice one.

   Would a flat 8" or 10" work all-time for sharpening lawnmower blades? If y'all would recommend a nice one, where would I get information technology (Lee Valley, Rockler, etc)? Any recommended brands?

   Cheers,
   Greg

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3. Originally Posted past Greg L. Brown

   ... simply this is something I'll have for life...

   Merely if you lot don't use it. Files are dulled by utilise. I utilise the HD class of files, and pitch them when they're dead.

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4. Greg, impress the attached pdf...it volition respond all your questions and be a expert future reference...
   http://world wide web.cooperhandtools.com/brand...ing%202006.pdf
   ...yard and garage sales are good sources for usable files...

   
   Sometime, fat guy on the prepare of "Extreme Makeover: Habitation Edition" October '09

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5. I apply the ones at HD. Longer blade - longer file.

   Y'all might consider a grinding bicycle or angle grinder for sharpening lawnmower blades

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6. On the other hand, I nevertheless have five fingers.

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7. I'd concord with Shawn higher up. I employ and angle grinder to shape my lawnmower blades and so end with a bastard file.

   As well apply a ten" bastard file for sharpening the blades on the sawmill.

   Just me, just the cheap-ish files that you mentioned higher up are fine for "rough" piece of work like lawnmower blades etc. I but apply my practiced files on the lathe for finish work. Metal lathe that is.

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8. HD and Ace both carry Nicholson I believe. I would also get a file brush to clean them if you use them on forest as I exercise.

   Sarge..

   Woodworkers' Gild of Georgia
   Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

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9. Originally Posted by Greg L. Brown

   Would a flat 8" or 10" piece of work best for sharpening lawnmower blades? If you would recommend a nice one, where would I get it (Lee Valley, Rockler, etc)? Whatever recommended brands?

   Thanks,
   Greg

   I use a drum sander in the DP for sharpening mower blades. Works bang-up and doesn't burn the blades.

   Never, under any circumstances, eat a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night

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10. Yes,exercise grind those blades. Don't waste material a good file and a lot of time filing it.

    At Lowe's a few days ago,I noticed they had no Nicolson files,and I'yard not virtually to buy Kobalt Asian ones.

    Blackness Diamond is (or was) the aforementioned as a Nicolson. It was a make they sold in the South(why?)

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11. Inexpensive files are labor intensive. You lot will feel and hear the difference as the file moves beyond the metal. I shop at garage sales and get good files because almost folks do not know quality files. I do use less expensive files on hardened metallic or I employ a grinding wheel. Hardened metallic will shorten the useful life of any file.

    David B

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12. I recently heard that the Nicholson files are not made in USA anymore. Any truth to this? I wouldn't be surprised as at present they are under the Cooper Tools umbrella.

    Kinda similar the offset Irwin/Marples chisels were however Marples UK production, I beleive. Now the chisels that look the same are produced in Asia.

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13. Originally Posted by David Yard Baker

    I shop at garage sales and go skillful files because virtually folks do not know quality files.

    Yep, you can find lots of good files at garage sales, pawn shops, and flea markets. I often find brand new 6-10" Nicholson mill files of varying cuts for $i apiece at a local First Monday flea marketplace.

    Harbor Freight has cheap files ample if you lot want some throw-aways for lawnmower duty.

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14. They've been nether Cooper for years. Dave Anderson said the rasps are fabricated in Brazil,if I call up correct. Their 8" smooth files keep getting thinner. First,they stopped tapering the tangs on 2 surfaces. Now,they are making them thinner. I hope they don't make them whatsoever thinner. They'll soon plough into WARDING files!!!

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