Draw File

[Travis_UT]

Can anybody recommend a draw file like the one used by Mike in his tutorial? I looked at Brownells site and did not see one like Mike had in his tutorial. I contacted Brownells but have not had a response. I have not used a draw file before so I don't really know what I am looking for but I know it's not an old file from grandpa's tool box. The inlay I have been doing has been with copper and I used sandpaper and a wood block to level it out. I would like to start learing how to use a draw file. Thanks in advance.

https://www.engravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=1893

 

[Aventuraal]

I believe that Brownell's used to carry them, but no longer. Nor have I found them on any industrial supplier's site I've checked, at least not as a "draw file"....... As a possible substitute, you can look at the chain saw sharpening file you can find at Lowes or Home Depot. The "brand name" is Oregon, and they are in the aisle with the chain saws and parts, not the tools area(s). The ones I have here (in Florida) are Swiss made, marked as "0" at the tang (hopefully, a #0 Swiss pattern cut); they are single cut, about 3/4" wide and about 8" long. They are packed with a sharpening guide for the saw chain. And are pretty cheap, to boot. I have used mine for all sorts of things, and they are still going strong. Just keep a light hand, card them regularly, and chalk them well to keep the pinning down. I would hazard a guess that just about any fine, single cut file would give the same results.

 

[Aventuraal]

If you need something larger, here is a link to the single cut files at Grobet USA:

Grobet USA - Search Results for "single cut files"

Manufacturer of Fine Precision Tools & Equipment for Technicians and Craftsmen

www.grobetusa.com

 

[Aventuraal]

If there is a McMaster nearer to you, check their listings for hand files, and you will fine Swiss pattern files as well.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Dave London]

You need a lot of practice to use files properl, and a draw file is very difficult to master, MTC YMMV

 

[Travis_UT]

You need a lot of practice to use files properl, and a draw file is very difficult to master, MTC YMMV

I don’t mind a challenge

 

[pblack]

I think 'draw filing' if more a technique and not a specific type of file. Brownells might have sold one that was best for that technique. From what I just googled, looks like it's a fine single cut mill or flat file (not sure what the difference is between the two). https://technologystudent.com/equip1/hfile1.htm

I've seen other inlay demos that talk about stoning the gold. Tira Mitchell offers some specifically for use with gold inlay.

I've never done inlay, not there yet in my engraving and jewelry journey, so take my 2 cents with a grain of salt.

 

[papart1]

I learned on a Nickelson 0 single cut mill file.................you can really remove a lot of stock, but as Mr. Dave said, gotta be really careful and get a guiding hand to demo it for you

 

[tdelewis]

Always remember to use soapstone or chalk on the file to keep it from clogging.

 

[Archie Woodworth]

"Draw filing" is a technique and not necessarily a particular file type. Refer to the following web site description / animation showing the technique. https://technologystudent.com/equip1/hfile1.htm

 

[Dave London]

Great link Archie thanks,

 

[Travis_UT]

"Draw filing" is a technique and not necessarily a particular file type. Refer to the following web site description / animation showing the technique. https://technologystudent.com/equip1/hfile1.htm

Thank you! This is a really good resource

 

[T.G.III]

When in the process of draw filing you'll know when you've got the technique correct when you're removing long hair like strands of metal from the surface.

Also, if you are using short pulls on the file over a longer section of material you can quickly dig yourself into a hole.

 

[DKanger]

The only thing I question is going back and forth when filing longitudinally. In my experience, that's when the filings will build up. When doing gun barrels, I take long strokes and release.

 

[Leland Davis]

I always raise the file on the back stroke barely just off the surface. When you start on a 42in octagon barrel you don't want to do the math I did 28ft if you do them all.

 

[silvermon]

Can anybody recommend a draw file like the one used by Mike in his tutorial? I looked at Brownells site and did not see one like Mike had in his tutorial. I contacted Brownells but have not had a response. I have not used a draw file before so I don't really know what I am looking for but I know it's not an old file from grandpa's tool box. The inlay I have been doing has been with copper and I used sandpaper and a wood block to level it out. I would like to start learing how to use a draw file. Thanks in advance.

https://www.engravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=1893

Swiss Parallel Machine Files - FALCON Tool Company

FalconTool

www.falcontool.com