File Filosophy
Being some Hints regarding the proper Methods of using Files and the various Applications of the most common Files

FILE FILOSOPHY with more or less of a rocking motion, giving an actual convexity to its surface except when in the hands of a skillful operator. The real aim, therefore, should be to cause the file to depart only so much from a true right line as will be necessary to feel that each inch of its stroke is brought into exact contact with the desired portion of the work; and by thus changing the course of the stroke slightly, thereby preventing “grooving,” a more even surface results and the work is completed sooner. The movements here referred to have reference to those in which both hands are used upon flat work, requiring nicety and trueness of finish, and the diffi- culties to be overcome in producing even a compar- atively true flat surface with a file require much practice on the part of the operator. In filing ovals and irregular forms, the movements, while not considered so difficult or trying, neverthe- less require considerable experience and a good eye, so to blend the strokes of the file upon the round or curved surfaces as to give the best effect; the varied nature of the work upon this class of surfaces, though much might be said, prevents any detailed definition as to the movements of the file within the limit of this article. In point of economy, the pressure on the file should be relieved during the back stroke; this will be ap- parent to anyone who will examine the formation of the points of the teeth, when it will be seen that the file can only cut during the ordinary or advancing stroke and that equal pressure during the back stroke must be very damaging to the points of the teeth. NICHOLSON FILE CO. 20