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

FILE FILOSOPHY Lathe Work, Etc. For shafting or lathe work the file should be con- stantly stroked against the turning of the revolving work, applying the pressure to the forward stroke, relieving it on the return stroke and giving the stroke a slight gliding or lateral motion to assist clearance of chips and to avoid filing ridges or scores. Machine Files For machine filing a special file is usually required and, where any very hard service is called for, the form- ation of the teeth should be such as to meet this special work. It must be remembered that files are almost always made with the intention that they are to be used by hand. The natural tendency of the workman to apply the pressure as required~/o £eep the file cutting or clown to its work, using less pressure on the first strokes, (which prevents the finely shaped tooth point from being broken and dulled) and grad- ually increasing the pressure as the teeth lose their keenness—is in contrast to the fixed pressure of the machine and must be compensated for in the manufac- turing of machine files. It is a well known fact that a file soon becomes dull and worthless if it be constantly stroked over the work without being held to it by pressure enough to keep it cutting. The hand work- man’s “feel” gives him the advantage over the machine in this point. However the importance of the work to be done must outweigh the economical use of the file and when the machine is required it should be used and NICHOLSON FILE CO. 21