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

FILE FILOSOPHY the file maker can produce teeth of the shape that will be far more effective for machine work than the ordi- nary stock file. Drawfiling Files are sometimes used by grasping at each end and moving them sidewise across the work, after the manner of using the spoke-shave. This operation is known as drawfiling and is usually performed in lay- ing the strokes of turned work lengthwise, instead of circular, as left from the lathe finish, as well as when giving a final fit to the shaft that is to receive a coup- ling: cases, generally, in which no considerable amount of stock is to be removed, and thus any defects in the principle of construction of arrangement of the teeth of the file are not so readily apparent. Files as they are ordinarily made are intended to cut when used with a forward stroke, and the same file cannot work smoothly or to the best advantage when moved sidewise, unless care is taken that the face of the teeth present themselves, during the for- ward movement of the file, at a sufficient angle to cut, instead of scratching the work. To accomplish this, the angle at which the file is held with respect to the line of its movement must vary with different files, depending upon the angle at which the last or up cut is made. The pressure should also be relieved during the back stroke, as in ordinary filing. When properly used, work may be finished some- what finer and the scratches more closely congregated than in the ordinary use of the same file: as, in draw- filing, the teeth produce a shearing or shaving cut. NICHOLSON FILE CO. 22