Introduction to Files and Rasps
by TechShop in Workshop > Metalworking
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Introduction to Files and Rasps
This is a basic introduction on proper use and care of files and rasps. Here we examine a number of different sizes and shapes of files and rasps.
When sawing and drilling, you create burrs and sharp edges on your workpiece that need to be removed; rasps and files take care of these. Using a rasp or a file is often the first step in finishing a project, or prepping a material for the next step.
When sawing and drilling, you create burrs and sharp edges on your workpiece that need to be removed; rasps and files take care of these. Using a rasp or a file is often the first step in finishing a project, or prepping a material for the next step.
Identifying Files and Rasps
A short (non-comprehensive) list of files, as pictured below from left to right:
Flat rasp - has large, coarse teeth to quickly remove material
Flat file without a handle - allows you to remove burrs and rough edges
Multi-use rasp and file - has two files and two rasps on one tool
Fine flat file without handle - this tool is for finishing and scratch and gouge removal
Triangle file - allows you to get into corners and clean up edges that have notches
Small round file - cleans small round holes and inside curves
Medium round file - as above, but with coarser teeth
Large round file - as above, but coarser still
For more information:
Wikipedia Rasp Entry
Wikipedia File Entry
Briefly, a file is for detail work while a rasp removes larger quantities of material.
Flat rasp - has large, coarse teeth to quickly remove material
Flat file without a handle - allows you to remove burrs and rough edges
Multi-use rasp and file - has two files and two rasps on one tool
Fine flat file without handle - this tool is for finishing and scratch and gouge removal
Triangle file - allows you to get into corners and clean up edges that have notches
Small round file - cleans small round holes and inside curves
Medium round file - as above, but with coarser teeth
Large round file - as above, but coarser still
For more information:
Wikipedia Rasp Entry
Wikipedia File Entry
Briefly, a file is for detail work while a rasp removes larger quantities of material.
Using a File or Rasp
Push the file in one direction only. Remember, it' s not a saw -- this file was meant to cut on the away stroke. Put pressure on the return stroke and you'll dull the file and mangle the cutting edges.
Here, Lynne is filing out the corner of a sign she cut on the plasma cutter. Since she's filing out both sides of the corner, she can butt the file up to both edges. In this situation, you could also use a triangle file to smooth the corner. (She's trying to smooth out a pit from the plasma cutter's piercing move... but that's a different instructable.)
Here, Lynne is filing out the corner of a sign she cut on the plasma cutter. Since she's filing out both sides of the corner, she can butt the file up to both edges. In this situation, you could also use a triangle file to smooth the corner. (She's trying to smooth out a pit from the plasma cutter's piercing move... but that's a different instructable.)
Cleaning Files and Rasps
Finally, once you're done, make sure to clean the file. For light work, you can use a file card or wire brush to flick out the metal chips caught in the file's teeth. In this case, the aluminum chips are practically welded to the file, so we've got to resort to tougher stuff. In the ensuing photos, Lynne takes this file to a bench grinder (using the wire wheel). Even so, this file might be done for.