What file do you guys use for the long, delicate, & sharp 'v's that I see in a lot of file work? An example would be a vine pattern.

I've tried the usual triangle file and it seems to be too fat to produce the entended Vs that I'm looking for. I've been using a fish hook file which works better, but a consistent supply of quality files is a problem -- many do not actually have teeth on the 'edge' so won't work for this application. I've bought various files from Brownels that looked really good in the catalog picture only to find that they actually had a safe edge.

I recognize the possibility that technique may be the issue here -- a failure to 'feather' the end of the cut, but I'm sure trying... Any assistance would really be appreciated.

Dwayne Dushane, the best fileworker I know, uses a tapered half-round needle file with the teeth on the flat side ground off for his vine pattern filework.

I use a cutof wheel in my Proxxon...(Dremmel for you Americans....LOL)

I do all my filework in the hardened state and with the Proxxon.

http://www.ansoknives.com/fileworkback.jpg

I just LOVE good filework.....

....and that is some GOOD filework!! :D

Thanks!

Coop

(I have saved pics in a folder of great filework. Yes, Duane Dushane started my folder! This goes in there!)

Thanks for the replies.

I had not considered a half round file, but I have two in different 'sets' -- I'll give it a try over the weekend. Making the flat 'safe' makes a lot of sense. One of them has a trip to the grinder in it's near future.

Jens: I know another local knifemaker who uses a dremel to do 'filework' and he always works after heat treat, but his stuff is not nearly as detailed as your vine. I have tried this, but the control required to do the detail you show is beyond my comprehension. Do you do this all freehand, or have you developed a jig that provides additional precision and stability?

I also have a folder just for filework, and plan to put this picture in it (unless of course you prefer that I don't).

I do this compleetly freehand...I use two hands on the dremel and put one of them or both on the vise holsing the knife.

I think my "trick" to make it look good is thatI use these abresive rubberdisks to clean up the "mess" I make with the cutof wheel and the round bits. I use both fine and rough ones....It is quit costly for me as I go trough a bundle of rubberdisks on my filework....but I don´t much care as I like the result and I charge for it. Sometimes I round the edges of the knife on the grinder before making the filework depending on the style and I ussually take it to the buffer afterworths...Note that I do filework after I have handrubbed the blade but ususally go back and refinish the rub again.

I use rotory carbide files mounted in a router for the round cuts and a triangle file to fill and blend.
My filework station has 5 routers mounted on a large piece of angle iron, each with a different size bit.

Gene,

It's not fair, you seem to have five (or more) of everything..

Nothing like having things setup (takes a while doesn't it)

I just wish that I had a shop (meaning separate building) cause my basement is getting really full. And it's much harder to get heavy equipment down basement stairs.

Oh, by the way great file work, you are an inspiration to all of us new guys.

Bob Sigmon

If you picked through junk piles and frequented pawn shops like he does you'd have as much junk too. :) (Ooops he doesn't call it junk.)

Why do you think they call me the Tool Man? :)

True, True, True..:D

Don Cowles:

I tried one of my half round files this past weekend as you suggested. It worked really well. I need to refine it a bit yet and I'll be happy. I tried it 'as issue' and then then ground the teeth off the flat to make that side safe. It worked much better safe.

Thanks again for the tip.