File Questions

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I know that you should have two sets of files, one set for plastic, a different set for metal so that shards of metal do not score plastic parts. Two questions:

  1. Can you use the same files for metal and wood?

  2. Do you use the same file card (file cleaning brush) for both or do you have designated ones of those also?

Thank you,

2

As much as you can, use the same files. Just clean them well between uses. The “cleaning card” should work just fine - regardless…

3
  1. Depends on what you’re doing with the wood. Metal cutting files have much finer teeth than the rasps used for reducing the splintery edges of structural wood. They work fine if you’re making parts of thin stock for model rolling stock or structures, where you want straight and square, but don’t have to remove much material.
  2. I use the same file card for all of my files except the wood rasps. I clean them with a longer-bristled brass brush.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

4

I think its use the same files for plastic and wood, but reserve special files for metal, because metal shavings can damage wood and plastic

5

A file card or a wire brush will clean files OK. The most important thing you can do for your files is keep them separated from each other. If you toss them in a tool carrier or some other tool storage unit do not let the files rub each other. My dad was a machinist and would kick my butt if I placed my files on anything but a soft surface. Each of my files are stored in a felt pocket roll up pouch. They are as sharp as the day I bought them so many years ago. I probably have about 30 files from little needle files to an 18 inch double cut mill in every shape possible,even rifler files. They are used for metal, plastic and small wood parts when needed. Push, don’t pull a file across your work. Match the file to the work. Treat them right and you will only have to buy them once.

Pete

6

I have three sets of files for working on my trains Wood, plastic and metal. Your not talking about spending thousands or even hundreds of dollars. If i have $30 invested in all of my files thats a lot. Probably not even that much. I like to keep this separate so as I don’t pick up a file that was last used on metal and file a piece of plastic with it and tear it up. I had a guy working for me at one time who almost got hit in the head with a hammer when I saw him about to file a frame on a car with a lead file. There is something to be said about having and using the right tool for the job and model railroading is no exception.