Length

• Desired stroke length will determine the length of the file. This is measured exclusive of the tang, from point to heel.
• A new file should be used with light pressure in the beginning, preferably on a surface which has been filed earlier.
• In case of clogging of file teeth, clean the teeth with a soft metal wire brush.
• Use the files for cutting in the forward stroke only.
• Filing jobs should be held rigidly.

The Type of Cut

These cuts are selected according to the material of the workpiece, the desired removal of material and the surface finish.

Single Cut

Double Cut

Rasp Cut

Milled Toothing

The Cut Coarseness

These cuts are determined by the same factors as the type of cut and is the number of teeth per inch.

• It refers to the number of teeth per inch length measured along the axis of the file. The smooth file has more number of teeth than the bastard file.
  
  
• Use the Correct File.
  
  
  1. For material removing: Bastard/Rough
  2. For finishing : 2nd Cut & Smooth
  
  
• The degree of coarseness is greater in longer files, but differences between bastard, second & smooth are proportionate.

Various Shapes of Files

• The shape of filing job will determine the shape of the file to be used. (This referes to the Cross-Section of the file).