Using old files as scrapers

[graduate_owner]

Hi everyone,
I'm sure many of you turners will have read about grinding the teeth off old, thick files to use them as scrapers. I've read in some books that this can be dangerous because the steel is of a type which is too hard and therefore too brittle, so that the file could shatter. On the other hand some authors I've read suggest this as an economical way of making scrapers.

So does anyone have any experience of files shattering, or know of it actually happening to others? Or is this a case of playing extra safe?

K

 

[CHJ]

Reference to making scrapers out of old files can be seriously mis-interpreted by wood workers.

Hard Brittle Files can indeed be converted into some very useful scrapers, I have several I made over 50 yrs ago still going strong.

They have nothing to do with woodwork or turning though other than to repair machine tools.

They are used for relieving or flattening such items as surface plates and machine tool ways and cleaning out and fitting solid metal bearings.

Having seen the results of what a serious catch can do to a HSS gouge I personally would not trust myself to re-harden and temper an old file as a wood turning gouge of any sort that might be subjected to serious loads regardless of how many folks say they have used such for years with no problems.

I've had a 'modern' file of unknown origin shatter by just dropping it on the floor.

 

[Hutzul]

Hi everyone,
I'm sure many of you turners will have read about grinding the teeth off old, thick files to use them as scrapers. I've read in some books that this can be dangerous because the steel is of a type which is too hard and therefore too brittle, so that the file could shatter. On the other hand some authors I've read suggest this as an economical way of making scrapers.

So does anyone have any experience of files shattering, or know of it actually happening to others? Or is this a case of playing extra safe?

K

I asked a similar question about a month ago: wt-tools-from-old-files-t67331.html, get ready to duck mate !!

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I can't speak from experience because I've never made a woodturning scraper from an old file let alone had one shatter in use.
I have chosen to accept the almost universal advice, based on fact, that recycling old files of unknown composition / integrety is potentially hazardous.

I think the bottom line is - "Do I want to take the risk?"

Regards Mick

 

[Paul Hannaby]

Files are hardened to the point of brittleness so if mistreated or dropped they can crack or shatter and the cracks might not be visible. Even if you are able to heat treat the file to give it the correct properties for use as a turning tool, you won't make any difference to the cracks so unless you can absolutely guarantee the file has never suffered any hard knocks, you will still have a potentially dangerous tool.

In answer to the other question, yes I also have seen hardened steel break.

Personally I wouldn't take the risk If I wanted cheaper tools, there are better options.

 

[graduate_owner]

Hi, and thanks to all for the replies. I was given some large, old files a number of years ago for the purpose of making scrapers. They are currently on a shelf under my bench. I think I'll play safe and leave them there. It is probably easier to make scrapers from steel bar with replaceable tips anyway, and definitely safer. Once again this forum has proved to be a mine of really useful information.

K

 

[Bodrighy]

When I first learnt to turn at school we were on Graduates using nothing but scrapers made from old file. I used to go in on my own in free periods and the lunch break.......fings was different then LOL. I have had HSS tools bend and snap on me so the idea of using a file now is a big no no like everyone else. Just glad I was very fortunate in my school days

Pete

 

[Hutzul]

Hi, and thanks to all for the replies. I was given some large, old files a number of years ago for the purpose of making scrapers. They are currently on a shelf under my bench. I think I'll play safe and leave them there. It is probably easier to make scrapers from steel bar with replaceable tips anyway, and definitely safer. Once again this forum has proved to be a mine of really useful information.

K

Serving my apprenticeship, under a guy who had trained at Rolls Royce, he reckoned if you left old files outside for a few months to rust, and then wire brushed them, you had a file that was useful again.

If I can remember where my old files are, I will try it, what the heck !!