2
2. On the left is a Cut No. 0 file while in the middle is a Cut
No. 2 file. The finest cut file, a No. 4, is on the right. The finer
cut on the No. 4 file is obvious.
The Tool Shed - 2
non-prototype details off a plastic boxcar side, you will want to
use a finer file such as a No. 4.
Occasionally, even a precision file may be too large for the job
if you need to get into a small space. That is when you need an
escapement file [3]. These are available in the same patterns
as the precision files but have a much smaller cross-section.
I purchased four of them (rectangle, round, three-square or
3
3. A round escapement file. These files are 5½" long, and this
round escapement file gradually tapers to a very fine tip.
triangle, and cross-cut/oval) from Otto Frei
) for
around $14.00 each.
These are all high quality files, have a good feel, and are a joy
to work with. If you want to be able to do precision work, you
really need good files.
Riffler files
Riffler files are a special type of file with a curved tip [4].
They are also called precision detail files. But, why would you
want a file with a curved tip? To explain, let us assume that
you have constructed a box with a floor and four sides. After
building that box, you realize the floor has an irregularity that
needs to be removed. The space is too tight to dislodge with
a chisel-blade X‑Acto knife, and grinding it off with a round bit
4
4. A rectangular riffler file with the working surface curved
to allow it to get into constrained areas. Both ends of the file
have curved ends.
MRH-Nov 2014
