1. My Cut No. 4 precision Swiss-pattern file. These files are
6¼" long with a round knurled handle.
1
I decided to purchase three equaling files [1], also referred to
as rectangle files, in different cuts (No. 0, No. 2, and No. 4)
along with a half-round file and a round file, both with No. 0
cuts, and a square No. 2 cut file. Remember, the higher the
number, the finer a cutting surface. Even though the cuts are
obvious when viewed close-up [2], I applied two red paint dots
to the No. 2 cut file and four red paint dots to the No. 4 cut file
to make sure that I could keep them straight.
While there are dozens of places to purchase files online, many
online stores don’t identify the cut of the files. I bought my files
from McMaster-Carr
for about $15.00 each.
They are Swiss-pattern files made by Nicholson.
In hindsight, typically only the No. 0 and 4 cut files are needed
in the rectangular pattern. If you want to quickly file off a part
of a metal casting or plastic sprue, the coarser No. 0 file will
do the job quicker. On the other hand, if you are filing some
