The woodworking files are the next step after the rough shaping use of your rasp in your wooden surface and of course are a very important woodworking tool for the carpenter .

The correct and precise use of a nice quality’s file can do “miracles” above a surface and can give you very high level carpentry results .

The woodworking file is a hardened alloy steel rod , of several lengths , widths and forms ( round – flat triangular – half round – square ) , having its one side strait shaped to attach a handle and an abrasive( synthetic diamond or silicon carbide) texture surface of single or double – cut , parallel mostly cutting “teeth” .

What is the file Tang ?

The strait part of the file which is used to attach our wooden or other material handle is called the file tang .

Is files a Shaping tool ?

No , the woodworking files aren’t shaping tools and they’re smoothing tools which we use them , after the shaping design use of our rasps , in order to finish our wooden surface .

The files don’t have the large wood removal abilities of the rasps and they make more fine wood’s fiber – “flesh” removal .

You start with your rasp to get closer to the design lines , removing fast lots of wood and then you finish the job , by using the refining abilities of the file’s “teeth” .

Is a file a Carpentry tool ?

Yes , certainly it is and even if you can use files for metal or other materials , we use the appropriate files in carpentry , in order to smooth a wood surface .

What is the Difference between a mill file and a wood file ?

The mill files are used to shape metal and they’re single cut files while the files for wood use(cabinet) , are double cut ones and they have more “teeth” placed opposite .

What is the Difference , between a woodworking file and a woodworking rasp ?

The woodworking rasp is made to remove fast large amounts of wood having deeper “teeth” with big space between them shaping wooden surfaces , while the files are made for “lighter” wood removing , smoothing and refining a wooden surface .

My top rasp recommendations , in HERE .

What file is Best for wood ?

In woodworking we use the double cut cabinet type of files , which they have more parallel placed “teeth” .

Are files Good for wood ?

Yes , certainly is good for your wood , and if you use a smoothing file correctly , you can gain amazing results for your woodworking projects , your joinery assembly matching perfectly the two surfaces , trimming edges , enlarging holes and complete difficult smoothing results in inaccessible areas .

What are the Types of wood files ?

We seperate the type of files in these categories :

1) The mill – single cut .

2) The half-round , which is having one side flat and the other round .

3) The square type of file .

4) The triangular file .

5) The round file .

Can i file wood with a Metal file ?

Yes , certainly you can file wood using a metal ( mill ) file , because the alloy of the steel is designed and hardened enough for filling a way more harder surface as metal is than wood , so it won’t have a problem filling wood , hard or soft type .

The opposite would be wrong .

How do you file wood Fast ?

The correct way of filling wood is filling along the wood’s grain , in order to have the best smoothing results , but if you want faster wood removal , you should work across the wood’s fibers and be more filling “aggressive” .

Can Sandpaper , fill wood ?

Yes , it can fill wood because the sandpaper and a wood file have the same abrasive approach , but in no way the sandpaper can remove the same amount of wood mass , as the file does .

The sandpaper is for lighter and finer surface smoothing and it’s the next totally last step after your rasp and file wood treatment .

You begin with a rasp for large wood removal , you proceed with your files to refine the rasp marks and further smoothen the surface and then you “close” the smoothing – refining process with the sandpaper .

See my top sandpapers and more abrasive products suggestions for your wood smoothing , in HERE .

How do you Safely , use a wood file ?

Use always the appropriate file type for the woodworking job you have , make your filling with both hands when it’s needed , avoid the long sleeves or anything that can “block” the moving , wear safety glasses , have a nice stready handle and go slowly and controlled .

How long , do wood files last for ?

A wood file can last many decades of correct use and correct maintenance from the carpenter and sometimes they can last even for a lifetime , with no problems .

The Nicholson files and not only of the 60’s and 70’s , are still working very good till nowdays and any carpenter can confirm this .

Can i Oil my files ?

Yes , of course you can oil your file , not saying that is highly recommended , to preserve it from moisture and other rust factors , but be careful to use an appropriate type of oil for the steel alloy you have .

Keep woodworking and the happiness will find you for sure .