How do you sharpen with a set of files??

[IntrepidStu]

OK...I received my set of 3 files from Axminster today ( B a s t ar d, 2nd Cut, and Fine).
The first question is How to put the handles on them.

Do I just use a hammer to bash the file into the handle hole???

Secondly, What is the EXACT procedure for sharpening a Machete, (i.e toward the blade or away from it? , the, toward the handle at an angle or away from it??)

I guess you can tell I wagged all my metalwork classes.

Cheers guys.
Stu

 

[warthog1981]

Hi the way that Ive always put my handles on my files before is to put a thick pare of gloves on and to place the file handle in the tang of the file as far as it will go by hand.
Then take hold of the file firmly with the handle facing down wards and knock it firmly on a hard surface or the floor until the handle is secure

This might not be the right way but it works for me
Another thing worth considering is I dont like the handles that normally come with a file so I tend to use a golf ball with a hole drilled in it
It just seems to give me more control

If you sharpen towards the blade you tend to get a smaller burr forming on the edge but you really need to be a lot more careful or you will spill lots of red stuff

So if your best bet would be to sharpen away from the edge until you get used to the files

I hope that helps

cheers Russ

 

[IntrepidStu]

Cheers Russ.

 

[ganstey]

Hi the way that Ive always put my handles on my files before is to put a thick pare of gloves on and to place the file handle in the tang of the file as far as it will go by hand.
Then take hold of the file firmly with the handle facing down wards and knock it firmly on a hard surface or the floor until the handle is secure

This might not be the right way but it works for me

That's the way I've always done it too. I'm sure I was told to do it that way, probably either by my dad or my metalwork teacher

G

 

[IntrepidStu]

Cheers folks. Now...Any advice about how to use the files (3 of them) to sharpen (put an angle on) my machete.

Intrepid

 

[sam_acw]

You can take a tin can lid and put it over the file like the hilt of a sword to protect your hand if you are working towards the edge.

 

[the interceptor boy]

Hello Intrepidtu,
i am not an expert but i do try to follow this guy, take a look at his site, very informative and loads of pictures.

http://www.survival-school.org/Default.aspx?tabid=249&g=posts&t=1012

regards
the interceptor boy.

 

[Dave Budd]

that's how I fit handles too, though if the hole is much smaller than the tang you may have to open it up a bit (or heat the tng with a torch and burn it in).

When it comes to actually filing try to use both hands, it means that you will need to clamp the blade (into or onto a block of wood for example) but you get more control over the file and you will be able ot file far more accurately

I sharpenm a lot of things with files and I also teach others to do so and although you do generally get a smaller burr by cutting toward the edge, I tend to reccomend against that approach. The main reason being that I have sen some VERY nasty injuries caused by hands running into edges because the file has slipped over the blade! :tapedshut You can get a fine edge if you finish the filing with a slight draw-cutting motion. In fact it is possible to get an edge that will remove hairs straight from filing (it does take practice though )

Oh and one more thing well known to anybody who has been on a course with me, the most important thing to remember about files is that They only cut on the push stroke! If you pull it back across the metal you will dull or break the teeth off!

just my thoughts of course

 

[IntrepidStu]

Cheers Dave. What is a "draw-cut" motion??

 

[Dave Budd]

hold the file in both hands and present the teeth at just off 90 degrees to the blade length (so the teeth are just pointing in the direction of travel) and draw the file toward you like a drawknife. normally known as Draw-filing if you get it at the right angle the act like a series of scrapers rathre than a handful of saws (if that makes sense). This technique is very useful for getting flat surfaces such as when trying to file bevels on a blade when making a knife without power tools

 

[Kerne]

Hi the way that Ive always put my handles on my files before is to put a thick pare of gloves on and to place the file handle in the tang of the file as far as it will go by hand.
Then take hold of the file firmly with the handle facing down wards and knock it firmly on a hard surface or the floor until the handle is secure

Yup. This is how we show the kids in the workshops to do it - even in these high-tech days of CNC milling and suchlike...

Cross filing - get lots of material off

Draw filing - better finish, more precision.

 

[IntrepidStu]

hold the file in both hands and present the teeth at just off 90 degrees to the blade length (so the teeth are just pointing in the direction of travel) and draw the file toward you like a drawknife. normally known as Draw-filing if you get it at the right angle the act like a series of scrapers rathre than a handful of saws (if that makes sense). This technique is very useful for getting flat surfaces such as when trying to file bevels on a blade when making a knife without power tools

Cheers. Ive actualy got a pretty sharp edge already and ive just finished the second cut. It should be a nice blade after the "smooth".

Cheers everyone.

Stu