File it away

whiskers · Friday at 5:06 PM

Gentlemen
Over the last six months I’ve bought two different sets of files for modelling.
Both of these were garbage. From Amazon.
Can someone please give me the make of some excellent files? I believe that you get what you pay for so my purchases to date have proven that. Thanks.

Y.T. · Friday at 5:21 PM

Problem with getting good files is that they are too expensive . They are all must come from Europe. Like these ones:

Pferd 266/16160H2 Needle Files 6,3" Type of Cut 2 (12 Piece) : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.ca

I long time as set aside the idea of buying "good" expensive files and use cheap ones from Amazon. I modify them as required grinding off some surfaces. Thinning the grinding surface to one I need. I have no experience with expensive ones. I am completely happy with what I do.

Y.T. · Friday at 5:24 PM

Here is another set. It is probably good for the price.

Grobet Swiss Pattern Needle Files 5-1/2 Inch Set of 12 Cut 4 : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.ca

Y.T. · Friday at 5:27 PM

Note the coarseness difference. The difference between needle files cut #2 and #4 is their coarseness: a #2 cut is medium, with fewer teeth per inch (around 79) for faster material removal and shaping, while a #4 cut is fine, with more teeth per inch (around 117) for smoother finishes, delicate shaping, and fine detail work in tight spaces, with larger numbers indicating finer files.

Steef66 · 2026-01-18T03:03:27-0600

The pferd/corradi files are the best to buy. I use them a lot. There are also small rasp files from corradi. But not cheap. On the other hand, when used correctly they stay good for 50 years.

Y.T. · 2026-01-18T09:25:45-0600

One more important point. Needle files are of a few standard lengths. 4, 5.5 and 6.25 inches long. For ship modelling I mostly use 4 inches long ones. 5.5 inches long ones I use for different purposes.

Y.T. · 2026-01-18T14:07:08-0600

Just was passing by my local Home Depot. Peaked up set of very decent high quality needle files. $10 Canadian. No need buying Corradi Pferd to last forever. Files are disposable tool. When it was worn out, throw it away and buy a new one.

paul ron · 2026-01-19T08:45:09-0600

files have an enormous variety for every type of use. most people only know the very general types but never get to see the science behind them and how each type has very specific designs for their use.

here is some interesting reading, its all our dumb internet has to offer... i cant find the information i was taught working with tool n die machinests, an extinct breed of workers and lost art. im sure my handbooks have the information but thats an archiologoic dig through my closets.

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-file-tools/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90ae5248bd

All About Files, Rasps, and Rifflers - Woodcarving Illustrated

These versatile tools have a wide range of carving uses...

woodcarvingillustrated.com