Best file for rackets/depth gages

I hate filing rackers so I’m hoping there is a better file than what I’ve been using so it’s not such a PIA!

I’ve been using the flat file that comes with the Stihl sharpening kit. It takes for ever to get the rackers down at all.

Any thoughts advice welcome.

 

The files I used for square work great. They are made by Vallorbe. If you can find a flat file by them, maybe it'll cut better for you. The Bahco were also relegated to raker duty after they became too dull for filing teeth. Both brands have adjusted many a raker for me.

 

Sometimes a fresh file will work wonders. They are spendy so I try to get all the good out of them, but it becomes a pia when they lose their bite. The Stihl flat files don’t last long imo. I’ve used stihl, husqvarna and pferd flat files. The Husqvarna and pferds last longer. I also have some flat files made in India that have been good. Along with saws, bar oil and firewood I hoarded round and flat files.

 

I have troubles finding decent flat files for some reason. Got my hands on a couple of Nicholson US made that seem to be doing the trick. I have bought flats with Husky's name on them in the past that were not very durable when filing depth gauges. I have not really tried experimenting with differnt profiles or cut styles. I think the Nicholsons are 'double cut'.

 

Nicholson "mill 2nd cut" files are a great option. Most machine shops I've ever worked in used Nicholson files as an industry standard. It does make a difference with longevity to pick up your file on the backstroke rather than dragging it back. Not very practical for consistency when filing teeth, but easily done on rakers.

 

I get those little kits from Oregon or whoever make the kit. It comes with a small like 6" flat file and a small metal thing that goes over the tooth and lets whatever protrude over whatever gauge size you buy. I think on Amazon there $4-5 . I have found that file in there to be pretty good.

 

I bought a couple from the OPE dealer (dont know the brand) and they seem to last. Like Eric stated i lift the file off the raker and file only on the forward stroke.

 

Great advice often overlooked. Should never pull back on a file while in contact with what you are filing. When I see guys do that in vids it’s like fingernails on the chalkboard. Also tells me I can quit watching now.

 

It took effort to break this habit when hand filing. Have not been backstroking for a good 15 years now.

 

You’d be amazed how many seasoned machinists there are out there that backstroke a file like it’s a stone I learned young because I got hollered at as a 16 year old apprentice.
“Don’t ever treat a file like that!!!”
“Huh?”
“Look at the teeth on that file, they cut in one direction”
The old codger knew what was what.

 

I have gleaned a whole bunch of good information working around all the tools and whatnot over the years. Incredible how lame I was prior.

 

As Eric said files are only made to cut in one direction
Now days nothing is made like they use to be
Try to buy files in bulk and when they start to get dull throw away and grab a new one

 

I was taught the same thing. Back dragging ruines files. Then someone comes along and actually tests it.

 

I love his channel

 

Me too.

 

Well then… I was not expecting that at all. I’m going to keep this “new knowledge” to myself otherwise I’ll be hoisted over a cauldron at work and burned alive for heresy I’d be curious to see what happens when he tests it in harder material. I’m still going to avoid back stroking because I’m stubborn
As a side note I didn’t know people still had shapers in machine shops. My uncle had a 1936 Hendey in his shop for a while, mostly as a conversation piece.

 

Fireball tool ain’t your normal shop I don’t think

 

I was taught back in metal shop in high school not to back drag the file. It is muscle memory now so I won't change but good to know. It is amazing how many facts are actually myths.

 

Where does he talk about how long the file will last? He mainly talks about which technique is the fastest or removes the most material.

What coarseness do you think chainsaw files are? Fine?

 

That’s what the control was for and why he settled on 2500 strokes