Half-round files

The half-round file has one flat and one curved side. It is parallel for approximately two-thirds of its length, then tapers in width and thickness towards the point. The flat side is double-cut and the curved side is single-cut on second-cut and smooth files. This is an extremely useful double-purpose file for flat surfaces and for curved surfaces too large for the round file. 

Metal file. Once you cut copper pipe, you ll want to smooth the rough edges with a metal file. It s worth having two files on hand a half-round file, with a flat and a round side, for de-burring metal and a rat-tail file (it s round and tapered, as its name implies) for filing concave surfaces and enlarging holes. 

Files are identified either by their general shape - i.e. hand, flat or pUlar - or by their cross-section - i.e. square, three-square, round, half-round or knife - Fig. 2.2. 

This type of file is available as hand, flat, half-round and square, from 150 mm to 400 mm long. The available cuts are broad, medium, standard, fine and extra fine. 

Files and rasps. Rasps have sharp teeth used to aggressively shape wood. Files have parallel, diagonal rows of teeth ofvar-ious sizes and are generally used as an intermediate between a rasp and sandpaper. Start with a few flat and half-round rasps and files ranging from bastard cut (the coarsest) to smooth cut (the smoothest)— you can go a long way with an 8-inch, medium cut flat file. 

Measuring tape Hacksaw Angle grinder, half-round metal file, or emery cloth Safety goggles Insulating gloves Bench vise or clamps Butane torch (optional) Needle-nosed pliers Rawhide or wood mallet or a hammer covered in cloth... 

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