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Needle Files

Discussion in 'Fit & Finish' started by Magnus, Mar 30, 2020.

  1. Magnus

    Magnus Member

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    [​IMG]

    Terrible news! I had this beautiful vallorbe flat needle file that cut extremely well. I pushed a bit too hard on it and ended up with three files. Any recommendations for new needle files?

    Magnus
     
  2. Griff

    Griff Active Member

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    Sorry, only familiar with Crappy tire regular files and Princess Auto diamond files, which for the price last as long as they last lol.

    Hope that wasn’t too expensive.
     
  3. Dave Hodson

    Dave Hodson Active Member

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    I've only used the file sets from Lee Valley and KMS Tools and like Griff says, they're consumables. But I'm curious now.

    According to the Vallorbe web site ( https://www.vallorbe.com/en-ch/dealers ) it looks like there's three dealers in Canada and the one in London, Ont seemed to have the file you're looking for online. No price though which seems ominous. What's your thoughts? Are they pricey? Do you find them worth the investment?

    One thought might be to contact Vallorbe. They appear to be premium tool suppliers so maybe they have a replacement policy.

    Good luck, I'll be interested to hear what you decide
    Dave
     
  4. Mythtaken

    Mythtaken Staff Member CKM Staff

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    I'll second (third?) the sentiment. I've always gone with the cheap needle files, considering them as throwaways, like Dremel bits. For me, it comes down to return on investment -- how many hours your get out of them for the price.
     
  5. Magnus

    Magnus Member

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    Can you get cheap needle files in aggressive cuts? #0 or #00?
     
  6. dancom

    dancom Dust Maker Legend Member

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    I've had several throw-away sets, even some cheap diamond coated ones, certainly broke a few along the way. But I have never regretted buying one quality set.
    Now I rely on one cut #0 Swiss set from Guesswein. Lasting well. Use them a lot especially when slotting bolsters. They were extremely not cheap. A couple hundred for a set and that was five years ago.

    In hind-sight, I would probably buy the two or three that I use the most and get good ones of those like this. https://www.gessweincanada.com/product-p/715-1100m.htm

    Dan
     
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  7. Magnus

    Magnus Member

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    Dan, I'm on board with you about the quality files. Having used some good ones there's no way I'm going back. Thanks for the link, looks like the 16 cm and 20 cm cut #0 equaling files are a reasonable price. I'll probably order a few of each.

    Magnus
     
  8. Dave Hodson

    Dave Hodson Active Member

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    Which files would you recommend Dan? I just started making through tang knives and those bolsters are a bit of a struggle for me. This thread is getting me thinking a few good files might be a good investment.

    Dave
     
  9. Griff

    Griff Active Member

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    I totally get it guys...I feel the same way about good quality Cobalt Drill-bits:p
     
  10. dancom

    dancom Dust Maker Legend Member

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    They got some weird names and different manufacturers call them different things. I use the the pillar or equaling or flat, these are all rectangles; a three square (triangle) and round the most. Swiss cut #0 or the coarsest #00. They range from #00 coarse to #6 very fine as far as I know. The pillar I really like because it doesn't have teeth on the small sides.
     
  11. JohnnyTK

    JohnnyTK New Member

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    I bought a few PFERD files to try out.
     
  12. Dave Hodson

    Dave Hodson Active Member

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    I see PFERD has a couple of types available (Swiss Pattern needle files and Swiss Pattern CORINOX (trademark name) needle files for stainless). Not sure of the details yet but I was wondering which file you picked.

    Thanks
    Dave
     
  13. JohnnyTK

    JohnnyTK New Member

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    I screwed up and ordered needle rasps. I have a 12" PFERD file have not used it yet, the rest of my files I bought from KBC tools Nicolson and the house brand.
     
  14. Dave Hodson

    Dave Hodson Active Member

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    Bummer. On the upside, you can never have too many tools - you'll need them someday
     
  15. John Noon

    John Noon Well-Known Member

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    for files and stones peak around tool & die catalogs. I didn't save any links in hopes of not mortgaging the house :roflmao
     
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