Check out the Videos at the bottom of the page.
♦ Remember the policy at TTE Gloves must be worn for bench activities.
Draw Filing
Draw filing is a technique used for producing smooth, square edges, particularly on pieces of metal. The process works by moving any the file forwards and backwards along the length of the material’s edge. As draw filing is generally the finishing stage a smooth or medium grade file is selected.
By holding the file at 90° to the workpiece, the file’s teeth can cut on both the forward and the backward movement of the file.
Step 1 – Prepare workpiece
Clamp the object you are going to be filing into a vice so that it is secure and doesn’t wobble around – Keep the workpiece as low in the vice as possible to avoid chatter . Don’t forget to use protective vice jaws.
Step 2 – Grip file securely
Grip each end of the file securely in the same way as you would grip the handlebars on a bicycle.
Step 3 – Push stroke
Standing at the side of the workpiece, slide the file forwards along the length of the area you want to smooth, applying light pressure.
As with cross filing, make sure the pressure you apply is light to avoid breaking your file’s teeth or clogging them with material, or causing chattering.
Step 4 – Draw stroke
Slide the file backwards along the length of the workpiece until you reach your starting position. Apply the same pressure as you did on the push stroke.
Step 5 – Repeat
Repeat this technique until the area you are working on is filed to a smooth finish.