Different 'files'

[devlin]

Has anybody used these on the harder steels we use in frame building? Any comments? Thanks.

Perma-Grit

[Mark Kelly]

I haven't used their files but I have a hacksaw, a jigsaw and a couple of small cutting wheels, all for use on composites. They're OK, but for instance the cutting wheels aren't actually any better than the abrasive wheels from Dremel and the kerf is greater.

On hard thin steel I think you'd knock the carbide grit off pretty fast.

I bought some new Bahco files recently and like them a lot. All the steel I work on is Reynolds stainless as I can't see the point in using anything else.

[devlin]

I have the Bahco files as well are they are good. I just stumbled on the Perma Grit stuff and I am always wondering if there are options. They don't really talk about metal use much just timber and composites.

[Mark Kelly]

They clog really fast on wood.

Since my tubes are wood / fibre composite they're a bitch to cut: the composites blunt anything that cuts wood well, the wood clogs anything that cuts composites quickly.

[devlin]

I can imagine that actually. Do you find the Bahco's work ok on the wood? I have a file card with me that I use a bit. Keeps the grooves clean.

[Mark Kelly]

My primary tool is a dynafile with Norton Bluefire belts. I originally got it (and them) for working on titanium, I have never found anything their equal. Unfortunately they don't make belts for the tool I have (it's a Makita) so I modified the tool to fit the belts - that's how good they are.

The Australian distributors are, predictably, utterly useless. I've resorted to buying belts on Amazon.