#4 Pippin File Issues

[caliusoptimus]

Having read all of the recommendations for this file I bought one a few months ago. I was hoping it would be my go to file but the thing cuts slow, chatters badly and the finish is way too rough to impression. It's a grobet brand by the way.

Here is the finish it leaves every time:

key.jpg

Anyone else had this experience?

[ith]

Are you twisting the file AT ALL when you are filing? It looks like it from the markings on the key. I use a cheap file I got in a set of 6 for 5.00 and it doesn't even leave marks like that... Maybe a file defect? I have no idea.

[caliusoptimus]

Are you twisting the file AT ALL when you are filing? It looks like it from the markings on the key. I use a cheap file I got in a set of 6 for 5.00 and it doesn't even leave marks like that... Maybe a file defect? I have no idea.

No not twisting at all. Regardless of pressure, speed, filing angle etc it chatters bad and barely removes metal. I'm starting to think I got a defective file. OR it could just be too fine for the application. My cheapo round file has been a dream compared to this grobet file. The finish is rough but I just wrap a piece of 400 grit around the file to get an impressionable finish.

In any case I love the shape of this file and I could see it being perfect for impressioning.... I want to order a #2 to see if it's any better but I'm really hesitant considering the 70+ dollar price tag.

Here it is, next to my flat file. I just looked at it under 30x magnification and it honestly doesn't look very sharp. The teeth look like a 60 degree V: ^^^^^^^^^^^^

file.jpg

[escher7]

Grobet is a very good brand and will not leave those marks unless it is either used improperly (unlikely) or faulty. For one thing, the teeth are too fine to make those marks, so you likely have a defective file.

[jharveee]

I own a Grobet #4 pippin and love it.
I also can make those marks(plowed farmers field). I do it on purpose sometimes for various reasons.
Also can get a mirror finish in the bottom of my cuts with same file.
A #4 is a fine file, it is not to remove large amounts of material quickly rather small amounts carefuly.
I think if you keep your file moving during the full stroke and ligthen up on the pressure it will help.
Did you say it was a new file? if so it will get better the more you use it.

[GWiens2001]

Also, you need to get a file card to clean your file. It looks like a bunch of bent metal pins sticking up on one side and a plastic brush on the other. That way you can get the filings out from between the cutting edges of the file.

The file is not defective. Have seen those marks before on my own file when it needs to be cleaned. Soak it in WD-40 for thirty minutes if you need to loosen up more filings. But clean off the WD-40 before filing the next blank, or it will gum up quickly.

I use the same file myself.

Gordon

[farmall]

I've heard that these files work better the more they are used.