Some data on vixen file vs. float *LINK*

One advantage of the float:

Chuck Nickerson

>I can sharpen it. How would I sharpen a Vixen file?

Re: One advantage of the float:

Tony Z.

>Try Boggs.

I Have a File Like That

Mike Fitterling

>Except mine is attached to a kind of handle/frame. There is a turn screw on the frame that allows you to flex the vixen file in both directions. I have yet to have the perfect job for it, but I expect that when that job comes in I will be pretty happy to have that weird beast on hand. I also have a spare broken file "blade" for it that I am thinking about turning into a float of some sort.

While we are at it; who sharpens files and rasps, not just vixen files? Anyone? I have a pile of all sizes and shapes of them I got from the estate of a fellow who owned a large furniture making company in Chicago and would like to put them to better use. I've heard of some people soaking them in citric acid? Does that work?

Re: I Have a File Like That

Rick in Oakville

>The flexible file you have is actually an automobile bodywork tool. I have one as well and Lee Valley is selling the Nicholson version as a tool that can be used to spot remove tearout in a large surface without disturbing the area around it. I had a chance to compare it to a non-flexible vixin file and the non-flexible file seemed more aggressive (it might have been just sharper). I wonder if the flexible file is softer (and less sharp) since it has to bend but I have no way to test it.

Someone else will be along to give you the name of the company in California that resharpens files, I can't remember it offhand.

Here's a Pic

Mike Fitterling

>I had heard that, too, about it being an automotive tool. Apparently this had been put to use on wood soemtime in the past, though.

Oldie but goodie, and Boggs' website *LINK*

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>Way back 34 years ago, when we first moved back to Califronia, I thought I was going to be an auto mechanic and was working at a Chevy/Caddy dealership (right before the first gas price crisis of modern times, in 1973 - not the smartest move on my part), and I don't recall the auto body guys having flexible files near that cool. Worth holding on to even if only for the gizmosity value.

Link to Boggs tools below - I haven't used them, but know they come up from time to time here as a good service.


http://www.boggstool.com/

Re: Oldie but goodie, and Boggs' website

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>I don't recall the auto body guys having flexible files near that cool

Bill

I have a couple like this (I have been restoring a Porsche 356 for several years), one in metal and another for sandpaper. The metal one is for shaping lead filler (the serious restorers choice!), the sandpaper for polyester/epoxy filler.

I have used the sandpaper one on wood, but not used the metal one for some time. I can't recall trying it on wood (the teeth are blunt and I have a Record #020).

Regards from Perth

Derek

Boggs is great

Chuck Nickerson

>if I don't need it now. He's sharpened 100+ files for me, after a great day at an estate sale.

Re: Oldie but goodie, and Boggs' website

Mike Fitterling

>Mine was made by Duro Metal Products Co. #1571 The files are double sided. Another pic.

aluminium file

Robin Corell in Atascadero, CA

>I have a non flexable 8" double sided file like this and it is for filing aluminium. The design of the teeth are such that cloging is almost nil and the surface is almost a mirror.

As Derek pointed out he uses his on lead, a metal that is also prone to clogging a standard file or rasp. I would guess the flexable versions with the tension rods are for lead body work and the smaller or non flexable ones are most likely for aluminium.

To complicate this a tad there is also a type of alyuminium file that is similar to this but the teeth are cut very slightly and almost perpendiuular to the face. These don't leave as fine a finish.

in use an aluminium file is periodicaly charged with chalk which eliminates all cloging. Don't know about using chalk on lead and would be curious to hear from Derek if it helps keeping the file clean.

Robin