Mill File v. Flat File: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever been to a hardware store, you may have seen a variety of files on the shelves. The two basic categories are mill files and flat files. What is a mill file, and what is a flat file? While they may look similar at first glance, they are quite different and serve different purposes. If you’re unsure which one you should use for a particular task, you’re not alone. We’ll discuss the key differences between these types of files so you can choose the right one for your project. If you’re confused about files, you are in the right place.
The Basics of Mill Files
A mill file is a hand-held tool with teeth on the flat sides, providing an abrasive surface for shaping smooth surfaces and sharpening other tools. It usually has teeth that are cut in a parallel manner across the surface of both sides of the file. It is commonly used to sharpen cutting tools such as saws, chisels, and knives. Mill files come in various sizes and shapes and can be used with a handle or without one. Mill files are also known as milling or Lathe files.
The Basics of Flat Files
Flat files are also hand-held tools but with teeth along only one side of their flat surface. They are mainly used for filing flat surfaces in woodworking projects, such as filing down dowels or other wooden pieces before assembly. Unlike mill files, flat files come in many shapes, including round, half-round, square, triangular, and knife-edge varieties, depending on the type of work needed.
Comparing a Mill File and a Flat File
One key difference between mill and flat files is that mill files have teeth along both sides, while flat files only have teeth along one side. While mill files are generally used to sharpen cutting tools like saws and knives, flat files are mainly used to enhance woodworking projects by filing wood pieces before assembly. Flat files come in different shapes, while mill files are primarily available in standard sizes and shapes.
Selecting the Proper File
When selecting a file for a project, it’s crucial to consider what needs to be done before choosing a specific type of file. If you need to sharpen a saw blade or other cutting tool, then a mill file should be selected. If you need to shape wooden pieces before assembly, you might go with a flat file instead. For an abrasive surface for sharpening or smoothing, consider using a mill file. If you need to shape wooden pieces, a flat file will do the job.
Care and Maintenance
When using a file, proper care is essential to maintain its effectiveness over time. While operating your mill or flat file, it’s critical to move it gently in long strokes while applying even pressure so that each tooth has an equal chance of removing material from the workpiece. It’s important to maintain your files by keeping them clean and free from dirt, which can prevent them from cutting properly. Store your files in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent corrosion or rusting due to moisture exposure, which can damage the metal components of your file.
It’s crucial to know the difference between mill files and flat files, as they are used for different purposes. With the information provided in this article, you should now be able to choose the right file for your project and use it with confidence. All that’s left to do is enjoy the results of your finished project.