Machinist files

[rleete]

I have searched high and low for high quality, made in USA files, and none are to be found.  Nicholson, which used to be the gold standard, is now made in Mexico or Brazil.  Various reviews, forum posts and blogs all lament the lower quality of the newer ones.  Don't even get me started on the Chinese knockoffs.

So, other than a nice score at a garage sale or flea market, what are you guys using?  I know that even the best files wear out over time, but I'd like something that is worth the money spent.  I'm looking for a nice set of American pattern mill files, bastard and second cut.  Are the Nicholson still my best option?

[f350ca]

I recently read on one of the forums that the quality of Nicholson has improved lately. True or not I don't know.

Greg

[Dr Stan]

I understand one can "sharpen" files using reverse electrolysis.  Haven't tried it yet but it does make some sense.

[rleete]

I've been meaning to try that, but I need another project like I need a hole in my head.

[Dr Stan]

It's not difficult nor time consuming to build a reverse electrolysis set up.  I made one using rebar, a large plastic tote and a battery charger as the power supply.

[Clifford B.]

(08-18-2020, 09:51 PM)Dr Stan Wrote: It's not difficult nor time consuming to build a reverse electrolysis set up.  I made one using rebar, a large plastic tote and a battery charger as the power supply.

Do you have a schematic handy to post ..??      

[TomG]

Harry Epstein still has a few American made Nicholson files for sale.

Tom

[Dr Stan]

(08-19-2020, 01:19 AM)Clifford B. Wrote:

(08-18-2020, 09:51 PM)Dr Stan Wrote: It's not difficult nor time consuming to build a reverse electrolysis set up.  I made one using rebar, a large plastic tote and a battery charger as the power supply.

Do you have a schematic handy to post ..??      

Just do an internet search for reverse electrolysis like I did for this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3VzTKSHOHQ

[Clifford B.]

Thanx.....

[rleete]

So, after much searching and reading, I decided to buy some Nicholson files. Because I've been an eBay customer since the early years, they threw me a $25 off coupon (anniversary or something), and I bought the 22025NNN set. https://www.zoro.com/crescent-nicholson-.../G3457693/ eBay vendor was also Zoro, but with the coupon & tax it came to just under $50, shipped. Package came last week, but wife made me wait until my birthday to have them!

Files are made in Brazil; file card is made in US. Files all look to be of decent quality, and all cut well. Cuts are smooth and even, and effort to get a decent chamfer is minimal. No obvious bad teeth, uneven spacing or other defects. No idea how well they will hold up, but at first look, I am satisfied.