Simonds SIM73148000 Mill Second Cut File 10" American

The Simonds SIM73148000 is a mill second cut file, American pattern, 10 inches.

A mill file is not a flat file, and the difference is the single most useful thing to know about files.

A mill file is single cut. Its teeth are continuous parallel ridges running diagonally across the face, with no second crossing set. That means each tooth shears a broad shallow chip rather than tearing a small one, and the surface it leaves is far smoother than a double cut file of the same grade can produce.

That property is why mill files do the jobs they do. Sharpening — a mill file is the traditional tool for saw teeth, mower blades, and scrapers, because a single cut edge produces a keen edge rather than a serrated one. Lathe work, where the file is used on rotating stock. And draw filing, where the file is held crosswise and pushed along the work to produce a genuinely flat, fine surface.

A double cut flat file does none of those well. It removes metal faster and leaves a rougher surface, which is the opposite requirement.

Mill files also taper in width toward the point, which is how you tell one at a glance.

Second cut is the middle grade — bastard removes, smooth finishes, second cut does the work in between.

Applications include sharpening, lathe filing, and draw filing.

Brand

Simonds

SKU

SIM73148000

Category

Hand Tools

Weight

0.44 lbs

Dimensions

8.00 x 0.75 x 0.20

Price

$22.95

Availability

In stock

Rating

4.27 / 5.0