TM 9-243USING A FILESELECTING PROPER FILE1.For heavy, rough cutting, use a large, coarse,double-cut file.2.For finishing cuts, use a second or smooth-cut,single-cut file.3.When working on cast iron, start with a bastard-cutfile and finish with a second-cut file.4.When filing soft metal, start with a second-cut fileand finish with a smooth-cut file.5.When filing hard steel, start with a smooth-cut fileand finish with a dead-smooth file.6.When filing brass or bronze, start with a bastard-cutfile and finish with a second or smooth-cut file.7.When filing aluminum, lead, or babbitt metal, use astandard-cut curved-tooth file.8.For small work, use a short file. For medium-sizedwork, use an 8-inch file. For large work, use a filethat is most convenient.METHOD OF FILING1.Clamp the work (1) securely in a vise so that thearea to be filed is horizontal and is parallel to andprojecting slightly above the vise jaws (2).2.Hold the file handle in one hand, thumb on top, andhold the end of the file with the fingers of the otherhand.work on the return stroke, it will become dull muchsooner than it should.4.When filing soft metals, using pressure on the returnstroke helps keep the cuts in the file clean.5.Use a rocking motion when filing round surfaces.6.When using a new file, applying too much pressurewill cause the teeth to break off. Do not force the file.File slowly, lightly, and steadily. Too much speedand too much pressure causes the file to rock,rounding off the corners of the work.DRAW FILING1.Draw filing is used to produce a very smooth andtrue surface. Hold the file at right angles to thedirection of the strokes, keeping your hands closetogether to prevent bending and breaking the file.2.Pressure should not be great and can remain thesame on the back stroke as on the draw stroke. Thespeed of filing is not important.3.For extra smooth surfaces, wrap a piece of emerycloth around the file and stroke in the same manner.3.When filing hard metals, apply pressure on the for-ward stroke only. Unless the file is lifted from the28-4
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