Jeweler's Files

[Bravo Six]

Can anyone recommend a good set of jeweler's files for filing mold lines and the like. I've been using Dollar Shop ones for ages, but the trouble is, they don't last. Now they're hard to even find.

Thanks in advance.

[Daeothar]

Sorry; I can't recommend any particular brand, but I've got a set of files that have lasted me since 1996, and they're still every bit as good as back then. It was a mandatory buy back when I went to art academy (jewelry design). My stint at that academy didn't last, but the files did.

In fact, I bought a lot of tools back then that I still have in use today, in the hobby.

So I guess what I'm trying to say here is; buy one good quality set, and it will last you a lifetime. It's been way too long, and I can't quite remember the amount I had to lay down for the set (5 of them, with handles (which I never attached; they're much more nimble this way)), but it was upwards of at least Fl40,- (which would be about €50,- in today's money?), so you'll have to think about that amount if you want top quality

[Pan Marek]

Where do you live?   Here in the states, there's a hobby chain called Michael's.  They have an extensive "build your own jewelry" department.  I know they have tools, but am not sure if that includes files.  Worth a look.

Have you tried the Micromark site?

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

Rio Grande Jewelers Supply  has an online site.  Swiss needle files of all size.

[2010sunburst]

In the UK I would look at Proops brothers or Eileen’s emporium.  For cleaning white metal I would go for the relatively cheap diamond coated ones.  Don’t go for Valorbe Swiss, they are far too expensive for that sort of use and will probably clog quickly.  I find that I only really use a half round, a flat and a round needle file.  All the others are superfluous.  If you are pushed, a fold of 400 grit wet and dry will also work well for outside seams. 

[Fitz]

I've had good experiences with Bahco files of all sizes.

[ced1106]

I have some cheap Michael's jewelry files that I've been using forever, although I guess lifespan would depend on if your have metals vs. plastics.

I also use a cheap engraving pen from Harbor Freight. Addictive to use, but they die faster than I'd like.

I also have a cheap filing sponge for acrylic nails that rarely comes in handy, for curved surfaces.

Then I have a large file with industrial diamonds. Rarely use it.

[AndrewBeasley]

One thought I had is could they just be gummed up?


If so, a wire brush may keep them going longer than expected. I picked up a set of three used for cleaning grills that are just larger than a normal toothbrush and these both clean files and scratch grain in plastic for wood planks!

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

a piece of 24 g brass sheet can remove a lot of gummed pewter, run it sideways and edgewise.  Wire brushes are better though.

Just don’t use pewter files/brushes on silver later, or you can contaminate your alloy and your scrap with white metal dust.  it won’t cast like it should and you’ll get pits everywhere when you heat it.

[Bravo Six]

Thanks chaps! I appreciate all the input and I was able to grab some off Amazon.ca. They're due Monday, right in time to file the mold lines off the next metal figures in my queue. I'll report back later about how I fare.