What Are Needle Files?
Needle files, small in size, are used for precision processing and are typically sold in sets featuring various shapes. While an ordinary file suffices for many tasks, needle files are indispensable for more specialized work such as jewelry engraving.
They are also essential for hobbyists focused on detailed work in plastic models and are widely popular among such enthusiasts.
Usage of Needle Files
Needle files are utilized for fine detailing and precision work. They are used by both professional craftsmen and the general public in activities like accessory making, diorama creation, and precision modeling.
During accessory making, when metal is shaped and cut, needle files are used to remove burrs and make fine adjustments. Plastic models, help in removing protrusions left after cutting.
Principle of Needle Files
Needle files, long and thin in shape, come in various forms. The most versatile is the flat type, suitable for deburring on flat surfaces and reaching small holes. The cylindrical round type is also popular for enlarging holes and making fine adjustments in gaps between parts. Other types include rectangular files for groove processing and specialized shapes like oval and back-tip for precise polishing.
Difference Between Needle Files and Ironworking Files
While there’s no strict distinction, needle files are generally used for fine processing of plastic models and metal decorations, whereas ironworker’s files are for general metal processing.
Coarseness of Needle Files
Needle files have coarseness levels ranging from coarse to oil, with oil being the finest. They are often described in terms of coarseness rather than the number, unlike paper files (sandpaper).
How to Cut the Grain of Needle Files
Needle files feature various types of grits like single grain, duplex, wave, onigome, and shari-me, each suited for different purposes. Single grain is used for the fine metal finishing, duplex for cutting and chip evacuation, wave for paint removal, onigome for rough grinding, and shari-me for a balance between compound and onigome grains.
How to Select Needle Files
When choosing needle files, consider two main aspects for ease of use:
- Choose a Type With a Handle: Handle-less types are available, but those with handles, preferably non-slip and of moderate thickness, are more practical.
- Start With a Flat Type: For beginners, the flat type is the best starting point, with other shapes added as needed.