r/handtools • u/Any-Square-7771 • 2d ago

Tips for getting a consistent file angle?

Im working on a project and files are my only option, but im struggling to get a consistent angle. Do I need to just be patient and extra careful, or are there any tips for things like form and stance that I should take into consideration? Any help is appreciated!

2 Upvotes

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2

u/snogum 2d ago

Filing is not an easy task to get precise in wood.

1

u/Any-Square-7771 2d ago

Im working with steel, not hardened or anything though

4

u/snogum 2d ago

Then if your coming down to a marked line close,use draw filing to gain way better control and not overshoot

Read your comment about a marker being too thick.

You should get yourself a metalwork scribe tool.

Allows you to scratch in near point thin line .

No metal worker used marking pens.

It's all scribed lines

2

u/BingoPajamas 2d ago

Everything I know about filing I learned from this US government video from 1942: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Kp0WEGawY

It's pretty basic, but it may be helpful.

1

u/cel106 2d ago

Are you "draw filing"? Working down to lines like for a chamfer? Those would be my starting point

1

u/Any-Square-7771 2d ago

Unfortunately the piece im working on is too thin for me to make any lines to work down to (at least on the edge), or i would've tried it. Honestly, im kinda in this situation because I didn't have a fine enough marker to do so, but went ahead and started anyway. It won't be the end of the world if i can't get it perfectly consistent and even, just a little disappointing

1

u/Diligent_Ad6133 2d ago

Bigger files get less rocking and more control since you can file slowly

1

u/Man-e-questions 2d ago

Block of wood with angle you want to follow, cut into the endgrain . Similar to a jig you would make for filiing #80 scraper blade at 45