Section 4.4 Shaping Tools 83
Using a File
Make sure that the fi le you have selected has
a tight-fi tting handle. Do not use a fi le without a
handle. The tang could gouge your hand.
Clamp the stock in a vise. Position the edge
you are shaping close to the vise to prevent vi-
bration and splitting of the wood. Hold the fi le
at an angle to the edge you are shaping. File the
edge toward the middle to prevent the opposite
edge from tearing out. This is especially impor-
tant when shaping plywood. Use only enough
pressure to remove a small amount on each
stroke. Too much pressure will tear the edge of
the stock. Try to maintain an average speed of 30
strokes per minute. Control is diffi cult at higher
speeds and you will tire quickly.
Use a wire brush or fi le card to clean the
grooves in the fi le. If the grooves become
clogged with sawdust and chips, the fi le will
not cut as well.
When shaping inside curves, use a half-
round or round fi le. A fl at fi le or the fl at side of
a half-round fi le can be used to smooth outside
curves or straight edges, Figure 4-50.
Surform® Tools
A Surform® tool has a unique “cheese grat-
er” appearance, Figure 4-51. It is available in a
number of shapes, including fl at, round, curved,
long, and short. There is even a Surform® tool
Figure 4-49. A well-equipped shop should have a
variety of fi les and rasps. A—Flat. B—Half-round.
C—Triangular. D—Round. E—Square.
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A B C D E
Figure 4-50. Smoothing an outside curve.
Figure 4-51. Surform® tools remove material very
quickly, but edges will have to be sanded.
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