The need for processing metal products and structures arises in a variety of areas. Locksmiths uses a wide range of tools to solve such problems, including various cutters, drills, hacksaws and abrasive equipment. The initial level is a file that is used both for domestic purposes and in specialized workshops. Gentle, soft machining operations allow you to maximize the characteristics of the workpiece to the desired performance. However, in order to realize high-quality filing of metal, it is necessary to responsibly approach the choice of a working tool.
The purpose of filing
In the process of performing this kind of processing, the upper layer of the metal surface is removed. Depending on the characteristics of the tool used, this layer can be from one to several millimeters. As a rule, plumbing in this direction helps to form the optimal quality of the workpiece for its subsequent use in structures or as an independent object. The working process allows you to give the product a certain shape, size, and also provide a curved or rectilinear surface for the purpose of subsequent fitting to the part or design.
The scope of work may be different depending on the application of the final object. For example, for small items, a vice and an abrasive tool with minimal mechanical impact are used. And vice versa, large metal billets can be serviced directly at the place of their assembly and even operation.
File device
The file in appearance is a small block, provided with small teeth. Notches are made according to different schemes and differ in size. So, single are located at an angle of about 80 ° relative to the edge of the tool. A double notch is also used. In this case, an angle of 55 ° is provided in the lower part and 70 ° in the upper part. The teeth determine the effectiveness of the abrasive action that a particular file provides. GOST under the number 1465-80 also provides that the base should be made of tool steels grade U13. In addition to the working part, the file has a shank that can protrude by the handle. But there are also models in which the entire metal surface is represented by serrated notches.
Varieties of files
Files are divided according to many parameters, among which are the length, shape, number of notches per 1 cm, etc. So, there are dracha models in which large teeth are arranged on the surface. Accordingly, such a tool is suitable for performing rough machining of parts. The opposite of drachey models are velvet files, distinguished by a small notch. If you need a neat eyeliner for the point introduction of the element into the mechanism, then use small teeth. Distinguish the tool and the type of surface. In particular, a flat file can be called a basic model, although the range of tasks it solves is significantly limited. The manufacturing technology of such models is the simplest, which is why their low price and wide distribution are due. However, a spherical file, also presented in different variations, is considered more technological and universal in use. For example, round, semicircular, diamond-shaped and rectangular versions are distinguished.
File Requirements
Regardless of the device and the configuration of the location of the faces, there are general requirements for files. A high-quality tool should have sufficient hardness and sharpness of the notches to ensure optimal adhesion to the base plate. There are also regulations governing the layout of the notches themselves. Special requirements apply to narrow files. GOST 1465-80 prescribes to make it so that a single notch has an angle of 65 °. The number of teeth on the narrow sides should correspond to the number of base notches located on the wide sides.
The large narrow side of the hacksaw type files is provided with notches only in parallel runs. Separate requirements apply to a round tool. Semicircular models should be made with chopped teeth, although there are exceptions when a traditional notch is used for this type.
The working process
First of all, conditions are being prepared for the technical implementation of the event. The main requirement for its organization is reliable fixation of the workpiece. Most often, a vice is used for this purpose, which allows to give the element a stable position. Work begins with preliminary stripping. If there are traces of rust or scale on the surface of the material, they are eliminated with a draconic file. That is, rough metal filing is used in this part, in which it is desirable to use an old tool, since working with problem surfaces quickly wears out files.
Then you can start roughing. Depending on the condition of the workpiece, a more efficient and accurate tool in processing is selected at this moment. At the same time, it is worth taking care of the vise that may suffer during filing. Sponges can be protected using special brass, copper or aluminum pads. The choice of material also depends on the nature of the treatment - the more intense and coarser it is, the tougher the overlay should be.
Sawing recommendations
The vise is set so that their lips are at the level of the elbow. During filing, you should stand halfway to the equipment - at a distance of about 20 cm from the edge of the table. The body is held straight, but with a rotation of 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the vice. The optimal position of the legs is shoulder width apart, while the left leg can be twisted in the direction of movement of the instrument forward. This position provides the most stable body position, which allows free filing of metal even with a slight tilt of the body forward to control the quality of work. During the operation, the file is held by the right hand so that the head of the handle rests on the palm of the hand.
Sawing mechanization
Recently, many representatives of traditional hand tools have successfully switched to the form of electrical devices with higher technical and operational performance. Undergone modernization and plumbing, as a result of which the masters acquired pneumatic apparatus for sawing metal. In general, the concept of manual processing was retained, but the electric motor provides the force. Nozzles with abrasive surfaces also act as working elements.
In addition to pneumatic tools, cordless and network devices were also widely used. For example, a tape file is equipped with cutting blades that efficiently perform accurate and precise finishing of various metal surfaces. The advantages of mechanized devices include the quality of processing, high speed and process safety. However, high accuracy when servicing complex-shaped workpieces is still achieved only if traditional files are used.
Quality control
The correctness of the processing performed is assessed using a ruler or square. Thus, the supervisor checks the presence of gaps. This control option is used if the goal was to get a flat and clean surface. If metal filing was performed for the subsequent integration of the element into the design with grooves, then you can evaluate the quality of work by a natural comparison of the parameters.
Conclusion
In a wide range of cutting tools, the file is one of the safest. Nevertheless, in working with him, one should not forget about some rules that will prevent unpleasant consequences. So, manual metal processing should be performed only if the workpiece is in a stable position. The lack of swaying will have a beneficial effect on both safety and quality of work. Also, during processing, do not remove chips with your hands. To do this, use special brushes or industrial vacuum cleaners. By the way, electric tape and pneumatic tools, depending on the modification, may provide for the possibility of additional equipment with dust removal systems.