Diamond file is an important tool for any craftsman. It can even be used to carry out jewelry work. A huge selection of different shapes and sizes makes it possible to get to the most difficult sections of the subject and give the corners and surfaces the proper look. But even such a simple tool has its own characteristics. We will talk about them in this article.
Is this a file?
A diamond file is a small file. The working surface of the device is coated with diamond spraying. This provides not just cutting the material during operation, but also scraping its surface, removing a thin layer located at the top. An ordinary nail file is also one of the types of file.
Diamond is one of the most expensive natural materials. But for what purpose is it used in an instrument? In reality, an artificial stone is taken to create the device. Due to its high strength indicators, diamond-coated files can work with glass, ceramics, strong steel and alloys.
A set of diamond tools enables the toolmaker to conduct surface treatment of the profile with a complex structure. In fact, the devices perform the same functions as the analogues of steel, but cope with materials of a more solid texture.
What does the file consist of?
The diamond file includes several constituent elements. The main part of the device is made of durable carbon steel. Tools are made by applying powder grains from diamonds to a steel case by electroplating. Grain index refers to class A16-A4.
Size, grain, product labeling
The name of the diamond files, as well as their shape and size are regulated by GOST 151Z-67.
The length of the devices can be different and ranges from 100 to 200 mm. As a rule, in stores more often there are models whose length is 80, 120 and 160 mm. Moreover, the length of their working surface is 50, 60 and 80 mm, respectively.
The material from which the files are made should be harder than steel. In the manufacture of such a tool as a diamond file, GOST 1435 and 5950 requires the inclusion of carbon steel in the following categories: U12, U12 A, U 13, U 13 A, 13X. Hardness should have an indicator of at least 55-58 units on the HRC scale.
Another important indicator is the granularity. It is enclosed in the size of diamond grains. Granularity is indicated by colored stripes or small patterns. Such designations can be seen on the handle of the device. They do not wash off.
Deciphering the grain size is easy:
- One red bar or two small risks indicate that the indicator is 160 / 125-100 / 80.
- The presence of one blue strip or one risk is found at an indicator of 80 / 63-63 / 55.
- The models with the smallest grit do not have any distinctive signs. This category includes devices with an indicator of 50 / 40-40 / 28.
What forms do files have?
Diamond file is represented by 12 species.
- Tools with three faces. They have a sharp or dull end. This indicator determines the area of use of the device.
- Devices made in the form of a rhombus. They make it possible to play with notches at a certain angle.
- Devices in the form of a wedge are used when working with castes and valves (jewelry elements), as well as with corners with small indicators. Wedge-shaped devices have both a sharp and a rounded edge, but the nose of the device is sharp.
- Diamond flat file has universal application. The area of use depends on the size of the device.
- The grooves are flat, but the edges are rounded on the sides. This makes it possible to handle hard to reach areas.
- Square devices are designed to work with grooves of a similar shape.
- With a semicircular shape. Using them, you can work with reliefs.
- The files with different bulges process the inner part of the ring.
- Oval fixtures are for holes.
- The diamond round file is able to work with rounded products. In addition, with the help of them the required relief is created.
- The needle shape is fundamentally different from all other types. Firstly, it should be noted that these devices are miniature. The length of the working surface is 35-55 mm. Secondly, their tail has a square shape.
- Another special view is the needle groove. It should be discussed separately.
Devices with a blunt nose along the entire length have the same section size. In pointed models, the cross-section of the rod decreases to the edge of the device.
The notch itself is also performed in accordance with standards. A double notch is applied to the main working parts of the tool: the main and auxiliary ones. Tools with a round or oval shape can have a single or spiral single notch.
What is needle groove?
Rifel is a type of needle file. As a rule, this tool is used by jewelers when working with delicate products and precious stones. The feature of the device lies in its unusual form, which will not allow to confuse this device with others.
In addition, the corrugated surface is short. This makes it possible to work with small parts.
What determines the tool number?
The number of notches per 10 mm of the length of the product is determining its number. Manufacturers always indicate the tool number from 0 to 8. It is important to know: the larger the number, the greater the number of notches the tool has, which means the teeth themselves are small and the surface will turn out smoother during processing.
The index of the length of the working surface of the file is always half that of its total length. As already mentioned, it comes in three sizes: 50, 60 and 80 mm. It should be noted a very important point - the number of notches depends on the type of size:
- appliances whose working length is 50 mm may have notches from 1 to 8;
- tools with a 60 mm index can have notches from 1 to 7;
- tools with a length of 80 mm are provided with notches from 0 to 6.
Why such a rule is chosen is hard to say. Diamond files are produced according to a specific GOST, and you just need to figure out which set of devices exists in size.
What kind of work tools are used depending on the size of the teeth?
A tool with large teeth is needed to work with large surfaces or where removal of a large layer of metal is required. For example, such work can be done with a file with three faces with a large notch.
A medium-sized notch is more suitable for working with metals that are soft: brass, aluminum, bronze. Such needle files do an excellent job of polishing water pipe couplings for their optimal joining, or they remove nicks and do not “lick” the product.
The smallest teeth are designed for filigree work. Tools are able to increase the groove for the wedge on the shaft of the electric motor. They can clean the burnt contacts of the current collectors used in everyday life (sockets, circuit breakers, etc.).
There is a special notch that is located along the body of the device, and not transversely, as is customary. Moreover, the cross section of the web has a round shape. Such a diamond file for sharpening knives is used at home. It has its own name - musat. Sharpening proceeds more accurately, and also much faster than emery.
On the market you can see and files of an unusual shape, which are extremely rare. They have a curved shape. Tools are used for processing internal curved grooves. As a rule, a notch in such devices is present at both ends of the tool, and the handle is located in the middle.
Tool Manufacturer Overview
There are many companies manufacturing this device on the market. It should be noted such domestic manufacturers as OJSC Metallist, Zubr. Products of Russian companies have gained wide popularity due to reasonable price and high level of functionality. They are in great demand.
Foreign models are also represented: Vallorbe, Bahco, Jonnesway, Matrix, Stanley, Stayer, Sturm. Foreign counterparts are relatively more expensive. Masters note that the set of diamond files Matrix, Stayer, Sturm has a minus. Tools of these brands are not durable.
Kit Options
A set of diamond files, as a rule, includes 6-10 devices. The complete set of 6 devices contains only the main forms of paintings. As a rule, it is not designed for professional, but for domestic use.
In any case, when buying a kit, you should clarify all the nuances. Indicators of the length and type of notches are printed on the packaging. In expensive copies, which are sold individually, these data are carved on the canvas profile.
What should I look for?
When purchasing a flat or figured file, you should pay attention to the notch on the device. It should not contain defects. There should also be no signs of corrosion, oil. The color of the new canvas is uniform, has no stains.
When buying a tool, check its surface for the presence of growths of diamond powder, as well as peeling.
How to evaluate the quality of the tool?
To assess the quality level of the device, you need to take two devices and gently pressing them, hold the working part of one canvas on the other. A high-level notch will not bend or erase. At the same time, the color of the canvas will not change during testing. Strongly applied diamond dust will not peel or turn into crumbs.
The handle of a file provides convenience of work
The handle may be made of wood, plastic or rubber coated plastic. If it is not there, then the part should be done by ourselves.
The best option is turning and grinding the handle of wood. The base of the toothbrush with a drilled and centered hole inside can replace the plastic handle.
The main criterion for the tool should be cost-effectiveness and convenience. That's when you can work with him for a long time.
How to store tools?
Typically, diamond-coated file sets are sold in convenient plastic packaging or in a soft casing. There they should be stored. In the absence of such packaging, it is recommended to buy it or keep it in a suitable one.
Remember: you can not put a bunch of tools, as there is a risk that they will rub against each other, and soon become dull.