The diamond file is an essential tool for any craftsman. With it, you can even perform jewelry work. A huge selection of different shapes and sizes makes it possible to get into the most difficult areas of the subject and give the corners and surfaces the proper look. But even such a simple tool has its own characteristics. They will be discussed in this article.
Is that a file?
The diamond file is a small file. The working surface of the device is coated with diamond dusting. This ensures not only 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 type of file.
Diamond is one of the most expensive natural materials. But for what purpose is it used in the tool? In reality, a stone of artificial origin is taken to create the device. Due to its high strength, the diamond-coated needle file can work with glass, ceramics, durable steel and alloys.
A set of diamond tools enables the toolmaker to carry outsurface treatment of a profile with a complex design. In fact, the devices perform the same functions as their steel counterparts, but cope with materials with a harder texture.
What is the needle file made of?
The diamond file includes several constituent elements. The main body of the device is made of durable carbon steel. The tools are made by applying grains of diamond powder to a steel body by electroplating. Grain index refers to class A16-A4.
Size, grit, product marking
The name of the diamond files, as well as their shape and size are regulated by GOST 151Z-67.
The length of the devices is different and ranges from 100 to 200 mm. As a rule, models are more common in stores, the length of which is 80, 120 and 160 mm. At the same time, the length of their working surface is 50, 60 and 80 mm, respectively.
The material from which the needle files are made must be harder than steel. In the manufacture of such a tool as a diamond file, GOST 1435 and 5950 require the inclusion of carbon steel of the following categories: U12, U12 A, U 13, U 13 A, 13X. Hardness should be at least 55-58 units on the HRC scale.
Another important indicator is graininess. It lies in the size of diamond grains. Graininess is indicated by colored stripes or small scratches. Such designations can be seen on the handle of the device. They don't wash off.
Deciphering graininess is easy:
- One red stripe or two small risks indicate thatthat the indicator is 160/125-100/80.
- The presence of one blue bar or one risk occurs when the indicator is 80/63-63/55.
- Models with the smallest grit do not have any distinguishing marks. This category includes devices with an indicator of 50/40-40/28.
What shapes do the needle files have?
The diamond file is represented by 12 types.
- Tools with three edges. They have a sharp or blunt end. This indicator determines the area of use of the device.
- Devices made in the shape of a rhombus. They make it possible to play with notches at a certain angle.
- Wedge-shaped devices are used when working with castes and valves (jewelry elements), as well as with small angles. Wedge-shaped devices have both a sharp and rounded edge, but at the same time the nose of the device is sharp.
- The flat diamond file has versatility. The area of use depends on the size of the fixture.
- Slotted devices are similar to flat ones, but the edges on the sides are rounded. This makes it possible to process hard-to-reach areas.
- Square devices are designed to work with grooves of a similar shape.
- With a semi-circular shape. With their help it is possible to work with reliefs.
- Needle files with different bulges process the inside of the ring.
- Oval fixtures are for holes.
- The diamond round needle 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. First, it should be noted that these devices are miniaturized. The length of the working surface is 35-55 mm. Second, their tail is square.
- Another special kind is a needle file. It should be discussed separately.
Device with a blunt nose along the entire length have the same section size. For pointed models, the cross section of the rod decreases towards the edge of the device.
The notch itself is also performed in accordance with the standards. The main working parts of the tool have a double notch: main and auxiliary. Tools with a round or oval shape can have a single or spiral single cut.
What is a needle file?
Rifel is a kind of needle file. As a rule, this tool is used by jewelers when working with thin items and precious stones. The peculiarity of the device lies in its unusual shape, which will not confuse this device with others.
Besides, the corrugated surface is short. This makes it possible to work with small details.
What determines the tool number?
The number of notches per 10 mm length of the product determines its number. Manufacturers always indicate the tool number from 0 to 8. It is important to know: the larger the number, the more notches the tool has, which means that the teeth themselves are small and the surfaceprocessing will be smoother.
The length of the working surface of the needle file is always half that of its total length. As already mentioned, it comes in three sizes: 50, 60 and 80 mm. A very important point should be noted here - the number of the notch depends on the type of size:
- devices, the length of the working part of which is 50 mm, can have notches from 1 to 8;
- 60 mm tools 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 certain GOST, and you just need to figure out which set of devices exists in size.
What kind of work are tools used for depending on the size of the teeth?
A tool with large teeth is needed for working with large surfaces or where a large layer of metal must be removed. For example, such work can be done with a file with three edges with a large notch.
Medium-sized cut is more suitable for working with metals that are soft: brass, aluminum, bronze. Such needle files do an excellent job of grinding water pipe couplings for their optimal docking, or they remove notches without “licking off” the product.
The smallest teeth are designed for filigree work. The tools are able to enlarge the wedge groove on the electric motor shaft. They can clean burnt contacts of current collectors used in everyday life (sockets, circuit breakers, etc.).
There is a specialnotch, which is located along the body of the device, and not transversely, as is customary. In this case, the cross section of the canvas has a round shape. Such a diamond file for sharpening knives is used at home. It has its own name - musat. Sharpening is more accurate and also much faster than sanding.
On the market you can also see needle files of an unusual shape, which are extremely rare. They are curved. Tools are used for processing internal curved grooves. As a rule, such devices have a notch at both ends of the tool, and the handle is located in the middle.
Tool makers overview
There are many companies on the market that make this device. It should be noted such domestic manufacturers as JSC "Metallist", "Zubr". Products of Russian companies have gained wide popularity due to their reasonable cost and high level of functionality. They are in high demand.
Foreign models are also presented: 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.
Set contents
A set of diamond files usually includes 6-10 tools. A set of 6 fixtures contains only the main forms of canvases. As a rule, it is calculatedfor professional, but for home use.
In any case, when buying a set, you should clarify all the nuances. Indicators of the length and type of notch are printed on the packaging. In expensive items sold by the piece, this data is carved on the profile canvas.
What should I pay attention to?
When purchasing a flat or curly needle file, you should pay attention to the notch on the fixture. It must be free from defects. Also there should be no traces of corrosion, oil. The color of the new canvas is uniform, without streaks.
When buying a tool, check its surface for the absence of build-up of diamond powder, as well as delamination.
How to evaluate the quality of the tool?
To assess the quality level of the device, you need to take two devices and lightly pressing them, draw the working part of one canvas over the other. The high-level notch will not bend or wear off. In this case, the color of the canvas during testing will not change. Well-applied diamond dust will not chip or crumble.
Needle file handle for easy handling
The handle can be made of wood, plastic or rubber-coated plastic. If not, then the part should be made by yourself.
The best option would be turning and grinding wood handles. Replace the plastic handle with a toothbrush base drilled and centered on the inside.
The main criterion for the instrument should beeconomy and convenience. That's when you can work with him for a long time.
Where to store tools?
Usually, sets of diamond-coated needle files are sold in convenient plastic packaging or in a soft casing. That's where they should be stored. In the absence of such packaging, it is recommended to buy it or keep it in a suitable one.
Remember: don't pile up tools as there is a risk that they will rub against each other and become blunt soon.
