Jewelry equipment: all about files

Jewelry equipment to spring into jewelry making now

Jewelry equipment is the starting point of the chain of events that happen when you’re into metalsmithing.

Make sure to try different jewelry suppliers so you choose the best one to fit your budget, timing and type of work. There are lots of wholesalers specializing in particular tools or supplies.

Buying jewelry equipment can be a bit expensive but you can avoid that. Simply slowly buy the tools you need for the specific project your undertaking. That way, in a year’s time, without your pocket suffering, you’ll have a complete set of metalsmithing tools.

You can also set yourself targets to buy the more costly jewelry equipment, like the Foredom. For example, use the high buying seasons like mother’s day, valentine’s or even Christmas profit to buy that kind of tools.

I like German or Swiss tools best, but there are English and American tools that work just as well. It’s just my personal choice every time I can afford it!

All about files

Files are one of the tools that are used in virtually all jewelry making projects. You can have as many files as you wish.

The five most frequently used shapes come in a Set (barrette, square, half-round, half-round ring and flat).

You can also purchase a Set of 10 files (half-round, barrette, three-square, round, equaling, warding, square, crossing, knife and round-off).

For beginners: a set of 10 fundamental files

To start your jewelry making you can purchase these 10 types of files, this is the basic set I would recommend:

1. 8” flat hand file
2. 8” half-round hand file
3. 7” barrette hand file
4. 7” half-round ring hand file
5. 6” half-round file
6. 6” square file
7. 6” round file
8. 6” three-square file
9. 6” pillar file

Here are some basic facts about files

They are made of tough chrome/tool steel alloy with precisely machined sharp corners and fine points. Their surface is finely graded with deep-cut teeth that assure efficient and uniform stock (metal) removal.

All files cut in the push stroke. Filing up and down, like playing a violin, will only make you sweat and work harder, but not properly cutting metal.

A lower cut number (No. 000) is the coarsest file, good for removing and rough shaping of metal. Work up through the cut numbers (No. 8 is the finest) to smooth and contour surfaces and shapes (there are specialty files when working with platinum).

Hand files are used for manually removing, shaping and finishing metal. Needle files are fine, narrow files good for filing, smoothing and finishing small parts.

How to store your files

Files are easily damaged when they rub against each other. For this reason it’s a good idea to store your files in the plastic cases they come in or their plastic boxes.

A folding file stand is a great idea for bench use. You can also try a stand that holds files upright on you bench for easy access, like any other jewelry equipment of frequent use. The important part is that each file fits into a separate “compartment”.

Taking care of your files

File teeth tend to get clogged by oil from your skin. To avoid handling the file teeth with your fingers and clogging it with sweat and oil, always buy handles for each of your files.

They come in lots of shapes, different materials and even a variety of colors to choose from. It’s also a good idea to have a file-cleaning brush to sweep away any stubborn bits of metal stuck to your files.

I try to put them away every time I finish your work day. Good files can last you many years. Good filing!

Check the new beginner jewelry making section to learn different techniques of filing and sanding your jewelry.

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