Preferred File for Smoothing Octagon Flats

[PeteDavis]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a file to draw file the flats on an octagon barrel?
I have a NOS CVA 1" octagon that has some minor damages and longitudinal milling striations. I'd like to get it reasonably cleaned before I sand with AlOx paper down to 220.
Then I will brown the barrel.
Thanks in advance.
PD

 

[Zonie]

IMO, you want a "smooth mill" file to do your draw filing with.

You do not want a "second cut" or bastard-cut which has larger, courser teeth.

You also do not want a double cut file of any kind.
These double cut files have crossing teeth that form tiny diamonds.

These more aggressive files are handy for doing a lot of things but draw filing isn't one of them.

You also want to get a "file card" or a small wire brush to remove the filings that will form in the files teeth.

A piece of the old fashioned chalk board chalk used spareingly on the files teeth will help to keep the filings from sticking in the teeth.

 

[nymtber]

I used an 8" Norton's Mill Bastard file. I would get the 10" (I have one but its still in the package, didn't NEED it). The 10" will just be more stable, so if your buying one, get the larger file.

Smooth file might be ok for finish draw filing, but the Mill Bastard is your standard file, easy to come by, and does a good amount of removal. I like the Norton brand, made here in the USA, and are a good quality file. I tend not to buy lower brands/store brands. I believe Brownell's also has a specialty draw-filing file if you want to spend more money than you need to!

Agreed you NEED a file brush, and some cheap blackboard chalk. Make one pass with the file, move it over to a clean spot on the file, make another pass till your at the end of the file, then brush the teeth clean, and fill the file back in with chalk. I did this and really didn't get many gouges that were not my fault...

Then "polish" with 220 grit wet/dry just to smooth the finish out. Use a flat backer, the file works, I have a wooden sanding block that is flat (planed flat) which worked well. This surface will be perfect for browning, IMO. I'm going to cold blue mine, however.

 

[PeteDavis]

This is a very fine removal job. Single cut-I wonder how many teeth per inch?

 

[tbarnes66]

I bought this 14 inch smooth lathe just for draw filing and I really like it.
http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-Am...&qid=1389468039&sr=8-1&keywords=14+lathe+file

 

[Billnpatti]

The file to use for draw filing a barrel is a 14 inch fine mill bastard file. You also need chalk to keep it chalked to prevent metal from getting stuck in the teeth. If that happens, you can put a pretty bad scratch on your barrel. Just plain old big pieces of chalk that they sell in the toy department for drawing on the sidewalk. You also need a carding brush to keep the teeth clean. Be sure to get a good file, this is no place to scrimp. The chalk and carding brush are cheap and necessary. On YouTube, there is a good video by Larry Potterfield on drawfiling.

 

[PeteDavis]

Thanks-ordered the file and watched the video.