Hand made file

[J.D.]

Here is how it was done.

Link

 

[JayDee Flohr]

That's interesting. I wish he'd show a close up of how he indexes it that quick.

 

[skunkskinner]

Is it hardened after he cuts the file?

 

[FPDoc]

I believe that he slides the chisel edge back against the burr that the chisel raises. If you watch closely he strikes, lifts the chisel out of the cut, sets it onto the file and slides it back. He does this very rapidly as he lifts the hammer for the next strike. Strike, lift, place, slide, strike. The hand-rest along the side of his anvil block is a very slick touch.

 

[BillinOregon]

That's just bloody awesome! I wonder if it is the way The Old Ones did it.

 

[J.D.]

I do believe that's the way it was done in the 18th century. Here is a link to a page with file making tools and more information.

http://www.hrionline.ac.uk/matshef/unwin/MSfilecutter.htm

God bless