Filing is used to smooth rough edges, to level irregular surfaces and remove excess solder. The files most commonly used for jewelry work are needle files which come in a variety of shapes designed for various contours and angles. Large files from four to six inches in length come with a tang to be fitted into a wooden handle.

These files are used for larger areas or when a greater amount of metal has to be filed away. They can also be used for finishing an edge as they come in both coarse and smooth cut. It is good to have an assortment. Only a few are shown.

Clean the metal with pumice powder.

Place the metal on a steel surface plate.

Tap with a mallet to straighten.

Rub the file lightly with chalk; this helps to keep the teeth from becoming filled with metal filings. Hold the metal firmly. Put the pressure on the forward stroke, remove the pressure on the back stroke to keep the cutting edge of the teeth from becoming dull.

Clean the file at intervals. Remove the burr on the filed edge with a scraper or coarse emery cloth.

Check out our other posts to learn more about filing jewelry and how to make jewelry.

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