Dremel vs Handfiles

S

Soulsmith

Joined
Oct 9, 2009
Messages
48
G'day all,
I ran a thread a while back asking for feedback on some filework I'd done, and got some great responses.
(http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695282)

I also had it recommended to me that I get myself a foredom tool or something similar if I wanted to go further with that kind of work. Thanx to my wonderful fiancee I now own a Dremel, and I've been experimenting with it in my fileworking for a couple months now. Problem is I'm not getting the results I was expecting, in fact so far I've found I get the work done quicker and with more precision using hand files :confused:

I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who has done some filework using a foredom tool or dremel, and has any hints or suggestions about using it. My biggest problem is if I haven't gone deep enough on the first try, then it's hard as buggery to grind in the exact same spot again in order to grind deeper without getting overlapping grind marks (hard to explain, but if you've tried it hopefully you know what I mean).

eg:
buggered.jpg

(something like this... sorta:p)

It's a pain because I've found my grinds are much crisper with the dremel when I get it right, but it's so unpredictable especially when it comes to depth that I invariably do my pattern experiments with my handfiles. Is this normal? Do most people use handfiles for their filework, or do they predominantly use dremels and foredom tools but have some sort of knack that I don't? Any help or info would be welcome :)
 
Hi there:

Nice looking filework in that other thread, you done good :)

A dremel is not a foredom tool, though they are both rotary tools.

I doubt very much if I have steady enough hands to do filework with a dremel... maybe you could try and setup some sort of jig?

Seriously though... you dont need a rotary tool to do filework... you just need a couple files. A small chainsaw file and a triangular file allow you to do alot of patterns on their own.
 
Though I have never done file work I have used a Dremel quite a bit.

I find the Dremel very quirky and it's extremely easy to let it get it away from you on fine work. It's like it does its job too well. I think if the motorized unit were much smaller, lighter and easier to control it would be great but then it probably wouldn't have the power it needs..

Sorry I'm not much help but for what it's worth every Maker I know who does filework (esp the intricate stuff like Bill Ruple, Rusty Preston, etc) all use hand files.
 
Soulsmith said:
G'day all,
I ran a thread a while back asking for feedback on some filework I'd done, and got some great responses.
(http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695282)

I also had it recommended to me that I get myself a foredom tool or something similar if I wanted to go further with that kind of work. Thanx to my wonderful fiancee I now own a Dremel, and I've been experimenting with it in my fileworking for a couple months now. Problem is I'm not getting the results I was expecting, in fact so far I've found I get the work done quicker and with more precision using hand files :confused:

I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who has done some filework using a foredom tool or dremel, and has any hints or suggestions about using it. My biggest problem is if I haven't gone deep enough on the first try, then it's hard as buggery to grind in the exact same spot again in order to grind deeper without getting overlapping grind marks (hard to explain, but if you've tried it hopefully you know what I mean).

eg:
buggered.jpg

(something like this... sorta:p)

It's a pain because I've found my grinds are much crisper with the dremel when I get it right, but it's so unpredictable especially when it comes to depth that I invariably do my pattern experiments with my handfiles. Is this normal? Do most people use handfiles for their filework, or do they predominantly use dremels and foredom tools but have some sort of knack that I don't? Any help or info would be welcome :)
Click to expand...
Soulsmith,

The biggest problem with rotary tools is that the cutting force wants to push the grinding wheel sideways in the cut. A file, whether vee or round, has balanced cutting forces as you push it through the metal, so it stays centered without a lot of effort. Also, because your own muscles power the cut, you have a lot finer control with a file.

For your decorative filework, which you seem to have a real gift for, files are probably the best tools to use.

Bill
 
I have done quite a bit of work with rotary tools. Here are some tips:
Does your tool have variable speed? Slower settings work well. You can use a foot rheostat to help with control. A sewing machine foot pedal wil work.
Rotary tools are difficult to master, and take some practice.
Carbide bits cut faster than HS bits.
Rather than using bits that cut lengthwise, you can use wheels to cut at a 90 degree angle.
The bit that I use the most is the thin separating discs. They are the most versatile.
Roughing out your work with the rotary tool, and finishing with files is an option.
What the Dremel WILL do, that you can't do with files, is polish your filework. Use rubber wheels to remove the file/rough marks, then use rouge on a felt wheel to high polish your work.
 
I agree with Bill, they have their uses, but you gotta get used to them.

One thing that helps me is clamping the workpiece in such a position that I can rest or brace my Dremel-holding hand or my forearm against a nearby solid object (vise, buffer, anvil, whatever). It helps me steady up.

Parker
 
Friggin' awesome feedback guys, exactly the kinda info I needed.

Sparljo, I hope I didn't offend by implying a Dremel and Foredom tool were the same ;) They seemed to be very similar when I researched them, and I went with Dremel because it was the only brand available at my local hardware store. I've actually had some decent results with the Dremel, so my hands must be steadier than I thought, but the afformentioned issues remain.

Bill Deshivs, I have a variable speed Dremel Stylus, but I've found if I have it set too slow it takes the length of the Titanic movie to get anything done, and tends to catch occasionally. Of course if it's set high enough to work properly then, as you said, it can cause even more issues. Catch 22. I have considered using the Dremel for fleshing out a design, then using files for finishing it as you suggested, however the Dremel bit is a larger size than all my handfiles, so I guess I'll just have to work that out :p

Catspa, if I even had a benchvise in the first place I'd probably be having much less trouble rofl! Yep, still holding the knives on a tabletop to do my filework, however I've found that means I can have the knife positioned exactly how I want it as opposed to being fixed vertically in a vise.... does tire out the old hand though :D

So it looks like handfiles are the preffered option for most fileworking after all, as opposed to an electric tool of some sort. Kinda wish I'd known that earlier, but at least I know I'll still get some use out of the Dremel, even if it is probably gonna be more for random handyman chores around the house. Thanx all :)
 
If I were going to filework a knife, I would do 90% of the work with a rotary tool.
Rotary bits and burrs are available in all different sizes and configurations. You just need skill and the proper bits. Diamond bits are handy.
Using a rotary file can cause your cuts to "walk." Using a wheel causes your cuts to walk in a different direction.
My advice is to play with the Dremel and bits. Learn what they will and won't do. And acquire the skill required to use the tool.
Another tip:
Always have the thumb of the hand holding the tool braced on either the workpiece, or a solid surface.
 
Not all vises hold it vertical. But when you get one, even if it does, you can think up all kinds of cheatin' tricks. Just sayin...

Parker
 
Fair call Catspa, I guess I'll just have to wait and see what I come up with when I eventually go and purchase a vise.
Yeah Bill, I get the whole walking thing, and that's a good point. My attempts at walking to create 's' patterns have so far come up.... sub par lol
 
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