Micro ? needle files

[Hayfield1]

Some time ago in a second hand kit I got off eBay were 4 Micro needle files which I have found exceptionally useful for preparing rail ends to fit chairs. I have added 2 standard needle files in the photo to show the differance

2 x 1.5mm square profile
2 x 1.5mm round



The files are just under 14cm long, cutting surface 60 cm long, the handles are 1.85 square and 8.5cm long

Any thoughts please what these files are called and where to buy them please

 

[2mm Andy]

They sound like Escapement files;

https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/escapement-files

(other suppliers are available)

Andy

 

[Renovater]

I use these files a lot but there is one which is above all and that is a flat with a fine cut on one flat and a medium the other but on the sides this one has one of the sides which is plain with no cut which is really useful for finishing off corners etc, this file is getting tired i have tried to find an exact replacement, looked everywhere, but with no luck. Any indications would be appreciated. Colin.

 

[simond]

My good lady purchased a set of Pferd needle files for a Christmas/Birthday present for me a year or two back.

They are very nice indeed to use

The cheapo eBay files are used on whitemetal and plastic…

 

[DavidB]

I have two very micro files, one round, one square, 3 inches long, tapered and at their widest are 0.8mm. The square one in particular is useful for opening slots for coupling hooks and recently cleaning the inside of Slaters square shanked buffer housing (4mm).

I thought these were escapement files but they are nothing like those I now find on the web. Anyone got any thoughts as to what type of file they are? I cannot find anything that small on the web.

 

[Dog Star]

I have two very micro files, one round, one square, 3 inches long, tapered and at their widest are 0.8mm. The square one in particular is useful for opening slots for coupling hooks and recently cleaning the inside of Slaters square shanked buffer housing (4mm).

This sounds like miniature files which were sold by Squires up to about 15 years back. Size is similar and what you are doing with the square one is just what i do with mine on 7mm scale lost wax buffer stocks.

Oh for some new ones.

 

[DavidB]

The round one I have had for about 40 years; the square one I bought from Eileens about 12 years ago. I know Derek Russan had a small number and I am fairly sure the file was a Vallorbe. The cost was eye-watering but it has been invaluable.

 

[Andrewnummelin]

Vallorbe are probably the best available. Shame they no longer make the 140mm ones.

https://www.vallorbe.com/file.cfm?cmsfile=&contentid=6961

Cousins stock a range of these and other brands.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/search?searchTerm=Needle%20file

 

[simond]

Pferd website

Needle files hand

de.pferd.com

 

[DavidB]

I have in my armoury a flat Stubbs file which is 0.6mm thick. The faces are smooth, the cut being solely on the edge which is flat. Stubbs files have long since disappeared except on the second-hand market where they are akin to hens' teeth.

The nearest equivalent I have found are Luthier's nut files, used for making the grooves in stringed instrument bridges and top of the finger board to take the strings. I have a few which are 10, 13, 16 and 20 thou thick. These cut only on the edge but, unlike the Stubbs, the edge is half-round. Nevertheless, I find these very useful, especially the 13 thou which is the same thickness as most brass etched sheets for 4mm models. I did not find them easy to source in the UK (it was a few years ago) and bought mine from Stewart Macdonald (Stewmac) in the US. They are about $25 which today is around £18.50 (plus the inevitable p&p). I got mine when I was in the States.

Returning to fine shaped files, I have found this 'ultra thin' (0.6mm) fine round file from Metal Clay in Dorset at £22. There is also a medium cut round and flat file which is 0.5mm thick.