I used a broad file for the last mm when turning my pens - Is this a bad thing?

Hello, I used a 3 cm broad semi rough cut file to remove the last millimeter on my pens. Using the file I got the blank straight and better control of the removal of the material. Then I used 220 sandpaper and removed the rough texture, 400, 600 and then CA. Then 600, 1500 --> 12000 and then polish. Worked very well on my last pen.

But is it a bad thing to use a file?

Regards,
Emil

Its not necessarily a 'bad' thing just not part of the wood turners 'vocabulary' in turning such a fine object.

Wood turners do use files for spirals etc and as part of sculpting their pieces but normally when the piece is static.

Part of the skill is in being able to turn down to the final .5 mm as close to finish as possible and then do the final finish. If you have to resort to the 80 gouge paper or file then you aren't really demonstrating a skill. If you have used the tool properly then the wood should be satin smooth anyway.

Equally if you get into that habit you will start to use it on other pieces and the larger they get the more dangerous it will become to use a tool without a tool rest; therein lies the future peril brought about by an 'innocent' bad habit.

But as some posted previously you can use your feet to operate a skew, all that really matters in the end is first safety second a beautiful finished product.

There you go my ten penn'orth :wink:

PG

PS if you want the sides to be flat, stick some sand paper to a piece of plywood and use that you can then have several grits all placed strategically, personally I use this Flexipads Shaped Hand Sanding Blocks - Sanding Blocks & Pads - Abrasives - Abrasives, Cleaners & Finishing | Axminster Tools & Machinery with an assortment of grits then sanding sealer then micromesh to 12000grit

Some folks use hand planers, whatever floats your boat but have variable speed control. Unless you are a left hander your method is sus if not risky, but then depending how you use sandpaper can be as well. I cut mine into 3/4 inch strips to keep my fingers safer.

I finish with a skew on the flat just below centre and rate that the equivalent of 400 grit.

Peter.

Use whatever you need to get to the finished product as long as you are safe, but it would be better to use normal tools, i.e. a skew if you can or your favourite gouge. It takes a little practice, but you will get there very quickly if you keep using it.

Peter

Thank you all for your input. As I suspected I will be able to cut down the last bit with proper tools and technique using a safe method. I will practice.


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If it work why not.
My favorite tool is the skew, just put the longest piece of wood that you can on your lathe about 2" X 2" square and try planing it down till it round and smooth, just keep practicing till your confidence.

Melchior said:

Is it a bad thing to use a file?

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Buckeye said:

Use whatever you need to get to the finished product as long as you are safe, but it would be better to use normal tools

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I agree with Peter. use whatever does the job, stay safe and learn to use the traditional tools in your own time.