Files that cut like a Japanese saw
Most Western files cut on the push stroke and leave a scratchy surface that needs sanding. Iwasaki files, made in Japan, are built differently. They have a unique spiral tooth pattern with chemically polished teeth, and they cut on the pull stroke, like a Japanese saw. The teeth imitate the cutting action of a plane or chisel, so they lift clean, fine shavings and leave a very fine finish.
They've been tested on some of the hardest Australian hardwoods. They also work on bamboo, plastic, resin and gypsum. That makes them a favourite with carvers, cabinetmakers, luthiers, model makers, chair makers, instrument makers and bowl makers.
Carving Files: small, precise, controlled
The 100mm carving files have a steel handle with a red rubber grip. They are 200mm overall, with a 10mm blade width. Each profile suits a different job:
- Flat 100mm ($42): small surfaces, edges, chamfers and fine adjustments.
- Half Round 100mm ($42): small curves and concave surfaces.
- Flat Cranked Handle 70mm ($42): narrow recesses, grooves and mouldings, cutting on the pull stroke.
- Curved 100mm ($42): hollow forms, bowls, scoops and instrument parts.
Float files: for the plane tuner
Two specialty files are for tuning Japanese hand planes and working very narrow spaces:
- Edge Float 100mm ($75): a slim file with a blade height of 3–16mm and a width of 3mm. It is used for tuning the blade-holding channels of Japanese planes.
- Side Float 100mm ($75): extra-thin at 3mm, for very narrow slots.
Draw Files: a mini drawknife in your hand
The 200mm Draw Files come in Flat and Half Round, with a blue rubber grip. Pulled across the work, they behave like a mini drawknife and remove fine curled shavings. They are available in Rough Cut and Semi-Fine Cut, and suit chair makers, handle makers, luthiers and carvers. Both cost $56.
Wood Files with White Oak handles
The 150mm wood files have a Japanese White Oak handle and are 265mm overall, with an 18mm blade width. The handle ships unassembled, and you seat it with a few firm taps of a hammer.
- Fine Flat ($49)
- Extra Fine Flat ($49): leaves a finish comparable to #280-grit sandpaper.
- Half Round ($49): one professional shaping file for general work and curved forms. It's good for chair parts, handles and instrument necks.
Round Files
- 3mm (90mm blade, 200mm overall): $42
- 6mm (100mm blade, 200mm overall): $45
- 8mm (200mm blade, 320mm overall, White Oak handle, ships unattached): $49
- Set of 3: $111, saving 10% on buying them separately.
Bundles
- Small File Bundle ($100, was $126): 100mm Flat, 100mm Half Round and 3mm Round.
- Perfect Shaping and Finishing Bundle ($73, was $91): 100mm Flat plus 150mm Half Round with White Oak handle.
Also in the collection: Shinto and Tsubotake
Two more Japanese names sit alongside the Iwasaki files.
Shinto Saw Rasps are described as the number one selling rasp in Japan. Multiple saw blades are joined in a diamond configuration, which resists clogging. They remove material fast from soft and hard woods, soft metals and composites without tearing the grain. Options:
- E1201 Medium & Fine, 200mm: $55
- E1101 Coarse & Medium, 200mm: $55
- E2101 Medium & Coarse, 250mm: $59
- SR30 Coarse & Fine with interchangeable handle, 250mm blade: $79
The SR30 has a second handle mid-blade for extra pressure. It has 10 TPI on the coarse side and 24 TPI on the fine side.
Tsubotake makes the Shave Engineering File and the Ace Cut Metal Files (Flat, Half-Round and Round). The Shave File has a special hardened coating (Hv900) and is claimed to last 3 to 6 times longer than regular files. The Ace Cut range has White Oak handles and suits stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminium, hard plastics, wood and bamboo.
Which file should you start with?
For most woodworkers, a 100mm Flat and a 100mm Half Round cover small shaping and edge work. If you're fairing chair parts, handles or instrument necks, add the 150mm Half Round. For fast stock removal ahead of any of these, a Shinto rasp does the heavy lifting. Then finish with an Iwasaki file for a clean surface.
