Non-Tapered Sqaure File

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello Orchidians -

I have been looking for a square file with parallel sides all the
way to the tip, as opposed to the ones that taper. I don’t even know
if these exist, but if they do, I sure would prefer them for mitreing
corners. I’ve looked through all the catalogs I have and have not
found any. Does anyone know if these are made, and, if so, where to
get them? Thanks as always.

Joe Korth
Clear Creek Academy of Jewelry and Metal Arts
Denver, CO
www.clearcreekacademy.com

2 
I have been looking for a square file with parallel sides all the
way to the tip, as opposed to the ones that taper. I don't even
know if these exist, but if they do, I sure would prefer them for
mitreing

Hi, Joe. I have a very old 10" file that’s close - there are a few
that are close to what you ask. Try an equalling file or a narrow
pillar, though…

3

Hi Joe, Take a look at the machinist shops and ask the "Die Sinkers"
where they buy their tools. Get your money out because they are
expensive, and when you do purchase them put them in a place that
only you have access to and assure the person you allow to use them
knows what he is doing.

Stephen Wyrick
Gemmologist

4

I know it sounds wrong, but the best shaped file for mitres is the
3-square (its triangular in section).

Regards, Gary Wooding

5

Hi Joe;

I have been looking for a square file with parallel sides all the
way to the tip

I’ve certainly seen them. There used to be such an instrument as a
filing machine, and the files used in it were uniform in profile the
entire lenght. There is a company, you may know of it, called
Gesswein. Many on this forum know them as a jeweler’s tool supply
house, but they also carry an extensive selection of tools for
tool-and-die makers. I’m not at work at this time, so I don’t have
their number handy, but I’m sure it will come up in any search
engine, google, etc. Give them a call and ask them about their
tool-and-die maker’s catalog. There is a lot of seriously cool stuff
in there, much of which will cause jewelers to say, “hey, I didn’t
know somebody actually made a tool like that!”.

David L. Huffman

6

David, thanks for the info. I have been dealing with Gesswein for
years and never knew they had a tool and die catalog. I’m on the
phone. And just for those who are interested in non-tapered files a
round one is available at your local Hardware store (got mine at
Sears) just ask for a file to sharpen a chain saw. They are straight
and round and about 4 mm in diameter.

Frank Goss