Woodworking is a craft that has been around for centuries and continues to be popular today. One essential tool that every woodworker needs is a file. Files are used to shape and smooth wood, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this article, we will be discussing the best file for woodworking.
When it comes to choosing a file for woodworking, there are several things to consider. The first thing to think about is the type of file you need. There are several types of files, including flat files, round files, and half-round files. Each type of file is designed for a specific purpose, so it’s essential to choose the right one for the job.
Another thing to consider when choosing a file is the size. Files come in various sizes, and the size you choose will depend on the size of the project you’re working on. A larger file will be more effective for larger projects, while a smaller file will be better for smaller projects.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the quality of the file. A high-quality file will last longer and perform better than a lower quality file. Look for a file made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.
In this article, we will be reviewing the top files for woodworking. We’ve tested and researched several files to identify the ones that are the best for shaping and smoothing wood. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, we’ve got you covered.
Best Files for Woodworking
If you are a woodworking enthusiast, you know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. A good file is an essential tool in any woodworker’s arsenal, as it helps you shape and smooth your woodwork with precision and ease. In this article, we have put together a list of the best files for woodworking, based on their quality, durability, and user reviews. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, you are sure to find a file that suits your needs and budget in our roundup.
Libraton 31PCs Metal File Set
If you’re looking for a comprehensive set of metal files for your woodworking or metalworking projects, the Libraton 31PCs Metal File Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 31 pieces, including 16 metal files and rasps, 12 precise needle files, 12 sandpapers, 1 riffler file, 1 steel brush, and a zipper bag for easy storage and transport.
- All the files and rasps are made from high-quality materials, and the long-lasting teeth were precisely milled, tempered, and coated for durable filing performance.
- The ergonomically rubberized handles provide a comfortable feeling during usage, and the dipped handles ensure a firm grip for the best control.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the files and rasps don’t seem very sturdy, but only time will tell how durable they are.
- The set includes sandpapers, but they may not be of the highest quality.
- The zipper bag may not be very durable and may not last as long as the files and rasps.
Overall, the Libraton 31PCs Metal File Set is a great option for anyone looking for a comprehensive set of metal files for their woodworking or metalworking projects. With a wide variety of files and rasps, as well as precise needle files and sandpapers, this set has everything you need to remove, refine, reshape, and scrape your projects. The rubberized handles provide a comfortable grip, and the dipped handles ensure the best control. Plus, with a 12-month warranty, you can be confident in your purchase.
TARIST 3-Piece 8″ Wood Rasp File Set, Includes Flat/Half-Round/Round. For Woodworking & Sharping Wood Wood File – 3 pcs
If you’re in the market for a reliable and durable wood rasp file set, TARIST’s 3-piece set might be just what you need.
Pros
- The files are made of premium carbon steel, making them durable and long-lasting.
- The teeth are deeply quenched and coated for superior filing performance.
- The set includes three different files (flat, half-round, and round) for versatile woodworking applications.
Cons
- The teeth were deeply quenched and coated, so the files cannot withstand being dropped.
- The flat file doesn’t have as good of a bite for sharpening applications.
- The grooves are close together, which may make it difficult to remove large amounts of material.
These files are a great addition to any woodworking toolkit. The carbon steel construction and deeply quenched teeth ensure that they will last for a long time, even with frequent use. The set includes three different files, each with a unique shape, so you can tackle a variety of woodworking tasks with ease.
One thing to keep in mind is that the files cannot withstand being dropped. The teeth are deeply quenched and coated, which makes them brittle and prone to breaking if dropped. Additionally, the grooves on the files are close together, which may make it difficult to remove large amounts of material quickly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile set of wood rasp files, TARIST’s 3-piece set is definitely worth considering.
REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set
If you’re looking for a complete file set for your woodworking projects, the REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set might be the product you need.
Pros
- The set includes 16 pieces of T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel files that are durable and long-lasting.
- The set comes with 4 large files (flat, triangle, half-round, and round) and 12 precision needle files, 6 pieces of sandpaper, a metal wire brush, and a pair of working gloves, all packed in a rugged, compact carry case for storage and portability.
- The long and soft handle of the files provides comfortable handling that allows for hours of use.
Cons
- The set might be too expensive for those who only need a few files.
- Some users have reported that the files are not as sharp as they expected.
- The quality of the sandpaper included in the set might not be the best.
The REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set is a great investment for those who need a complete set of files for their woodworking projects. The T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel files are durable and long-lasting, and the set includes a wide variety of files that can be used for different purposes. The compact carry case makes it easy to store and transport the files, and the long and soft handle provides comfortable handling that allows for hours of use.
The set might be too expensive for those who only need a few files, but if you’re looking for a complete set, this one is worth considering. Some users have reported that the files are not as sharp as they expected, but this can be easily fixed by sharpening them before use. The quality of the sandpaper included in the set might not be the best, but it’s still a nice addition to the set.
Overall, if you’re looking for a complete set of files for your woodworking projects, the REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set is a great option to consider.
CHENTUOPO 57Pcs Metal & Wood File Rasp Set
If you’re looking for a complete file set that can handle all your woodworking needs, the CHENTUOPO 57Pcs Metal & Wood File Rasp Set is a great option.
Pros
- Made of high-quality carbon steel, with a durable and heat-resistant file body hardness up to 63～66HRC, ensuring long-lasting cutting performance.
- Complete 57-piece metal file set with 18 files, 2 electric file heads, a scraper, and 36 sandpapers, suitable for wood, metal, mirrors, and more.
- Includes 14 needle files with precise, round, edge, joint, slit, and isometric electric postures, and 2 file heads-1/4″ handle Steel Rotary Files, Die Grinder Bits for Metal Polishing Wood Carving Drilling Engraving.
Cons
- The sandpapers are soft-back and may not be suitable for heavy-duty sanding tasks.
- The case is not waterproof, so it may not be ideal for outdoor use.
- Some of the files may require sharpening before use.
This file set is perfect for those who need a variety of files for different woodworking tasks. The high-quality carbon steel material ensures that the files are durable and heat-resistant, making them suitable for long-term use. The complete set includes 18 files, 2 electric file heads, a scraper, and 36 sandpapers, making it ideal for wood, metal, mirrors, and more. The 14 needle files are perfect for rounded details and fine work, and the 2 file heads-1/4″ handle Steel Rotary Files, Die Grinder Bits for Metal Polishing Wood Carving Drilling Engraving are great for shaping and cutting.
The 36 Grits Assortment sandpapers are perfect for polishing objects smoothly with only moderate effort, with high resistance to slip or loose during usage. The grits spec is printed on the back of the sandpapers for easy identification. The large 13.5in/345mm long, zipper case protects the teeth of the files by keeping them always in the case. Made of splash-resistant Oxford cloth with a reinforced shell and a wrap-around zipper, it opens wide for easy tool access. Each tool fits snugly with elastic straps into its respective hold to prevent moving around and becoming damaged during transportation or while at the bottom of a tool bag.
Overall, the CHENTUOPO 57Pcs Metal & Wood File Rasp Set is a great investment for those who need a complete file set for all their woodworking needs.
Telont Wood Rasp File Set
If you’re looking for a quality rasp for woodworking or furniture making that involves shaping curved or carved surfaces, Telont Wood Rasp File Set is a great choice. This rasp allows you to achieve the desired shape quickly, with great control, and can leave a surface requiring a minimum of finishing. Here are the pros and cons of this product:
Pros
- The wood file set is made of premium grade heat-treated high carbon steel with coarse teeth, durable and heat-resistant.
- Large & comfortable Rubber handle gives you a sure grip for controlled strokes, pressure, and a comfortable grip.
- This wood rasp file set can use for removing, refining, reshaping, and scraping projects. The hand file is perfect for shaping wood, metal, jewelry, mirror, glass, tile, ceramics, leather, and plastic that require detail precision work on small surfaces and tight areas.
Cons
- Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, and wear other appropriate safety items for protection. These rasp files are made from high carbon steel, and they are heat-treated so that they are tougher than the steel or other materials that they are to be applied.
- They are not as sharp as they should be, and you’re going to have to work fairly hard to remove material with them.
- Heavy, dull, and doesn’t last very long. A waste of money.
This wood rasp file set includes a half-round, round, and shoe files set. The Wood rasp is made by a course cut pattern with 20 teeth per square centimeter and is excellent for stock removal in a variety of applications, great for multiple woodworking needs. The package includes 3PCS Wood Rasp File set: 1/2″ wide curved side rasp; 1/4″ wide circular rod rasp; 1/2″ wide flat rasp. The file body length is 200mm, and the overall length is 32cm.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a quality rasp for woodworking or furniture making that involves shaping curved or carved surfaces, the Telont Wood Rasp File Set is a must-have. With comfortable grip, precise and uniform, clear teeth, and a variety of shapes, this rasp is invaluable for achieving the desired shape quickly with great control.
Kingzhuo Wood Files and Rasps 8 PCS 5.5 X 200mm Double Ended Riffler Wood Rasp File Set Riffler File Set Woodworking Carving Rasping Coarse Rasps and Files Handware Tools Wood File for Woodworking
If you’re looking for a set of files for woodworking, the Kingzhuo Wood Files and Rasps set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting use.
- Helps to shape and rapidly remove wood from curved surfaces.
- Can be used to smooth surfaces treated with a rasp after use.
Cons
- The curved tools are not as useful as expected.
- The case that comes with the set is cheaply made.
- The straight rasp is more useful than the other files.
This set of files is well-made and the rasps work well. They are easy to grip, which makes them comfortable to use for extended periods of time. However, the curved tools are not as useful as expected, and the case that comes with the set is cheaply made. The straight rasp is the most useful of the files in the set, while the others are less versatile.
If you need a set of files for woodworking, the Kingzhuo Wood Files and Rasps set is worth considering. The files are coarse, so they work best for rough shaping and carving work. However, if you need more delicate files for finer woodworking, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, this set is a good value for the price and is a great addition to any woodworking toolkit.
PLG2SUPT Wood File Set
If you are looking for a professional wood file set for your woodworking projects, the PLG2SUPT Wood File Set is worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 3 different shapes of files: flat, half-round, and round, which are perfect for shaping and sharpening wood.
- The set also includes a set of sandpapers with various grits, providing you with everything you need for your woodworking projects.
- The T12 material used in the files is heat-treated and tempered to achieve a minimal hardness of 60 HRc, ensuring that the files can keep working all the time.
Cons
- The plastic handles may not be as durable as expected, especially if you are using the files frequently.
- The sandpapers included in the set are not of the highest quality, so you may need to purchase higher quality sandpapers separately.
- The files may not be suitable for heavy-duty woodworking projects, as they are designed for lighter use.
The PLG2SUPT Wood File Set is a great choice for those who need a set of files for their woodworking projects. The set includes everything you need to shape and sharpen wood, and the T12 material used in the files ensures that they are durable and long-lasting. However, the plastic handles may not be as durable as expected, and the sandpapers included in the set may not be of the highest quality. Overall, if you are looking for a set of files for your woodworking projects, the PLG2SUPT Wood File Set is definitely worth considering.
YOCAMIRAGA Metal File Set
If you’re looking for a set of files for your woodworking projects, the YOCAMIRAGA Metal File Set might just be the one for you.
Pros
- The set includes both metal and needle files, making it versatile for different types of projects.
- The files are made of T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel with a Medium-grained pattern, ensuring durability and effectiveness.
- The set comes with a synthetic leather Roll-Up Tool Pouch, making it easy to transport and store your tools.
Cons
- The leather case might not be as durable as the files themselves.
- Some users have reported that the files don’t fit perfectly in the case.
- The set might not include all the file shapes that some users need for their specific projects.
The YOCAMIRAGA Metal File Set offers a great combination of versatility and durability. The set includes both metal and needle files, making it suitable for different types of projects. The files are made of T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel with a Medium-grained pattern, ensuring that they are built to last and can be used over and over again with equal effectiveness. The set also comes with a synthetic leather Roll-Up Tool Pouch, which is ideal for transporting your tools and organizing your workspace.
However, the leather case might not be as durable as the files themselves, and some users have reported that the files don’t fit perfectly in the case. Additionally, the set might not include all the file shapes that some users need for their specific projects. Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable set of files for your woodworking projects, the YOCAMIRAGA Metal File Set is definitely worth considering.
ANDGOO Wood Rasp File Set
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable wood rasp file set, the ANDGOO Wood Rasp File Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring sturdiness and durability.
- Features four tools in one, including a flat mill file, half-round second-cut file, flat wood rasp, and half-round wood rasp.
- Suitable for quick shaping or polishing of wood, plastic, plaster work-pieces, curved rough grinding, curved fine grinding, flat coarse grinding, plane fine grinding.
Cons
- May be uncomfortable to use for extended periods of time due to its size and weight.
- The file pattern type may not be suitable for all types of woodworking projects.
- Some users have reported that the file is not as sharp as expected.
This wood rasp file set is simple, functional, and well-built. It can handle a wide variety of woodworking tasks, from rough-shaping wood to sharpening blades. The flat mill file smooths edges and sharpens blades, while the half-round second-cut file smooths the inside surfaces of contoured openings and holes. The flat wood rasp rough-finishes wood, leather, soft metals, and soft plastics, and the half-round wood rasp roughly shapes the interior contours of wood, leather, soft metals, and soft plastics.
The ANDGOO Wood Rasp File Set is suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It is a good helper for carpenters and can be used for various projects. The set is made from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring sturdiness and durability. The clear teeth and precision second-cut grade make it reliable and efficient.
Overall, the ANDGOO Wood Rasp File Set is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and durable wood rasp file set. Its multi-occasional use and reliable nature make it a great tool for any woodworker.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best file for woodworking, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features you should look for when making your purchase:
File Type
There are several types of files available for woodworking, including flat files, round files, and half-round files. Each type is designed for specific tasks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.
File Cut
The cut of a file refers to the spacing and shape of its teeth. A rough cut file has larger teeth and is used for removing a lot of material quickly, while a smooth cut file has smaller teeth and is used for finishing work. Choose the appropriate cut for the task at hand.
File Length
The length of the file you choose will depend on the size of the project you’re working on. Longer files are better for larger surfaces, while shorter files are better for smaller, more intricate work.
File Handle
A comfortable handle is important when using a file for extended periods of time. Look for a handle that is ergonomic and easy to grip.
File Material
Files can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, diamond, and ceramic. Steel files are the most common and are suitable for most woodworking tasks. Diamond and ceramic files are more expensive but are ideal for harder materials.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best file for your woodworking project. Remember to choose a file that is appropriate for the task at hand, and always use it safely and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential characteristics of a high-quality woodworking file?
A high-quality woodworking file should have sharp and durable teeth that can cut smoothly and efficiently through wood. It should also have a comfortable handle that provides a secure grip and reduces hand fatigue during extended use. The file’s shape and size should be appropriate for the task at hand, and it should be made from a durable material that can withstand repeated use.
How do different types of rasps vary in their use for woodworking projects?
Different types of rasps are designed for specific tasks and materials. For example, a coarse rasp is ideal for removing a lot of material quickly, while a fine rasp is better suited for smoothing and finishing. Flat and half-round rasps are commonly used for shaping wood, while round rasps are often used for carving and shaping curved surfaces.
Which woodworking file shapes are most effective for furniture making?
The most effective woodworking file shapes for furniture making are flat, half-round, and round. Flat files are ideal for smoothing flat surfaces, while half-round files are great for shaping curves and contours. Round files are perfect for carving and shaping rounded surfaces.
What materials and coatings enhance the durability of woodworking files?
Woodworking files are typically made from high-carbon steel, which is durable and holds a sharp edge well. Some files are coated with materials like diamond or tungsten carbide, which can increase their durability and make them more resistant to wear and tear.
How does one maintain and clean woodworking files to ensure longevity?
To maintain and clean woodworking files, it is important to remove any debris or sawdust after each use. A wire brush or soft-bristled brush can be used to remove debris from the teeth. Files should also be stored in a dry place to prevent rusting, and they can be lightly oiled to prevent corrosion.
Can you recommend any specific brands or models of files favored by experienced woodworkers?
Some popular brands of woodworking files include Nicholson, Bahco, and Grobet. Experienced woodworkers often prefer specific models of files based on their personal preferences and the specific tasks they are performing. It is important to choose a file that is appropriate for the task at hand and that feels comfortable to use.
