LoL's Bent Files
Frank LaRoque writes:
I have others that are a lot larger for other stuff.
These files are small 6" files with fine teeth.
I use them for detailing my carvings.
Straight files will not get in where these little files will.
I have three sets of "riffler" files, but, I like these better.
I use a standard propane torch for the heat.
Heat to light straw, grab the end with a pair of pliers
and they will bend like taffy.
If you hold the flame too close, you won't get enough
heat transfer. Experiment, you will find that
out towards the end of the blue flame is the best.
You will notice that I put on new handles for the picture,
two commercial and one hand made.
The three sided file was bent so one corner is out.
This is what I use for making "hair", like on FrankMc's feet.
The square file was bent "edge on" also, this will give you
a 90 degree angle. This file is really handy for cleaning out
the corners where you have too much glue and missed it.
Now, you can file it off.
Any place that you need a square corner,
this little file will come in handy.
The round file is good for the odd shapes
that come up inside of carvings and to clean out grooves.
Just used this one for tambour slat cleanout.
NO...... heating does NOT hurt the file. Temper is not lost.
You do not have to do anything to the file.
Let it a cool off in the air.
....LaRoque Onthe Loose....
AlanM adds a picture of some of his customized files:
