A FILE, IS A FILE, IS A FILE...NOT SO!!

Learn the correct ways to use files to improve the quality of your jewelry projects. Designer Craftsman Jeweler, Greg Greenwood, will explain the different types, shapes, cuts of files and demonstrate the correct techniques of hand filing. Confused about which files to purchase? You won't be after you watch this very informative video. Greg Greenwood takes the mystery out of files to help you bring your jewelry projects to a new quality level.

[@anneliesdeinum]

You're such an inspiring teacher, I love your video's. Thank you so much!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Annelies, Thank you so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. Keep watching! Greg Greenwood

[@flyingcheff]

My friend Lexie Erickson echoes your sentiment. Her version with reference to shoddy workmanship: "...and don't tell me, 'Its rustic'...". Good workmanship, is unmistakable!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Flying Chef, Tell your friend Lexie, Thank you!!! Thanks for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@wylenezopfi7827]

I’ve always struggled with files- the types, the cuts, which one is used for different projects… and you just made it very clear! I really appreciate that you demonstrated the files too!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Wylene, You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind comments. Greg Greenwood

[@marcoantoniovento6347]

Thank you for another clear meaningful video! It’s really a pleasure to watch trained hands in action.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Marco, Thank you for your very kind comments. I appreciate it. Greg Greenwood

[@ThePixelChix]

I think I’ve watched all of your videos over the last month while recovering from a broken foot. Thank you for such wonderful videos! Your straightforward and un-rushed teaching style demystifies so many techniques. THANK YOU!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello ThePixelChix, Thank you very much for watching and your kind comments. Hope I helped mend your foot!! LOL Greg Greenwood

[@nathalygomes3112]

i'm in love with your channel. The teaching is so clear and well explained. Thank you for the content you are putting out there for us. Much love from Brazil.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Nathaly, Muito obrigado por seus comentários gentis. Fico muito feliz que esteja gostando do meu canal. ( I hope I have the translation correct.) Thank you again. Greg Greenwood

[@glynroseden2970]

I am right at the start of my journey. Your excellent in depth tutorials are really helpful to de-mystefy the tools and techniques. You are a superb communicator on the subject and I will continue watching all of your tutorials. I have also looked at your website shop and love the individuality of your pieces. They stand apart from most other creators. Thankyou for your generosity of heart. Greetings from '' across the pond '.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Glyn, Thank you very much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. The best to you in the new year. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@lxy7820]

This is so amazingly helpful! Thank you for all you do!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hell LX Y, I am very glad that I can help you. Keep watching! Greg Greenwood

[@kim4561]

This video really helped me thank you. For taking time to share such important information. Kim South Africa

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Kim, Very glad to hear it helped you! Thank you for your comments. Greg Greenwood

[@irenedebruyn2796]

Really informative, thank you.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Irene, You are welcome! Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@catherinemartina6469]

Thank you for these videos you are a wealth of information

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Catherine, You are so welcome. Glad you like them. Greg Greenwood

[@martarobredo3436]

I love all the personal tips and the reminders on how to use the files.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Marta, Glad you like them. Thank you for commenting. Greg Greenwood

[@wolfiesownx4893]

That was great!!! Thank you so much!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello wolfiesown, You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@malcolmthompson9848]

I find handles to be essential even on small files. I make my own on a wood lathe. I drill out a hole that allows the tang to sink about half way into the handle. Then I heat the tang to a dull red and shove the handle onto the hot tang. This sinks the tang 3/4 deep and makes a solid fit. It's not a problem to heat file tangs as they are not hardened anyway. I use copper pipe for ferules. Have you tried the trick using a piece of brass sheet to clean file teeth? I mount a bit of brass sheet on a dowel and push the edge across the teeth. Soon the file cuts into the edge of the softer brass turning the brass into a comb. The teeth of the comb then rake out the material clogging the teeth. File cards are rather hard on files. Brass is the way to go.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Malcolm, Thank you for your great comments and suggestions. I will try the brass sheet trick. Sounds interesting. Thanks a million for participating in the discussion. I am always interested in different ideas. I appreciate it! Greg Greenwood

[@keelygreen6455]

Certainly learned a LOT about files today; thank you!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Good deal!! Greg Greenwood

[@CrimsonPrisoner]

Thank you so much for the incredibly helpful video!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Crimson, You're very welcome! Nice to hear from you. Thanks for your comment. Greg Greenwood

[@amccaffrey1443]

For a beginner jewelry maker/silversmith/metalsmith (not sure which title suits me best as a beginner) anyway if I have a set of needle files but can only afford to get one or two hand files to get started, which two would you recommend?? Thank you so much for all your tutorials, they’re so clear and straightforward. I’ve watched several. I appreciate that you provide such incredibly helpful information! And for free no less! Many Thanks 🙏🏼😊

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Andrea, I would suggest that you get a flat file #3 or #4 and a half round file #3 or #4. This will give you a good range of filing. Thank you for your kind comments. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Lisa-yj8dt]

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your channel! This was lucky timing for me because I am buying some files. I mostly have needle files so far. If you ever get a chance, can you please make a video on how you organize your bench? It looks very well thought out. I spend a lot of time looking things 🙂. Happy Thanksgiving Greg🦃🥧🍂

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Lisa, Glad it was helpful! Good luck on buying your files. New files are always fun. I will think about your video suggestion. Happy Thanksgiving to you also. Greg Greenwood

[@madsfelsted2716]

Thank you for your interesting and useful videos☺ Your instruction is the main reason that I'm able to make silver soldering the right way. Thank you. I'm not at all up to say anything negative about your very instructive and highly skilled work but there is one thing i found out resently about file cards: File cards can be very rough and damaging to the fine files. Just use a piece of hardwood or thick brass sheet and rub the end of it in the same direction, as with the file card. Both the piece of wood and the brass sheet will take shape after the file, which isn't the case with the wires on the file card. The file card can clean a file but will dull the top of the teeths over time.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Mads, You are 100% correct about the file cards. I am going to be making a follow up video about file cards and the cleaning of files. I should have mentioned the dulling affect during the video. It is very important for everyone to know. So, watch for the follow up video. I always like to listen to my followers and everyone learns new techniques and ideas. I feel it is my responsibility to pass that information along. Also, I am very glad that I have been able to help you with your soldering techniques. Way to Go!! Thank you for the suggestions. Greg Greenwood

[@anyascelticcreations]

Thank you for the nice video. I don't do much filing because I primarily do wirework. So, I only have the ends of the wire to deal with. I have one half round needle file and one regular flat file. And a whole bunch of cup burrs. But I have wondered about files in case I want to use them more someday. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. 👍

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Anyas, I am very glad I can help and am happy to share ideas. Good Luck Greg Greenwood

[@SecrePeach]

Oh Greg thanks so much for this video. I’ve been struggling with needle files but just last night ordered my first large flat file. I thought as you mentioned ‘a files a files a file’ so it was great to have explanations not only on types but also how to get the best action AND cleaning, you have a wonderful way of explaining in an easy to follow format. I feel so much more comfortable in ordering my next purchase! I have just received my new Foredom flexi shaft motor and wondered will you do a ‘how to use and look after the motor’ video?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Way to Go Karen, You will love your file. Plus your new Flex shaft!! Too Cool. My Flex Shaft is over 45 years old and still going strong! A video on flex shafts is on my radar. In the mean time, just use it and have fun. You will learn the feel of it. Give it some time. Thank you for your comments and suggestions. Greg Greenwood

[@RaGaMuffinJewelery]

Awesome video Greg my son and I have stopped watching anything else! What exactly have you found is good for dipping the file ends in? the tapes sound like a sticky mess someday. And again Our Sincere thanks for all the help and the videos with so much detail and explanation. We love them

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Oklagrowma, Thank you so much for your very kind comments. I really appreciate it. I use "Plasti Dip" . It is a multi-purpose rubber coating for tools. Pliers etc. You can purchase at Wal Mart or most hardware stores. Glad I can help you. Greg Greenwood

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

You can get the blue plastic handles with the screw on they can be taken off and used on another !

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Oleg, Thanks for the tip. It is a good idea also for someone on a budget. Thank you. Greg Greenwood

[@torstenneuer1560]

I use wooden, unlacquered handles for my files and burn the number of the cut plus the shape of the file into the handle. So when they are resting in their stand/holder, it is quite easy to spot the right one - no searching.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Torsten, I can picture your files and they would be very handy for sure. I always enjoy your comments. Take care. Greg Greenwood

[@garrattfan]

I always grind a safe edge on my flat files if they are not present already. A simple bench grinder will do the job.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Garratt, I am glad to hear your make your own safe edges. I do that on some of my files. Great tip. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@theleader8613]

amazing

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Elias, Glad you think so! Thank you for your comment. Greg Greenwood

[@theleader8613]

@@greggreenwood4628 thank you sir.. i have question i have some silver coins which is 90% silver i want to make it 92.5% so i can make jewelry with it but i want to know what the method i should do to make that happen thanks again

[@irenedebruyn2796]

I use wine bottle corks for handles. Stops the tang digging into you

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Irene, Nice idea for the corks. I love to recycle whenever possible. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@donobototron]

learned lots on this one. we do woodworking and always find it most enjoyable when done paitentlly. good reminder to also do this making jewelry. we bought the Glardon-Vallorbe LP1094 Precision File Set Of 5 - 6" (150mm) Cut 2 set from ottofrei after looking at recommendations on the ganoskin jewelry community. seems to match up well with your recommendations. cheers

[@greggreenwood4628]

Sounds great! Best to you. Greg Greenwood