What is a mill file?

11th March 2020


	What is a mill file?


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			Mill files are multipurpose saw files that are most commonly used for sharpening blades. For more information, see: How to sharpen blades with a file

			They are also used to even out saw teeth at the beginning of the sharpening process. This has earned them the nickname ‘mill saw’ files.For more about sharpening saws, see: How to sharpen a hand saw with a file: step by step

			They are similar in shape to flat and hand files, and therefore lend themselves well to tasks suited to them.See: What are hand and flat files?

			What are the characteristics of a mill file?
			Cross section Mill files are rectangular in cross section but may have one or more curved edges.

			Profile and cut They are generally slightly tapered in width, although blunt mill files do exist. They are single cut on both faces and edges.

			The shape and cut of mill files mean that they are excellent for sharpening flat blade edges. Their slight taper allows the option for more control when sharpening smaller blade sections, and the fact that they are single cut creates a smooth, consistent edge on a blade.

			Mill files with curved edges can also sharpen more exotic blades, such as hook knives, as the curved edge will fit inside the hooked section of the blade.

			Coarseness The most frequently found coarseness on a mill file is bastard cut. For this reason, they are also known as ‘mill bastard’ or ‘bastard’ files.

			Size Mill files are usually availabe in lengths from 100mm (4 inches) to 350mm (14 inches).

			Swiss or American pattern? Mill files are American pattern files.