What is a three square file?
What is a three square file? |
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Three square files are machinist’s files. Their triangular shape makes them perfect for shaping and deburring internal angles and corners. | |||
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They are used to start the process of turning round drill holes into square slots.
For a step by step guide, see: |
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Confusion with taper saw files |
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Taper saw files have the same cross section as three square files, but have more of a taper. It’s important not to confuse the two! Taper saws are single cut and more suited to sharpening than three square files.
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What are the characteristics of three square files? |
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Cross sectionThree square files, also called ‘triangular files’, ‘three corner files’ or ‘three quarter files’, are triangular in cross section. |
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As their cross section is an equilateral triangle, they can be relied on to create notches at an accurate 60° angle. | |||
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The cross-sectional shape of this file earned it its name: “three square” means a shape with three sides of equal length, which perfectly describes an equilateral triangle. | |||
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Profile and cutThey are tapered in width and thickness, which allows them to fit into tight spaces. They are double cut on all three faces, and single cut on all three edges. |
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SizeThree square files are usually available in lengths from 100mm (4 inches) to 350mm (14 inches). |
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Swiss or American?Three square files can be either Swiss or American pattern. |
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