Metalsmiths - Filing Technique

Filing is the process of removing metal and sculpting a shape into the metal. Mastering Filing Techniques are important, since these techniques are used on a daily basis by a metalsmith. You will benefit from mastering these techniques by increasing your speed and efficiency, which will save you many hours in the long run. You will be shown how to file a ring half round and how to scallop a ring.

This tutorial is suited for beginners with some general knowledge of metalsmith techniques and the basic bench tool setup.

Once you've mastered this technique you can expand on this project into various applications working on your speed and accuracy. It takes practice.

Video Bonus added to this Tutorial

Follow this short video clip to best see the angle and motion of the half-round filing technique.
Below is the gif animation illustrating the angle and filing motion.

Organizing your sanding tools always ready for use makes workflow more efficient and increases your finishing off speed. Another handy tip is making your own buff sticks.