When I started to learn metalsmithing, Lexi stressed the importance of hand finishing my work. Part of that process involves using some of these hand files, along with sand paper and other things.
In the picture at the top of this post, I have my size 0, 2, and 4 files. For the most part, I start with my 0 file as it takes off the rough edges the fastest and then I work my way to the finer files. I don’t always need to do that, it just depends on the finish I’m trying to achieve on the edges of my metal.
All of these files are manufactured by Grobet. I purchased mine through Tevel at Allcraft. One thing I’ve learned is buying quality tools is money well spent. With proper care, your files will last a long time and you will be protecting your investment.
My set of number 1 Habilis files, also by Grobet.
Generally I use the number 0 and number 1 files and my work is done. My goal is to get that nice, clean edge on my pieces. The hand finish process creates a smooth finish that will prevent the jewelry from snagging clothing or feeling sharp to the wearer.
One of the added benefits I find with hand finishing pieces is that I find it very soothing to do. I love working with my hands. As I hand finish my pieces, I feel like I’m putting a part of my soul into the piece…kind of bringing it to life with the gentle care of crafting the metal in its final form. It is a zen thing for me, no doubt.
How to protect your investment. It’s important to keep the files clean and the file cleaner, shown below, helps to pick out the bits of metal shavings that can accumulate in the file’s teeth.
This last file I want to show is is also a Grobet….it’s very small compared to the others and is used for very fine work, like gently filing the edge of a bezel. Wonderful for delicate jobs where the others will just overpower and possibly ruin your metalwork.
The number 6 file is expensive. I bought mine last year and it was over $60. It’s only 4 or 5 inches long. However it is a wonderful little file for precision work and I have found it to be worth every penny I spent. This one also came from Allcraft.
Why do I hand finish my work? The obvious answer is that it was the way I was taught. However, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to explore other options and I still come back to hand finishing my work. As I said earlier, it is a very soothing part of the process for me and, in my opinion, the end result cannot be rivaled.
Another way some metalsmiths use for their final finish work is a tumbler. I actually have one that I have never used. Ironically, I bought it when I was doing wire wrap work and knew it was a good way to work harden the wire and finish the pieces. Frankly, I just never found the courage to put my pieces in a tumbler because I was wire wrapping fused glass cabochons and I just didn’t trust the tumbling process to not harm my glass. I had these visions of chipped or scratched glass cabs with my wire work destroyed and gnarled….just never felt like trying the tumbler. Someday I’ll need to explore it on something small just to be able to compare the results.
I recognize that metalsmiths choose a variety of ways to finish their jewelry, some based on how they have been taught, some on alternative methods they’ve discovered and just enjoy, some it’s just their signature way of completing a piece. I think the way an artist finishes their pieces becomes a matter of personal preference and what they like in the final look for their work.
At this point, because I enjoy working with my hands so much, I will continue to hand finish my pieces. I find all of these files are an invaluable part of my process that allow me to achieve the look and feel I want in the personal adornments I create.
That concludes this week’s segment of Talkin’ Tools. For those metalsmiths in the crowd, what is your favorite method to finish your work and why?
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
10 comments
June 3, 2011 at 9:37 am
Riv
Interesting post! I haven’t yet sprung for the really high end files. Right now, I use a combination of files and sandpaper to round down edges.
I just got a tumbler as a birthday present–I had no idea it was a somewhat controversial thing! I’m mainly looking to use it to impart a shinier finish without abrading away the patinas I’ve carefully applied and adjusted. It may be a bit redundant alongside my flexshaft, but I’m hoping the burnishing effect will bring improvements to my surfaces without increasing the labor (and cost to the buyer). I’ll probably continue to do most of the edge finishing by hand, since I like more of a bevel than the tumbler can impart.
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June 3, 2011 at 10:25 am
Kathleen Krucoff
Hi Riv!
Thanks for sharing how you finish your work.
I didn’t mean to imply using a tumbler is controversial. I think it’s a matter of choice and everyone has their preferences. I certainly understand how its use can help with labor costs. I’ll be curious to know what your assessment is when you use it.
I’m with you, I like that slight bevel on the edge of my pieces too…I think that is part of why I will stick with the hand finish approach.
Best wishes,
Kathleen
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June 3, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Riv
I’ll definitely blog about my experiments with the tumbler 🙂
I was into making 3D graphics (on the computer) before I got into metalsmithing, and I read a lot of tutorials on photorealism. One of the big things that they emphasized was the need to bevel edges–that the razor-sharp polygonal edges that are so easy to make on the computer are rarely found in real-world objects that have a history and a story. I think that’s the biggest reason I pay attention to edges in my metalwork!
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June 3, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Kathleen Krucoff
I look forward to your blog posts….just subscribed to your blog and found you on twitter too.
Happy creating Riv!
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June 4, 2011 at 9:32 am
lexierickson
Nice post about files. You know I believe a girl can never have too many files….or hammers….or pliers, OK. You can never have too many tools. But the really funny thing, exactly what I have have taught you, is to enjoy what I have called the Zen of the process, not knowing if it was the right word or not. Now that you are using the same word, and I read it here, it does make sense. I have always asked my students, why are you doing this if you don’t enjoy the process? I do very little with electricity, as you know. Maybe a touch of a “spider” here and there. The process of using your hands is so calming and rewarding. Maybe this is why students from all over love to come to my studio and work. Its peaceful. Maybe I’ll blog on the “Zen of the Process”. Thank you so much for passing on this about hand finishing. It is true love of the art. This post was about so much more than “files”.
Love you,
Lexi
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June 4, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Kathleen Krucoff
Love your insights Lex!
Yes we can never have too many tools…I think that was my Dad’s philosophy too.
Definitely looking forward to your blog post about the Zen of the Process; it is so true.
Love you too! Your Little Sis
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June 4, 2011 at 1:19 pm
hw(hallie)farber
When I was sculpting with stone, I loved the finishing–rasp, file; then all the grades of sandpaper. There is something quite spiritual about touching and smoothing and knowing every speck of the piece; definitely a zen thing.
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June 4, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Lexi Erickson
Absolutely. You said it very nicely! I agree 100%.
Lexi
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June 4, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Kathleen Krucoff
Totally agree with you Hallie! Love your thoughts about it being spiritual with touching, smoothing and knowing every part of the piece. So true.
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June 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm
The Zen of the Process « The Torch
[…] week, Kathleen Krucoff, my sister, student and best friend, wrote a post on her Talking Tools blog about files. While she was really writing about files, if you read between the lines, what she was really […]
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