Many Files in the Blacksmith Shop

After an item has been forged it may be smoothed with a file.

Files are used to cut and smooth steel down to size and to change the shape of a surface. Files are made from a bar of high carbon steel. The sharp teeth are used to remove metal from an object.

The shop uses many types of files. Varieties include:

• mill files
• hand files
• pilar files
• half-round files
• rasps

Files at one bench are stored standing on end in the file box. Their size and type can be seen at a glance. More files are in protective storage in a drawer at the other bench. Each file has a slot in the wooden drawer to protect it. Files should not be stored loose in a drawer, as the teeth are dulled if they rub against each other.