File Making - A Great Sheffield Industry That Is No More (2023)

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 29. 05. 2023
  • David Eaton originally gave this lectiure on 3 May 2023 at Kelham Island Museum. In it he explores the history of key element of Sheffield tool manufacturing that literally 'shaped' the world; but is no more. He explains how file making evolved and explains the skill of hand file cutting which was eventually taken over by machine. Mention is made of Ralston's the last known Sheffield file manufacturer who eventually closed in 1991.
    The ultimate skill of a file cutter is revealed in the work of Hiram Younge and his Exhibition files but the hidden danger of lead poisoning led to his premature death as well as many others in the trade.
    To find out more about the Hawley Collection and to donate, visit our website: www.hawleytoolcollection.com/
    See also our sister website at hawleysheffieldknives.com/

Komentáře • 18

  • @benjaminzedrine
    @benjaminzedrine Před 11 měsíci +4

    "I don't use a watch or anything I just guess the time"...damn straight. Man knows where he's got to be and when.

  • @chopsddy3
    @chopsddy3 Před rokem +5

    This skill must be preserved in its most basic form. I can’t thank you enough for this information.
    The last commercially made files I purchased from old american named companies were of shamefully poor quality . Wavy surfaces with bent dulled teeth. I was shocked. I have 100+ year old files, found on a barn floor, that cut better.I’m acid sharpening all my ancient files to get as much life out of them as they may have left.
    With the help of these videos,I’m confident that I’ll be able to produce my own ,by hand, if necessary.
    Thanks so much for your efforts.

    • @jackwheatley8
      @jackwheatley8 Před rokem +2

      do you think you could untemper the old files, grind them flat and cut them again then temper? As the form and good quality steel is all there just needs re cutting ?

    • @chopsddy3
      @chopsddy3 Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@jackwheatley8
      Suitable steel is cheap and readily available. Resurfacing the file may be more work than it’s worth. Grinding belts are expensive. It can certainly be done though.

  • @bladder1010
    @bladder1010 Před 4 měsíci +1

    There is no other CZcams channel where you can learn this kind of fascinating and detailed information. Thank you so much for the work you put in to this. Some day I would like to travel to the UK and tour all the industrial museums. Nobody preserves history better than the British.

  • @RichardMuenzer
    @RichardMuenzer Před 2 měsíci

    @KenHawleyCollectionTrust
    Thank You for posting this please I use files everyday especially the saw file I own a couple of diston's
    10-point rip and an eight-point cross, so is more interested on file making some really good information here especially carbon and silicon I didn't know about the lead poisoning issue anyway thank you. If you'd like to know why I use files every day well,,, I'm a
    journeymen carpenter

  • @T3-RIDER
    @T3-RIDER Před rokem +1

    I have a file and chisle from Sheffield with NCB stamped on

  • @jayroland9481
    @jayroland9481 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Absolutely fascinating, thanks for showing. Question: What s the difference twixt quenching in brine & quenching in whale oil?

  • @bigoldgrizzly
    @bigoldgrizzly Před 8 měsíci

    Hard point saws can now be sharpened or touched up with diamond files or, as I have done a couple of times, the old teeth can be ground off and new teeth filed in. Is it worth it and would I do it again ... no!
    There are still so many fine Sheffield saws available at boot sales if you are prepared to learn the skills needed to sharpen or even re-tooth a saw. It is not a particularly difficult process but you do need patience and the will to work accurately. Paul sellers has some great instructional videos on the subject, here on youtube

  • @chopsddy3
    @chopsddy3 Před rokem +2

    Where would one look to find file makers hammers or ,at least, their dimensions and weights along with their specific individual applications?

    • @KenHawleyCollectionTrust
      @KenHawleyCollectionTrust  Před 11 měsíci +1

      We have examples of hammers in the collection. Drop us an email to enquiries@ hawleytoolcollection.com

    • @chopsddy3
      @chopsddy3 Před 10 měsíci

      @@KenHawleyCollectionTrust
      Thank you do much. I’ll be in touch.

  • @chox2001
    @chox2001 Před rokem +1

    Everything is throw away now.
    Nothing is made to last .
    Circular Saw teeth are mainly tipped with hard steel and re ground by machine.
    I remember Draw filing metals in my apprenticeship but I’m sure they aren’t even in apprentice shops now.

    • @chopsddy3
      @chopsddy3 Před rokem +1

      Making a “disposable” hand saw that can’t be resharpened seems a sinful waste of material and energy to me.

    • @adrianjagmag
      @adrianjagmag Před rokem

      @@chopsddy3 but it's the norm now :(

    • @autumn5592
      @autumn5592 Před měsícem

      Most circular saw teeth these days are tungsten carbide tipped, much more durable than any steel.

  • @steveward53
    @steveward53 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Plenty of high quality files still made , just not in Sheffield.

  • @pete.b4197
    @pete.b4197 Před 4 měsíci

    I'm so fucking angry for todays tools are shit quality fucking secunda! And price are hi!!! Fucing roppery!! We need good tools,makers,artists!