Warding file help.

[Rorschach]

I am trying to find a replacement warding file (I have broken the tip).

It needs to be 1.4mm thick or less, (the current file is 1.3mm) and come to pretty much a sharp point. Widest point around 11mm and cutting length around 100mm, these dimensions are not as critical as the thickness. It cannot be a needle file, they are too narrow.

I though about using an auger file instead but they all seem to be tapered and too thick.

 

[Droogs]

Have a look here

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/abrasives/engineers-files/engineers-warding-files/f/11917

 

[Rorschach]

Didn't find anything thin enough there.

 

[AES]

I haven't looked recently, but normally (probably NOT invariably though) warding files are sold in small sets (about 5 or 6 files of different shapes in a little plastic wallet/holder). I don't know if you can buy singles.

Are ALL needle & Swiss files too narrow?

Could you possibly grind down the existing thin file (1.3 mm seems pretty thin to me) to rescue the shape for - I presume - a specific job?

 

[Droogs]

nothing that thin/size in either Grobet or Volorbe catalogues. However Tome Feteira do a warding file that is:

Link to the catalogue PDF for Specialist files here:
http://www.tomefeteira.com/special_files.html
Order code 020 X YYY
X= 1 - first cut YYY= 100 - length
2 - Second cut
3 - third cut
This is the only one they have that is thin enough and of the correct width

You can order direct on the phone. Excellent quality tools

 

[Rorschach]

I haven't looked recently, but normally (probably NOT invariably though) warding files are sold in small sets (about 5 or 6 files of different shapes in a little plastic wallet/holder). I don't know if you can buy singles.

Are ALL needle & Swiss files too narrow?

Could you possibly grind down the existing thin file (1.3 mm seems pretty thin to me) to rescue the shape for - I presume - a specific job?

Yes all needle files are too narrow from what I have seen. Can't grind it down as I need to use both face and edge for the job.

 

[Rorschach]

nothing that thin/size in either Grobet or Volorbe catalogues. However Tome Feteira do a warding file that is:

Link to the catalogue PDF for Specialist files here:
http://www.tomefeteira.com/special_files.html
Order code 020 X YYY
X= 1 - first cut YYY= 100 - length
2 - Second cut
3 - third cut
This is the only one they have that is thin enough and of the correct width

You can order direct on the phone. Excellent quality tools

Grobet, that was a name I couldn't think of (I could only remember Vallorbe). The grobet 4" is listed as being 3/64" thick online, that is only 1.2mm so that would work, what does the catalogue say?. Can't seem to find them for sale in the UK, might have to call in a favour from a US friend.

Thanks!

 

[Droogs]

The width is 12mm for the 4"/100mm which is why I discounted it only available in cut 0/2/4 but is marked as 3/64 or 1mm thick

 

[Rorschach]

The width is 12mm for the 4"/100mm which is why I discounted it only available in cut 0/2/4 but is marked as 3/64 or 1mm thick

I reckon the 12mm part would be fine as that will be at the widest point anyway, I don't think that would cause a problem. Thickness is the most important factor.
Will get in touch with an American friend about the Grobet, see if they can help.

 

[--Tom--]

https://www.dictum.com/en/search?sSearch=warding+file
few options on Dictum

 

[Rorschach]

https://www.dictum.com/en/search?sSearch=warding+file
few options on Dictum

I did look there, their smallest size is 6" which is too wide for my needs and too thick (1.7mm).

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Is this any help?

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/warding-1265-vallorbe-swiss-special-thickness
(Cousins are suppliers to the clock and watch trades, so have all sorts of specialist files and tools in stock.)

 

[Rorschach]

Is this any help?

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/warding-1265-vallorbe-swiss-special-thickness
(Cousins are suppliers to the clock and watch trades, so have all sorts of specialist files and tools in stock.)

Yikes! Pricey. Makes my broken file today even more painful! lol
Good for a backup though. Going to take a punt on some Grobet from the US, can get a 12 pack for about £60.

 

[AES]

@Rorschach: Although I THINK (not know) that Grobet is US-owned now, I THINK that Grobet files are still made in Switzerland. Do you want me to check that and see if the prices are better for you or have you already made firm arrangements direct with the US?

 

[Rorschach]

@Rorschach: Although I THINK (not know) that Grobet is US-owned now, I THINK that Grobet files are still made in Switzerland. Do you want me to check that and see if the prices are better for you or have you already made firm arrangements direct with the US?

A friend has already placed the order but It would be nice to know if you are able to find out, if they are suitable I will want more I expect.

 

[AES]

OK mate. I'll have a quick ring around/Google tomorrow n advise further.

 

[AES]

@Rorschach: Here goes with posting a pic under the new system (my 1st time)! but 1st:

1. Yup, Grobet is US-owned, but some files (can't find out which) are still made in Switzerland. The place is in the French-speaking part, in the area where all the really big-bucks hand-made watches are made, it's called Vallorbe - sound familiar?

2. Can't find the right file (as per your dimensions) in the range Grobet offers.

3. But there's this range withing the Vallorbe file range (sorry it's a very distorted scan, it comes from the big, thick paperback catalogue of a local (to me) retailer of all sorts of jewellery, etc, tools:

4. All dims are L (o/a) 160 mm; cutting L 80 mm; (handle is just like a "normal" Swiss/needle file - knurled, one piece with file); max width (as above) 5.5 mm (so about half what you're looking for) but thickness (above) 1.3 mm); shape, as above, (tapers to a fine point); cuts available 00 to 6 (above).

5. Based on above catalogue, I can buy a one off of the above for 12 Swiss Francs (about 10 quid) and 12 off for 120 Swiss - BUT PLEASE NOTE: these prices are from the above catalogue which is dated 2009!!!

6. In addition to the above, you'd have to pay Swiss VAT (9%); plus shipping/post; plus UK import duty; UK customs charges and clearance, etc.

7. I note that in post #12 above, a UK dealer called Cousins UK is quoted. I would have thought that even if they don't have the above in stock they should be able to order from Vallorbe for you (Vallorbe do not sell direct to the public).

8. Unfortunately I only have the catalogue number/s of the above from the above dealer (called bijoutil BTW), which may not help you if contacting Cousins UK, but anyway, here they are: 41457; 41450; 41450T; 41451; 41452; 41452T; 41453; 41454; 41456. (The above numbers start at cut 00 files - 41457 - and finish with cut 6 - 41456). Description is:

"NEEDLE FILES WITH ROUND HANDLE, WARDING, FLAT, POINTED".

As said, considering all the above taxes, duties,etc, I think it would make far more sense for you to either A) approach Cousins UK direct yourself, or stick with your Grobet US arrangements, especially if the above is too narrow for your needs.

Anyway, HTH, IF you want me to follow up with dealer bijoutil here (not far away in Basel, Allschwil) for a current price for example, just let me know.

P.S. Inserting the above "picture" was MUCH easier than before!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers

 

[Rorschach]

Damn that's some good info there, very much appreciated.

The Vallorbe needle files you list are very similar to some I already use for part of the job, I have a nice collection of UK made Stubbs files in that size that work great. You can't do the whole job with the needle file though because being so narrow it twists and doesn't cut straight enough so I use the wider warding file to keep things straight and then use the needle file for the really fine work.

I think the best way forward is to wait and see how the US Grobet turn out, the price is right for a start as they will work out to approx £6 per file when shipping etc is included. If the specs on the listing were right then they will be just what I am looking for, as long as the point isn't cropped off which seems to be common on lower quality warding files.

If the Grobet are not suitable I reckon I could shift them with minimal loss on Ebay as similar files seem to sell for about £7 each posted, none in the size I need unfortunately. I will then try Cousins and probably ask you if you are able to get a more up to date price and someone I can contact in Switzerland.

 

[AES]

OK Rorschach, glad to help. Let me know if I should call/go to Bijoutil for you.

P.S. Stubs files are very nice - I inherited some from my Dad. Are they still made? Made in UK?

 

[Rorschach]

I don't believe they are still made. I bought mine as part of a NOS sale on ebay years ago, I don't know that the guy knew what he had because they were bought for pennies each in mixed packs.