What are the different types of floats?

[Richard T]

This is a Dreadnought file

The differences between these and floats are: 1 they are bigger. 2 They have curved steps for teeth and floats have straight stepped teeth and 3 They are hard like a file.
This and the curved teeth aspect means that unlike a float, you can't sharpen a Dreadnought.

Though, weirdly, I have just been using a Dreadnought to shape some wood. They are great for tweaking big tenons in timber framing; much better imho than a Surform.

 

[János]

Hello,

there is no huge difference between milled teeth files and floats. They share the same cutting geometry. Milled teeth files are used by pattern makers for wood and for work on cast metals. They leave a very good finish behind. Just like floats do. But milled teeth files are hardened to 62~64 Rockwell, so they could cut metals well, floats are hardened to 46~52 Rockwell, so they are unsuitable to use on metals, but can be resharpened with files. Milled teeth files are available in many tooth configurations and grades: diagonal teeth, square teeth, curved teeth etc.

This is a closeup of the teeth on one of my milled teeth files.

Have a nice day,

János

 

[Racers]

Hi,

Did any one see The Hystory of Celtic Britan last night? thy had a collection of very old tools including a float (they said it was a file)
Its on Iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... e_of_Iron/ fast forward to 45:30.

Pete