Thanks guys.. I actually have a cheap set of riflers myself.. for many of them it's like trying to remove metal with a Q-tip. Thanks.. I hadn't been thinking about the riflers. So what sort of set/sizes/types would you folks recommend as a good core for the shop? Thanks.
CW
Give the Grobet Swiss pattern rifflers a try - I really like them and the imports are junk in comparison. When you need controlled metal removal in a confined space, nothing I've seen works better than a good riffler file.
For general use, have a look at the Grobet American pattern files. I intend to try their High Speed Chip Breaker file when my standard files wear out, if they ever do. A single cut file removes metal quickly and is what I suggest; double-cut is fine for detailed smoothing but for shaping and stock removal you want a single cut file. They are also easier to keep clean compared to a double-cut file.
I agree that you consider a lathe file. The teeth are single cut with a longer tooth angle, providing a smooth, controlled cut that you can control with hand pressure. Both edges are safe. I use these on the lathe and for general use but I especially like them for draw filing; at least for me, I can get a flat surface quicker with these than the standard files.
As for size, I use a 6" double cut for really fine work. I use and 8" or 10" for general use and I almost never use my 12" files. The length, at least for me, has to suit my anatomy. I'm only 5'8" tall so my arms are short. That means a 8" file allows me to use a full stroke for stock removal when using my arms. The 10" is used mostly for my lathe files; gives me more reach to keep my hands clear of the work.
I have files for wood, aluminum/brass and steel. Most are flat files but I have triangular and round files, too. Seems like I use files a lot! I have separate riffler file sets for wood and metal, too.
All my files have handles on them. This is for safety but they also allow you to work more accurately.
I use railroad chalk on my aluminum cutting files to reduce pinning. If you don't have a file card, get one. Use the nylon bristle side to clear the teeth
often. I rarely use the wire side but don't hesitate to do so if I have stubborn chips; I think the concept of tooth damage from the wires is a myth.
So, if I had to start all over again, I think Grobet is a good brand to go with. I would buy a good riffler file set. I would also buy (for me) 8" single and double-cut files for general use and at least one 10" lathe file. I would buy handles for all of them, a file card and some railroad chalk for my aluminum files.
Hope this helps.