For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to talk FILES, we all use em, we all need em, we all love em! Files come in various cuts depending on their “teeth” (the series of sharp, parallel ridges) In this image I’m showing off cut #s: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6 (I didn’t have a 5 lying around 😂)The lower the number the coarser the file, 00 (the coarsest) to 6 (the finest). Files come in all types of shapes and you basically want to select a file that is the closest match to whatever contour you happen to be filing. If you are new to metal working my recommendation is to invest in a few very nice files. Treated with care they will last a lifetime. The files I’m showing here are Glardon-Vallorbe, they have been making files for over a century in Switzerland. Over this time they have become world renowned for their quality! Each file is precise and even. Anyhoo, back to the shapes… you can purchase a set of essential files (the second picture) that consists of a flat file, two half rounds (one has a smaller width) and a Barrette file. These are Glardon-Vallorbe, 6” long and # 2 cut (thank you to @ottofrei1930 for sending them to me!) If you are looking to slowly add to your collection of files I find half rounds are a great investment. The rounded side can be used on curved surfaces, but then you also have that flat side to work with. Very versatile. When I first started out with metalwork I very slowly added files to my collection. You have to figure out what shapes you really like working with for your particular style.I am not claiming to be a file expert over here either, but I know you can’t go wrong with a well made one! Would love to hear from the community, tell us what your favorite file shape and cut is and what you use it for! Thank you again to @ottofrei1930 who made this post about files possible, they carry all the Glardon-Vallorbe files so check them out and you can save 5% off your order with code MMS719 #sponsored #jewelerstools #metalsmithsociety #tooltalk #jewelersfiles #vallorbefiles