Files. (A.) Files are used for many purposes by wood-workers. An assortment consisting of 4" and 6" slim taper, or three-cornered, files; 8" and 10" flat, or bastard, files; 8", 10", and 12" round files; and 8" and 12" half round wood files and rasps should be in every carpenter's kit. The 4" slim taper files should be used upon the finer saws, and the 6" upon the coarser ones, though the latter are used; by some workmen for both saws. Upon jobbing work it is necessary to have a few warding and knife files to use upon keys and odd jobs, and also to sharpen bits.

Files and rasps are made of every shape and size, and for every purpose. Wood files usually are tempered to stand lead or soft brass, and should never be used upon anything harder.

In drawing a file back between the cuts, do not allow it to drag, as it is injured thereby about as much as when it is cutting.

(B.) There are a great many other tools and appliances used by the woodworker with which the workman should be familiar, but it is not necessary to describe them, as the above-mentioned are the most essential tools common to all forms of woodworking. There is no important principle involved in the construction, care, and use of woodworking tools which is not discussed in this chapter, and the student who becomes thoroughly familiar with the matter treated will have little trouble in learning to handle other tools.