File holder

[beezapilot]

Every so often I look at the drums of scrap and decide to do something with it. Files seem to accumulate around shop vises (and I know that I should be more careful with them) so made racks for temporary storage when working to keep them from getting damaged. So now every vise in the metal shop and wood shop has a rack for files & rasps- gave a few to the machinist next door as well. Seems too simple for this forum, but they sure are handy.
281393

[Czech_too]

Well done, good files ain't cheap. Best to take care of 'em.

[Tatume]

That's a nice looking rack! :-)

[tigweldit]

Nice racks. I love files. Great to see how well someone takes care of their tools.

[onelight]

A simple solution is often the best .
Great idea.

[Reverend Recoil]

Good idea. The file is the only tool that can reproduce itself.

[bangerjim]

Never pile them in a drawer or leave them lying around on a bench!!!!!!!

Most of the files I have are at least 70 years old and are still as good as the day they were made. All American and Swedish made. Cheap files are no good from the go. I protect them with individual plastic tubes and storage racks.

And never draw backwards!....unless they are made for that action like files that go in the filing machine I have that cut on the down-stroke.

A good "file card" cleaning tool is a necessity.

banger

[Green Frog]

One of the first lessons I learned in Machining Class was that files should be stored safely so they didn’t bump together. Every chip or nick in a file’s surface detracts from it ability to do its job well. That rack looks like something all of us should consider.

Froggie

[Bull-Moose]

Very creative solution. I like it.

[curdog007]

The main function of a good workbench file rack (apart from safely housing them), is to have them readily at hand from the vise. I can reach my main 50 - yes 50 - files without moving, and have been at this bench long enough muscle memory will put my hand on the one I need without even looking up from the work. I've had this bench almost 20 years, and half of that was all day, every day. The other 50 or 60 live in racks on shelves so I can set them close for more specialised jobs. I am glad I'm retired now and only play with them.

The important thing is to put them back!

[Ural Driver]

Very nice.

[Mr_Sheesh]

Another nice thing on that design is that it could be made in so many ways with different tools and out of different materials. Tablesaw with wood and plywood on the original, I am guessing, but I know of a few other ways at least to make it, laser cut wood/plywood, 3d printed, and more. Nice :)