[TheForge] Help needed: outline

[Andrew Vida]

Folks,

I just cobbled up a quick and dirty outline for the little filing 
project.  Any and all feedback would me most welcome, specifically:

	-does it seem complete, if not, what am I missing?
	-is anything lacking in relevance?
	-does the sequence make good sense?

Anyone with anything to contribute in terms of any knowledge whatsoever 
will also be most welcome.  If I'm going to do this, I would like it to 
be as precise, comprehensive, and useful as possible.

One area where I could use a lot of help would be in the area of 
decorative filing.  I've done my share, but compared to many of you my 
knowledge and experience winces pale and squeaky.  I'm especially 
interested in techniques seen in knife work, but all knowledge is openly 
solicited.

Note: you do not see safety listed here specifically because I intend on 
weaving notes on it throughout the work.  It will definitely be covered. 
  Should I add a section devoted specifically to it?

Thanks very much.

Regards,

	-andy


I.	Introduction
	a)	Nutshell history
	b)	Significance of the craft
	c)	Potential of the craft
		i.	Precision
		ii.	Utility
		iii.	Versatility

II.	Files

	a)	What files are and how they work(shearing, chemical abrasion, 
vaporization, micro welding, principle of averaging of surfaces)
		i.	Anatomy of a file
		ii.	Edge geometry and how it cuts
		iii.	Chisel-cut v. Mill-cut teeth
		iv.	Characteristics of a high quality file

			•precise tool form (square, round, etc. no bends or twists that are 
not supposed to be there)
			•sharp edges with precise geometry
			•precise relative geometry between edges
			•top quality material with proper heat treat
			•	precise corners and safe surface

		v.	Specification/identification (types, sizes and sizing, cut 
configuration, cut mesh)
		vi.	Handles
		vii.	Care and storage (cleaning, clearing, maintaining edges, stowing)
		viii.	File sets (partitioning sets by materials such as ferrous and 
non-ferrous, why this is done)

	b)	What a file is not (?)
		i.	Limitations (is this necessary or can it be subsumed under 
“techniques”?)

III.	Techniques and kinks

	a)	How to hold the file
		i.	Basic grips
		ii.	Basic strokes
		iii.	Twisting
		iv.	Angling (direction of stroke and orientation of the tool relative 
to the stroke)
		v.	Pressure and pressure bias (how much to use and how to use it in 
affecting very slight adjustments to the cutting action)
		vi.	Draw filing (AKA “Striking”)

	b)	How to hold the work
		i.	Vises
		ii.	Jigs and fixtures
		iii.	Hands

	c)	Aids to precision

		i.	Square
		ii.	Straight edge
		iii.	Adjustable bevel
		iv.	Radius gages
		v.	Center head
		vi.	Dividers (regular and proportional)
		vii.	Compass
		viii.	Calipers (inside, outside, hermaphrodite)
		ix.	Scriber
		x.	Prick punch

	d)	Fixing the work v. fixing the file (when to hold the work as opposed 
to holding the file)
	e)	Geometry never lies (significance of geometry and using it as a 
guide in the precise definition of forms)
	f)	Filing to a line v. filing to an edge (how to obtain accurate 
results without ending up in a padded cell or ruining the work)
	g)	Fundamental filing techniques
		i.	Filing a flat surface (establishing rectilinear bounds, hogging, 
smooth filing, and finishing to dimension)
		ii.	Filing  simple concave surface (singly concave)
		iii.	Filing simple convex surface (singly convex)
		iv.	Filing complex concave surface (synclast)
		v.	Filing multiply-curved convex surface (synclast)
		vi.	Filing a simple inside corner
		vii.	Filing a complex inside corner


IV.	Exercises & Applications

	a)	Squaring a block to dimension
	b)	Taper to dimension
	c)	Gradual taper to dimension
	d)	Cylinder to dimension
	e)	Cone to dimension
	f)	Cutting a chamfer
	g)	Cutting a radius
	h)	Decorative file work