"Harold and Susan Vordos" wrote in message
...

I agree that there may be instances where filing works, but
I avoid it as much as possible.
To me, files are for deburring, and little more.

I certainly agree when it comes to machining a precision surface (as if my
novice opinion means anything).

But there are valid uses for applying a file to a turning workpiece (beyond
deburring). For example, I have yet to build a ball-turning fixture for my
lathe. Therefore, when I want to render an external spherical surface, I
simply make a series of step cuts (using x^2 + y^2 = z^2 calculations) to
create a rough profile, and then apply a file to remove the high points,
thus yielding my nice ball end. For non-precise applications like this, a
file is indispensable.

- Michael