🔍 Key Concepts

• File tooth grades (bastard, second cut, smooth, dead smooth) • Relationship between tooth spacing and how much metal is removed • Typical use of coarse vs fine file teeth in metalwork

💭 Think About

• Which file type is normally used for the fastest, rough shaping of metal? • Which file type is used when you want a very smooth finish and remove only a small amount of material? • Arrange these four cuts from coarsest to finest and see which one ends up with the widest tooth spacing.

✅ Before You Answer

• Remember that coarser teeth = fewer, larger teeth per inch and more aggressive cutting • Verify which terms (bastard, second cut, smooth, dead smooth) are associated with finishing work, not roughing • Before choosing, mentally compare: which cut would a machinist pick first for heavy stock removal, and which would be used last for final finishing?