Filing

Filing is an ancient artisanal technique that has held an important place in the history of craftsmanship. Although its use is increasingly being replaced today by faster and more precise modern tools, filing retains considerable technical interest. This practice, passed down from generation to generation, allows metal, wood, and other materials to be shaped with remarkable accuracy.
Even though technological advances have largely overshadowed this practice, the technical aspects of filing are well documented in treatises and manuals from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These texts detail not only the gestures of the file worker but also the organisation of the workshop, the posture to adopt, and the choice of files suitable for each material or type of finish. The traditional method of filing, in which the craftsman stands and manipulates the file with both hands while the piece is held in a vice, is particularly well described and demonstrates the care given to precision and ergonomic movement.

Different methods of filing
Historical sources provide a wealth of information on the different methods of filing. Three main approaches stand out.

Filing while standing, where the file is held with both hands and the piece is secured in a fixed vice on a workbench or sometimes directly on the floor. This method is physically demanding but allows large or heavy pieces to be worked with stability and precision.

Filing while seated, with the file held in both hands while the piece remains stationary in a vice. This position reduces operator fatigue and provides greater control over details, particularly on medium-sized pieces or delicate surfaces.

Filing while seated, where the file can be held in one hand while the other hand manipulates the piece directly or uses a small portable vice.

These methods, which date back to medieval or even ancient times, reflect the long history and importance of filing in craftsmanship. The choice of method often depends on factors such as the size, weight, shape, and fragility of the piece, as well as the required precision and the experience of the craftsman.

The type of filing we practise
In our workshop, we favour filing while seated, holding the file in one hand and manipulating the piece with the other. This approach offers several advantages for our work on miniature objects.
It removes the need for a fixed vice, simplifying the process while maintaining a high level of precision. Although a fixed vice can be made, it requires considerable time and space, which is not always compatible with the handling of very small pieces.
Working with small components is also easier, as we can adjust our position and use portable holding tools, such as hand vices or adaptable supports, depending on the specific requirements of each piece. This flexibility is essential when working on delicate mechanisms and extremely small elements.
Filing curved surfaces is easier with this method, allowing us to follow the exact shape of the piece while maintaining control over the movement. Filing flat surfaces, however, may require extra attention and constant adjustment of pressure and angle, which demands experience and patience.

Filing: an essential technique for us
The art of filing is a technique that requires time and practice to master. It is not simply a mechanical gesture but a process of precision and sensitivity to the material. Using this method can be more time-consuming than employing modern machines, yet it remains accessible to all and allows a fine understanding of both the material and the artisanal gesture.

In our practice, filing continues to play a central role. It is one of the fundamental techniques that enable us to produce precise pieces, control the finishing, and pass on traditional artisanal skills. Even though our workshop now includes modern tools, filing remains one of our preferred methods because it combines rigour, manual mastery, and the pleasure of the craft, while offering the creative freedom essential to our miniature creations.