Whether you are a flutemaker or a player, if you are looking for a file to adjust a fingerhole or a flute embouchure, I think that this Swiss half-round needle file is a good choice. The #0 cut in the Swiss files is a finer cut than other needle files with the same number. I think that this is a good cut for flutemaking. I also have a #00 cut, which is a little coarser cut for removing more material. Of course, for the final polishing of the finger hole you will need a finer cut. I use a #4 Swiss needle file for finishing work. The diameter of the half round files changes from tip to shank. I break off the tip in order to get a better file length and diameter for smoothing finger holes, embouchures, etc. Also, if you do much filing, it is easier to hold a small file if you insert the file into a piece of soft flexible tubing.
Needle File on Ebay
I like actual file holders, but hey, I’m a bit out there. The plastic ones that actually clamp down on the file, rather than the wooden ones you just jam the file into, do it for me. YMMV, of course.
Loren
Most file holders are merely handles where the shank of the file is inserted. I like to hold a file close to where I am filing, which is sometimes close to the tip of the file. I push the needle file way into the tubing so that most of the cutting surface of the file is covered by the tubing and only about 3/4" of the cutting surface of the file is exposed. Holding the soft tubing is a lot easier on the hands than the sharp edges of the half-round files.
Different Strokes…