I just purchased a "set" of 5 wood turning bowl chisels, made from files. I'm curious about how these will work for turning bowls. Any advice on the maintenance of these?

Unless these tools had been "retempered" they could be dangerous. Files are very brittle and a catch could cause a catastrophic failure. 

1 minute ago, lew said:

Unless these tools had been "retempered" they could be dangerous. Files are very brittle and a catch could cause a catastrophic failure. 

How can you tell if they've been retempered? I assume that a tempering process can be done to them? I've tempered tool steel for plane irons before with good results. The tools are all for scraping, not so much cutting.

56 minutes ago, FrederickH said:

How can you tell if they've been retempered? I assume that a tempering process can be done to them? I've tempered tool steel for plane irons before with good results. The tools are all for scraping, not so much cutting.

Scrapers can be used for bowl turning but IMO, they are far from the best tool for the job. Without knowing if they've been tempered I would not use them.

Here is a link to an article- about half way down the page is some comments-

http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/russ10.shtml

Files are considered brittle and are routinely NOT recommended for turning tools.  A catch can snap them and throw pieces at you.  There are still a lot of people who feel they are fine to make tools such a spoke shaves and draw knives but not turning tools.  I have dropped files and had them chip so I know they are brittle.  Be sure to wear your protective gear if you choose to use them.

 

 

The above excerpt comes from this article.

 

http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/russ10.shtml

 

 

Edited February 29, 20206 yr by HandyDan

Late to the topic but I will make it a consensus . It is just not worth the risk.

Here they are.... if nothing else, the handles are worth what I paid.

 

Do not look like they have been tempered to me . The original gray color I think shows that. Don't just walk ; run from using those.