The workman should for heavy cross-filing stand well off or away from the work so as to require to bend the body well forward. His feet should in this case be spread apart so that when the pressure of the hands is placed upon the file it will relieve the forward foot of a great part of the weight of the workman’s body, which will be thrown upon the file. The rear foot operates during the forward stroke as a fulcrum, wherefrom to push the file.
At each forward stroke the workman’s body should move somewhat in unison with the file; his arms being less extended than would otherwise be the case, and the file being under more pressure and better control.
During the backward stroke the forward foot should again take the workman’s weight, while he recovers the upright position.
For less heavy filing and for smooth filing, the workman should stand more nearly upright and nearer to the work.
The heavier the pressure (either in cross-filing or draw-filing), the coarser the file cuts, and the more liable it is to pin and scratch.
Fig. 2233.
In the case, however, of slim files, the pressure is apt to bend the file, causing it to cut at the edges or ends only of the work, as shown at a, in [Fig. 2233]. This may be avoided by holding the file as in the figure, the pressure of the fingers in the direction of the arrows causing the file to bend, and produce more straight work.