Electro File Views

General Goods

This reciprocal in-line filing and cutting tool is a great addition to anyone's workbench. The Electro-File is powered by an electrical converter that can be plugged into any 120V 60Hz wall socket; a rechargeable, detachable battery-pack version is also available. Intended for light-duty use, the tool is ideal for craftsmen, hobbyists and model builders. It has a 1/4-inch stroke length and reciprocates at 2,700 strokes per minute (2,400, under load). The hand-held power unit is about 10 inches long, and it is well-balanced to allow you the precise control you need. The unit accepts flat- and round-shank files and has a built-in wrench holder, and a convenient hanger for easy storage. A simple push-button activates the tool, and a locking switch makes changing a blade or file safe and easy (always unplug a power tool when you change the blade).

I found the Electro-File well suited to repetitive sanding and finishing jobs such as deburring metal attachment brackets. I was also pleased with how quickly and neatly it cut through thin plywood ribs right next to the spars where I wanted to install dihedral bracing. The basic unit costs $89.95 plus $7.25 S H and is an excellent supplement to rotary cutting tools. For $129.95 the Electro-File is also available in a deluxe tool kit that includes accessories. Cutting blades and 10-piece file and rasp sets are also available separately. -Gerry Yarrish

Electro-File The Electro-FileTM is ideal for a variety of light duty cutting, shaping, filing and finishing tasks. Reciprocal in-line motion allows you to saw, sand or file in tight precise areas. A unique internal balancing mechanism allows for a smooth and fully utilized working stroke to perform delicate operations at any place along the cutting edge without bracing the tool against the work piece. This makes it possible to do controlled cuts in the middle of a work piece, cutting sharp corners in recesses or sanding flat surfaces. Specially designed chuck allows for the use of 1/8 or 1/16 diameter round shank (needle files/rasps) or flat shank (saw blade) attachments interchangeably. No other tool on the market provides this feature for its user

Files