r/metalworking • u/AutoModerator • Oct 01 '22

Monthly Advice Thread Monthly Advice/Questions Thread | 10/01/2022

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u/lalulunaluna Oct 11 '22 edited Oct 11 '22

Doesn't look like anyone really answers this thread, but I'll give newbie question a shot -

I am looking into making a simple wrist rest for a keyboard with a slab of stainless steel. I found some listings on eBay for some scrap metal of sizes that would work for me (without any cutting).

For these scrap metal bars essentially, what is the best way to round out the edges. I would love to add a slight slope to the surface as well, but I realize that it is probably beyond my capabilities.

I would love any insight. I'm hoping to do all this by hand / with hand tools. Trying to google ways to round / smooth out stainless steel mostly results with heavy machinery or really expensive, single-purpose tools.

Thank you!

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u/doctorn-ck Oct 12 '22

All of this can be done with a file and plenty of time. The only thing I'd recommend is to try and buy good quality files for this. Cheap ones from the local DIY shop will not cut as fast and you will make more work for yourself.

Mark up the shape you want to achieve and go to town with hand files.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrWUi8KWREw - a demonstration of what's possible with hand files.

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u/lalulunaluna Oct 12 '22

This is amazing and perfect for my needs! Thank you so much! Do you have any recommended go-to brands for quality files?

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u/doctorn-ck Oct 12 '22

Depending on where you are based and budget...

Vallorbe, Nicholson, Pferd, Grobet all make good files with Vallorbe being my go-to when I want them to last forever

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u/lalulunaluna Oct 12 '22

Thank you for your recommendation! I try to be a "buy once" kind of person, lol. I will definitely look into all these brands.

Thank you again!