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Metalsmiths - Filing Technique

Filing Technique - How to File Half Round  D-Shapes in Metal - US$18

PDF Dowload will be emailed 4-12 hours after purchase.
Metalsmiths-Filing Technique

This is a step by step tutorial with easy to follow pictorials and detailed illustrations on:

  • - Filing technique
  • - Half round filing 
  • - Filing scallops
  • This tutorial can be made in a standard smithing workshop. You will need:
  •  - Metal : silver or gold or other

You will receive :

  • -- 28 Pictures and illustrations
  • -- 14 Pages of detailed instructions
  • -- Bench tips on tools and techniques
Filing a ring with a  d-shape profile
Filing ring with profile 
Filing scallops in ring
Marking where scallops will be filed in ring


Filing is the process of removing metal and sculpting a shape into the metal. Mastering Filing Techniques are important, since these techniques are used on a daily basis by a metalsmith. You will benefit from mastering these techniques by increasing your speed and efficiency, which will save you many hours in the long run. You will be shown how to file a ring half round and how to scallop a ring.

This tutorial is suited for beginners with some general knowledge of metalsmith techniques and the basic bench tool setup.

Once you've mastered this technique you can expand on this project into various applications working on your speed and accuracy. It takes practice.


Video Bonus added to this Tutorial

Follow this short video clip to best see the angle and motion of the half-round filing technique.
Below is the gif animation illustrating the angle and filing motion.

Metalsmith Filing Technique Gif Animation

Starting your half round filing - the angle and motion is demonstrated

Metalsmiths Filing Technique GIF Animation

Final stages of filing your ring half round

Suggested Follow-up Projects

or select other jewelry making projects from Jewelry Making Class List

Recommended Tool Tips / Videos for this project

Organizing your sanding tools always ready for use makes workflow more efficient and increases your finishing off speed. Another handy tip is making your own buff sticks

Metalsmith / Student Comments