Foreword

There are few tools more essential in the development of industry then the file.  Perhaps for the very reason that it is so universally used and so absolutely indispensible, the file does not commonly receive the attention it deserves, as a tool, from craftsmen and students.

This book is dedicated to those innumerable men to whom the file is an everyday friend and a necessity - the tool which enables to do more and better work with less labor.

There has been no guide for the compilation of the material in this book.  Information has been obtained from every available source.  It is possible, therefore, that the wide circulation of the book will bring to light some omissions, which, we hope, will be passed with tolerance in view of the difficulties attending compilation of the facts.