|
 Preface For several
years it has been in contemplation to publish a treatise upon
the several points connected with files and their uses, in which
the principal, but, nevertheless, complex and confusing names
and terms embodied in what are known as the Sheffield,
Lancashire, and American File Lists, might be more clearly
defined, and if possible, made practically intelligible, not
only to the educated dealer and mechanic, but to others having
less knowledge of the subject, as apprentices in After giving the subject careful consideration, as to the most desirable form in which to embody this matter impartially, and at the same time be able to set forth the special points of merit claimed for the goods made by the NICHOLSON FILE COMPANY, it was decided to devote so much of the work as seemed necessary, to defining clearly and concisely the general features belonging to all files, and to follow this with a detailed description of the distinguishing characteristics of the files and rasps commonly called for ; giving some of the purposes for which the various kinds are used. The aim has been to arrange the matter with as much system as possible, in order that information upon any specific point touched upon, may be readily reached when required. In accomplishing this, it was considered advisable to place under the heading of FILES SELDOM USED, all those which our experience has shown are either but little used, or are never called for, and which, if introduced into the regular text, might tend to increase somewhat the difficulty of understanding the subject. In considering whether this matter should be illustrated by full sized lithographs as found in some, of both the English and American file makers' lists, we were met by the necessarily inconvenient size of the book, if to be used as a work of ready reference. We therefore decided to limit the work to its present quarto size, and make the illustrations conform to the space we have allotted them, which, we trust, will be found sufficient to furnish all the aid which the reader may require.
Nicholson File Company, Providence, R. I. - 1878 As to the matter introduced under the general headings of OUR SPECIALTIES, MANUFACTURE OF FILES, and HINTS ON FILING, no apology need be offered for the references made to the goods manufactured by the NICHOLSON FILE COMPANY, as, without this privilege, it is evident to the writer; this work would not have been issued. It is believed, however, that the points considered have been well taken, and that the general information will well repay most mechanics for their time. The plant of the Company is now, without doubt, the most complete, for the purpose, of any in the world; and no proper expenditure of money is withheld, by its managers, in their endeavors to perfect and introduce any new and. useful feature bearing upon their business. The very latest, and perhaps at no distant day, to be an important element in the manufacture of files, is now being experimented upon by this Company, and its value to files in general, determined. It consists in a patent process of impinging upon the teeth of finished files, a gritty liquid, in such a manner as shall whet the teeth to a degree of sharpness never before attainable. The advantages, when applied to Horse, Wood, Cabinet and Shoe Rasps, or upon Files for wood, brass, bronze, or other soft material, it is believed will be readily apparent to the mechanic. The benefits to be derived from a general application of the process to all files will be determined by further experiments, and by the aid of the public. The restless activity of the managers of this Company is evidenced by its numerous patents, found in the archives of the United States Patent Office; and its success is due to that "eternal vigilance," which adopts for its motto "Labor Omnia Vincit? and which, in the future — as in the past — it is believed, will characterize the management of its affairs. W. T. N.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
machine shops,
and younger clerks employed by merchants dealing in files and
rasps.
