Which file is best suited for smoothing a larger surface area?

The flat file is the most suitable tool for smoothing a larger surface area because of its broad and flat surface. This design allows it to make efficient contact with the material being worked on, enabling quicker and more effective smoothing over extensive areas compared to files with smaller or more specialized shapes. The flat file can cover more ground in a single stroke, leading to a more uniform finish on larger surfaces.

In contrast, a small round file is specifically designed for working in confined spaces or for creating concave shapes, making it less effective for larger surfaces. A bastard cut file refers to the coarseness of the file, and while it can remove material quickly, it is not specifically designed for smoothing larger areas which might require a finer finish. A jeweler’s file is designed with precision in mind and is typically used for delicate work, making it inappropriate for the general smoothing of larger surfaces.