ianmac
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 308
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Post by ianmac on Aug 20, 2008 23:20:55 GMT
Hi All,
How do you all keep you files sharp.
Although its not blunt yet my one trusty file is certainly duller than it used to be.
I use it for MS + Brass + Bronze.
I did hear that that was a no no but i would really like to hear from the experts.
Ian
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Post by houstonceng on Aug 20, 2008 23:31:42 GMT
Use a new file on brass / bronze only until it becomes dull. Then transfer to using it on steel and buy a new one for brass / bronze.
Once you use a file on steel, it is blunted enough to be a problem when filing the copper alloys.
One "dodge" I have seen is to mark and use one side for the copper alloys and t'other for steel.
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abby
Statesman
Posts: 925
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Post by abby on Aug 20, 2008 23:40:15 GMT
There was an article on file sharpening in ME some years ago , as I recall it involved electrolysis and dilute sulphuric acid but I have never tried it out. I keep some files - marked with a blob of paint - for use on non-ferrous only but to be honest soon give in when I can't just find one I want for steel.
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Post by Nigel Bennett on Aug 21, 2008 12:23:40 GMT
I tried dunking one of mine into some dilute sulphuric. It did sharpen it appreciably, but I'd left a lump of pooh on it somewhere, which prevented the acid from etching that bit. Result was a lump of file which stuck up more than the rest of it and it didn't improve the surface finish of things I filed with it!
So clean it well before dunking!
Don't just leave it to soak - the process is relatively slow but it is continuous - so take a look at it from time to time.
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Post by ettingtonliam on Aug 21, 2008 14:05:58 GMT
I seem to recall that the full process involved a thorough mechanical cleaning to get the metal bits out from between the teeth, then a dunk in caustic soda solution to degrease it, wash with cold water, then the acid bath, time in bath varying depending on how blunt the file is, then a wash in cold water, and finally drying in sawdust. Can't remember the reason for sawdust, could be to stop the file going rusty.
Richard
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Post by circlip on Aug 21, 2008 15:13:20 GMT
Wooo Wooo Abby, Sulphuric Acid, Woo Woooo look out, the Elfins are about  ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2008 20:23:05 GMT
I have now turned back into an armchair engineer as I have just arrived at my boat in Montpellier, having just driven 570 miles since leaving Le Havre this morning! My three pennorth on files is: the instant that they don't bite, just throw them away! All the fudges using acid etc. will not replace the feel of a perfect (and usually British made) file! If you want to produce accurate, predictable work, you need good kit.
JB
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Post by Tel on Aug 21, 2008 23:17:34 GMT
I have now turned back into an armchair engineer as I have just arrived at my boat in Montpellier, having just driven 570 miles since leaving Le Havre this morning! My three pennorth on files is: the instant that they don't bite, just throw them away! All the fudges using acid etc. will not replace the feel of a perfect (and usually British made) file! If you want to produce accurate, predictable work, you need good kit. JB Go wash you marf out with soap - immediately!!! Dead files make great knives, scrapers, tool bits etc etc. |
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ianmac
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 308
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Post by ianmac on Aug 22, 2008 0:01:07 GMT
I really need more that one large file.  I am getting there though, over the past year i have purchased. Mill lathe Tooling for mill and lathe propane torches of differing sizes. bits and bobs small files 7 pieces of silver solder (i'll mention that becasue its bl**dy expensive) Drills from 70 to 10 but only one file might be time to bring home some flowers for SWMBO Now that i'm married we have a joint account see.....In a previous life the CFO only inspected what she knew about. ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2008 7:42:44 GMT
Sorry Tel, of course what I meant to say was 'Throw them away into the box which holds the materials to make great knives, scrapers, tool bits etc etc......'
Must have been that that large gin at the end of a long drive!
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Post by Tel on Aug 22, 2008 10:13:36 GMT
;D Much more acceptable mate!
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abby
Statesman
Posts: 925
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Post by abby on Aug 22, 2008 15:13:11 GMT
Can you still buy "British files " ?
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Noddy
Statesman
Posts: 672
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Post by Noddy on Aug 22, 2008 15:20:19 GMT
Now that i'm married we have a joint account see.....In a previous life the CFO only inspected what she knew about. ;D Time to set up a slush tool fund elsewhere mate! either that or charge comission on shoes, frocks and handbags... Kath |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2008 15:22:07 GMT
Well, actually, I think you can buy them from America, Company by the name of Nicholson: that's where mine came from via Penny Farthing Tools of Salisbury!
JB
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Post by jonkett on Aug 23, 2008 9:56:34 GMT
I have now turned back into an armchair engineer as I have just arrived at my boat in Montpellier, having just driven 570 miles since leaving Le Havre this morning! My three pennorth on files is: the instant that they don't bite, just throw them away! All the fudges using acid etc. will not replace the feel of a perfect (and usually British made) file! If you want to produce accurate, predictable work, you need good kit. JB Sorry you an't buy a British made file now! Regards John K. |
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Post by alanstepney on Aug 23, 2008 11:43:05 GMT
Blundell still make files, and thre are one or two other specialist file makers.
Prices are high, but so is the quality.
USA made files are also generally good quality.
However, it is cheaper to buy TWO sets of the Chinese ones, keeping one for "yellow " metal, the other for steel.
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Post by teakfreak on Aug 25, 2008 20:26:18 GMT
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Post by houstonceng on Aug 25, 2008 22:03:12 GMT
I get worried when the Specification just says :-
"Size 10" (254mm)".
So are they Bastard or Smooth ? 1st or 2nd Cut ? Who can tell from the picture and it's a pound to 1d that no-one at toolstop knows if you ring them.
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ianmac
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 308
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Post by ianmac on Aug 26, 2008 4:17:36 GMT
I think it is time to set up a slush fund.
I worked out last year we "we" spent 5k on sparkling things.....Lets get out priorities straight..
isnt their a saying Happy wife happy life .......without tools though ;D
Although we did buy me a 2nd hand mill for $400 buck ......... coff..coff...
as the "2nd hand" "virtually untouched" mill was being moved around the side it still had the price tag attatched ;D.. That was very quickly removed.
Previous owner must have wanted to keep it in its original condition ;D
back to the topic.....Will hydrocloric acid from the pool shop be ok
Ian
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Post by davidimurray on Aug 26, 2008 10:21:40 GMT
Hate to be cheeky, but .......
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;D
