how to sharpen a file?

[Ice Czar]

thought Id toss this in
file making machine
circa 1480 Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci/Machine for cutting files


I sharpen my files rarely (its more like cleaning) becuase its so labor intensive
I have thousands of slightly used number 11 Xacto blades, and regrave the cuts with them
you can imagine the time involved to do something like that, not so bad if your just sort of watching a movie or something at the same time

also its generally just mill bastards that I do this on, no curved files, or cross cut

[tecnovist]

If the file is a real couse one say used on wood or bog...I use a
1mm cutting disc i just sharpen the middal bit, works kinder ok

[habu68]

Chalk board chalk rubbed into a file before use will ease cleaning with a file card.

[fat pete]

i use a file index....it looks like a wire brush with a hair cut ....very short wires and you run the file over it .....it will at the very least clean inbetween the rows....surprising how well it makes the file work.

[jimbob]

actually its called a file card (File card (tool - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). We seem to have hijacked this post it started out as how to sharpen a file. if you do some reading on the web several people talk of doing just that with mixed results most of them say the acid bath but it removes metal and does not last too long; for the money make something else out of the old file and buy a new one!

[Glenn]

Reality check:
What is the cost of a new file?

[Finnr]

Files are cheap enough that after A couple cleanings when the are in fact dull, they become stock. Less effort to pick up a new one than fiddle around trying to make a dull fine less dull. Wore out is wore out!
Finnr

[jimbob]

Originally Posted by Glenn

Reality check:
What is the cost of a new file?

I think thats like everything else it depends on where you buy it!

[Ice Czar]

Originally Posted by Glenn

Reality check:
What is the cost of a new file?

when its one you need but don't have?

priceless

I really would like to be able to make small custom rifflers and die sinks when needed, even if they are just reworked files that are ground, bent and re-cut for a 1\2"
guess you'd use a sacrificial graver or a very small abrasive wheel

[tecnovist]

Some times its not about buying a new one ----its about how it can be done and the knowledge grained by doing it ---
and when your way out in them hills haven an other way of doing stuff is priceless---