Hand Files

[masww1]

Thanks for the info. I found Boggs when I did a search earlier, but couldn't find any prices. I might try the vinegar thing first.

[Woussko]

Here is what a file card looks like. The one on the left is the economy version but it does work.

[masww1]

I got the economy version at HD and it worked OK. I tried a little BKF with moderate results. The files are not rust encrusted, but they do have some deep rust on them. I just sprinkled the BKF on to the files I had sprayed with mineral spirits. I'm going to try to make a paste (like the directions on the box say) and work it into the grooves, brush it out with a brass brush, rinse it again with mineral spirits, and finally dress it with the card file. That really seems like a lot of work for a used file (and I've got 8 of them), but I'm so new to the proper maintenance of tools, I figure it's good practice for if I ever get a quality tool. I'm concentrating on the 2 largest and coarsest files first. I'll try a vinegar teatment on at least one of them and may send them to Boggs, if they are as good as I've heard.

[wbrooks]

To get rid of surface rust try this stuff

[masww1]

It looks like good stuff, prices aren't bad. I'm not sure I want a gallon of it. It looks like they offer a 32oz. size with the "Rust Bandit Special," but not retail. Can you buy it anywhere else?

[wbrooks]

I can get the 32 oz up here. They will ship to the US but I would think you could get it locally. Try calling Orison (mfg) for a retailer
If you end up ordering from Lee Valley you can get your float glass as well.
Check out the whole site for wood tools and sharpening accessories, these are premier quality every bit as good as or better than Lie Nielsen.
You will not find a company that does customer service any better than Lee Valley

[masww1]

I've contacted Orison about a local retailer. We'll see.

I tried the vinegar treatment. Two things. One, the file was 18" long so I could only soak 1/2 at a time in a 1-liter coke bottle. Two, the surface just out of the vinegar formed rust (DUH) almost immediately. It did "seem" the vinegar soaked surface was a little (very little) "brighter" than the unsoaked end. If I do this again I'll soak it in a flat container completely immersed. Also, I only soaked it for about 90 minutes. I know vinegar is a weak acid, especially compared to sulfuric. I considered soaking it overnight and got tired of thinking about how much rust I'd have to scrape off, again.

Anyone have any ideas how long an acid bath should take? Or how well it works?