Clogged file

[WKevinD]

I have a nice sharp file that I usually reserve for draw filing, a 10" US made Nicholson. I used it to clean up a sandcast brass buttplate and managed to clog about 20% of the teeth with brass. I have tried using a carding brush and have made no progress. I should have chalked but the time for that is passed.
Any thoughts? It's still sharp and I can roll little curls when draw filing but I'm still concerned about the brass clogs.
Kevin

[Metalshaper]

I picked up some of the brass things they have laying around gun ranges. Think they are 30-06? I mashed the neck area flat and use that to run through the teeth of the files. After a couple of passes the tooth pattern is cut in and it will easily clean the file.. strips of brass, flattened copper tubing and such have been used by others..

Respect Always
Metalshaper\Jonathan

[Greg Pennell]

Put a piece of thin brass (I use a flattened cartridge case) in your vise, and rub the file across it in the direction of the teeth, ie across the file, not along it. Confusing to try and explain, but the brass will conform to the teeth, and remove the chips from between them much better than a file card.

Greg

[Ky-Flinter]

My buddy Greg beat me to it, but I use a little different spin, so I'll leave it.

Take spent rifle cartridge case, like a .30-06, flatten the mouth of the case.  Put the flattened case on the file at about a 45 degree angle and push it across the file in the same direction as the teeth of the file.  This will cut teeth into the brass case and push the filings out of your file.

-Ron

[Pukka Bundook]

Only thing I can add to the above replies, is if you are working on an "English" gun, use a .303 case!  LOL!

[Clark Badgett]

Only thing I can add to the above replies, is if you are working on an "English" gun, use a .303 case!  LOL!

Now that right there is funny.

[Daryl]

Only thing I can add to the above replies, is if you are working on an "English" gun, use a .303 case!  LOL!

LOL - I prefer one of the "express" brass thingies.  This adds a touch of class and value to the tool.

[Bob Roller]

Only thing I can add to the above replies, is if you are working on an "English" gun, use a .303 case!  LOL!

.303?? NO WAY,a Kynoch .600 is the thing. It's wider when flattened.

Bob Roller

[WKevinD]

Thanks, I'll have to go thru my spent brass and find something appropriate. 

Kevin

[Cuboodle]

Place it in the freezer for an hour then card it with the wire brush

[Pukka Bundook]

Quote;

Bob R,
"303?? NO WAY,a Kynoch .600 is the thing. It's wider when flattened".  So is a cat, Bob!

 I think .404 Jeffrey would be better...

Thanks, I'll have to go thru my spent brass and find something appropriate. 

Kevin

Kevin,  LOL!!!

[Craig Wilcox]

Y'all keep me laughing with the "brass thingy from the rifle range"!  And yeah, a .404 Jeffries would be ideal.

I have run into the same problem of soft metals clogging the file teeth.  I get used stainless dental picks from my dentist, and run the tip along the edge of the teeth - across the file.  Gets rid of brass, aluminum, etc., fairly quickly.  I will, however, have to try that trick of freezing the file then carding it!

The picks can also be quite useful in getting rid of dirt from 90 deg corners and other tight places.  Use lightly, so you don't scratch what you are working on.

For me, my 9.3 x 62 mm brass is about as British as I can get.  Well, South African anyway!

[WadePatton]

Copper water line or other such works as well.  Flatten it and let it form itself to the teeth of the file.  No need in using spent unmentionables--those can be packed again. 

[smylee grouch]

I have had some luck with a stuby chunk of 3/8 brass rod glued into an antler piece and the other end was filed to an edge. I have used the cartridge brass also and it works good.