Sharpening files

[billd]

My #49 and #50 Nicholson rasps were getting very dull. Not having a C note to replace them I tried the vineger method I read about on this board. A gallon of 5% cider vineger, $2.99, what have I got to lose??   I let them soak over night, wow!!!!  , what a difference, like brand new.  Maybe not quite like brand new, they're so old I don't remember what the were like new, but a great, great  improvement.

I have two of my big rat tails soaking now. They were kind of worn out too. I'll try them out tomorrow.

Another great idea learned here.
Thanks to who ever posted it,
Bill

[Dphariss]

The etching of the wood files causes them to plug rapidly then take a long time to clean so they cut again.
I gave this up after 1-2 trials.

Dan

[billd]

I used them quite heavily tonight on walnut with no trouble.

Bill

[Clowdis]

Seems like I remember from somewhere that this is how the Heller Nu-Cut file company got started. Reworking old files during the war.

[Dphariss]

I used them quite heavily tonight on walnut with no trouble.

Bill

I was using a commercial file sharping solution the the company I was working for bought. Might have been too aggressive I guess.
??
I have a dull one around the shop I don't use maybe I'll give it s shot. If I can locate the thing
Dan

[Roger Fisher]

My #49 and #50 Nicholson rasps were getting very dull. Not having a C note to replace them I tried the vineger method I read about on this board. A gallon of 5% cider vineger, $2.99, what have I got to lose??   I let them soak over night, wow!!!!  , what a difference, like brand new.  Maybe not quite like brand new, they're so old I don't remember what the were like new, but a great, great  improvement.

I have two of my big rat tails soaking now. They were kind of worn out too. I'll try them out tomorrow.

Another great idea learned here.
Thanks to who ever posted it,
Bill

I do believe I'm guilty of that post - not 100% certain - your welcome anyway

[DutchGramps]

I have used both hydrochloric acid and battery acid with good results. It is important to first clean the files with caustic soda (lye...) and after the dip (from 5 min. to up to an hour, depending on the concentration) wash several times with baking soda solution, wrap in newspaper and dry in the oven at low temperature.

[T*O*F]

I seem to remember a discussion many years ago before ALR existed.  It was posted by an Aussie, who had a method of sharpening files using molasses.  Can't recall the specific details.......anyone else remember it?

[rich pierce]

Nitric acid works the best in my opinion.  After all, it eats iron pretty quickly.  You just have to watch it and not let it go too long.

[Dennis Glazener]

A friend of mine sharpened some using muratic acid and it worked very well.
Dennis