I read something here a while ago about having to chalk your broadhead sharpening files.
Why should I do this? And is there a special way to do it, or just rub chalk on the file and into the teeth?
Thanks
Zack
It keeps the channels from filling up with material, I clean mine with a wire brush and just rub a chalk stick over the teeth. I just spent a considerable time cleaning an old Nickolson file that was all but dead but after cleaning and applying chalk its as good as new!
If the teeth of the file are allowed to accumulate a lot of the filing scarf, this accumulation tends to create drag and inadvertant "snagging" of the work surface as you file.
(I spend a little time with a file in my hands!)
How oten should I do this?
Frequent enough to stop it from being a problem.
It's also going to depend upon the hardness of the material being filed and the sharpness and cut of the file.
Let the "Force" guide you.
I use a small wire brush to clean the teeth. With a mill bastard if you clean the teeth every two to three strokes you will get a clean cut and a smooth sharp edge. If you use a smooth mill no more than two strokes.
I recommend you clean the chalk out when done as the chalk can attract mositure and rust your file
Skip, You have moisture in Reno?
So should I leave the teeth with a little chalk in them or clean them out? And every two strokes seems like a lot of cleaning and chalking :confused:
Zack
And what's the difference between a smooth miil, Nickolson, and mill bastard file?
Mine say Grobet Bastard, I have the 8" and two 6" from 3Rivers.
Zack
I chalked one once and didn't see any advantage to it. Files wear out just like other tools. I usually purchase a new file at least every other season. When the cuttin' edge doesn't bite as it should, I toss it.
No rust in Reno, but I have lived in Tx, Ok ,VA,NC,SC, CA, WI, MO-so I have seen some moisture. that is one thing nice about Reno. How's your Dad? Haven't seen or heard from you guys in awhile.
I do not chalk my file but have found my files last longer when I use a stiff nylon brush to clean my files instead of a wire brush.