How do ya'll get your files clean? I have a couple of good files, I use them apx. 1 year, then they seemed to be so gummed up, that I can't seem to get BH sharp like I did when the file was new.
I have used file cards, with limited success.
I would like to get more then one year out of a file.
Please help
chris <><
I use a wire brush.
For gummy build up on files I have used brake cleaner and a file card. Might soak in paint thinner and then use the file card but I haven't tried that...............James
QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I use a wire brush.
X2
Chalk them before each use to reduce fouling and extend their life.
QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I use a wire brush.
same here
QuoteOriginally posted by Buckeye Trad Hunter:
QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I use a wire brush.
X2 [/b]
x3.. I have also just started chalking my files be fore use.. seems to lubricate and slows down build up.
Are yall using just regular chalkboard chalk?
Jeff
I use soap stone and it has a slickness to it that seems to lubricate as well and cleans out of the file flutes easily.
I use a monster magnet.
Maybe they're worn out?
I use a big old stick of chalk that I chalk my box calls with. Builds a buffer to keep the filings from collecting between the teeth of the file and staying there. To clean them out I use a Nicholson file card, it's like a wire brush but much finer. With the chalk base if you load the file up with junk you can get it out with the card. If not, it turns into a solid mass of steel. Not a problem if you want to keep buying new files :mad:
File Card. I chalk my files before use. KY
I have files I use on broadheads only. I clean them with with an old toothbrush.
Chalk or soapstone. Makes a file last alot longer.
Definitely use chalk before filing, clean the file and re-chalk as necessary. Gunsmithing supply stores carry large diameter, soft chalk for files.
A trick I learned while gunsmithing is to clean the file teeth with a brass cartridge case. Flatten the case mouth in a vise about a 1/2" inch down the case (I use a .38). Run the flattened case mouth edge across the file teeth - not down the length of the file. Once the teeth cut into the brass enough, it will act like a small comb. The brass is way easier on the file teeth than a file card.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray_G:
Definitely use chalk before filing, clean the file and re-chalk as necessary. Gunsmithing supply stores carry large diameter, soft chalk for files.
A trick I learned while gunsmithing is to clean the file teeth with a brass cartridge case. Flatten the case mouth in a vise about a 1/2" inch down the case (I use a .38). Run the flattened case mouth edge across the file teeth - not down the length of the file. Once the teeth cut into the brass enough, it will act like a small comb. The brass is way easier on the file teeth than a file card.
I had no idea Ray? I had never heard of chalking, using soap stone, or a brass casing........and I have all 3 on hand! That's what's great about this site, some highly skilled individuals hanging out around here. :thumbsup:
Showing my ignorance here.
I had always believed that chalk, normally used for turkey box calls, was oil free and would not be the optimum choice for a file.
Please set me straight.
What Ray_G said, I have done the same thing with a piece of aluminum. I use wire brushes too but they are brass brushes. Cards and steel wire brushes can help dull your file.
Eric
Soapstone works great...and clean them more often with the file card.
To clean a plugged file I like to take a small length of soft copper tube. Flatten one end and run the flattened end parallel to the teeth. Go one end to the other, it will clean most of what is plugging it.
Personally I like mineral spirits with a dash of oil for cutting fluid to keep a file from loading up.
QuoteOriginally posted by Friend:
Showing my ignorance here.
I had always believed that chalk, normally used for turkey box calls, was oil free and would not be the optimum choice for a file.
Please set me straight.
I thought chalk was chalk? Didn't know there were different kinds, except different colors. :dunno:
QuoteOriginally posted by ksbowman:
I use soap stone and it has a slickness to it that seems to lubricate as well and cleans out of the file flutes easily.
Second on the soap stone, works great. :thumbsup:
Chalk them, use a file card for cleaning regularly.
Chalk does work well to help prevent build and extend the life of the file. I have found that even fine file cards don't work that well on small files. Try Break-Free gun cleaning solvent in spray can to clean the file. It works great!
I use regular baby powder,works well.
Semo_Hunter, The reason that I mentioned which type of chalk should be used because it does make a differnece when chalking box calls.
Example from box call care instructions:
'Make sure you chalk your box call only with box call chalk, (carpenter's chalk), regular chalkboard chalk has oil in it that will change the tone of your boxcall'
I just believe that chalk with impregnated oil
would be better choice for filing applications.
Another reason for my inquiry is the type of chalk I have on hand is the oil free variety.
I use sidewalk chalk from the dollar store...... it works well enough and use brake cleaner and a toothbrush to clean when needed.
they still could be worn out. I sharpen grizzlies and I can tell you with chalking I wear out a file in about five to six months.
I do sharpen all year long, and do it every time I hunt...and sharpen heads for visitors to the camp, so obviously mine get more use and are used on harder steel than many broadheads, so your mileage may vary...but if you haven't chalked, and have clogged them up, they could be worn out and need replacing.
I use box call chalk as well. I think soapstone would be awesome and hadn't thought of that. Good idea guys.
Thanks all for the advice. I think I will try to soapstone idea along with the soft copper pipe.
Thanks again....I love the wealth of knowledge here in this site!
chris <><
Brake cleaner, Wire brush, and the brake cleaner followed by compressed air.
Everyone is right about cleaning and chalking. But Ray Hammond may have it...worn out. If your not using a good quality file and are sharpening hard steel broadheads you file could be ruined in a very short period of time.