Chalking files?

Bakes168 · January 19, 2009, 07:13:00 PM

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

RightTrailWrongTime · January 19, 2009, 07:17:00 PM

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!

kbaknife · January 19, 2009, 07:21:00 PM

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!)

Bakes168 · January 19, 2009, 07:39:00 PM

How oten should I do this?

kbaknife · January 19, 2009, 07:46:00 PM

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.

Boneyard Bowhunter · January 19, 2009, 09:05:00 PM

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.

Roadkill · January 19, 2009, 10:53:00 PM

I recommend you clean the chalk out when done as the chalk can attract mositure and rust your file

Tree man · January 20, 2009, 12:33:00 AM

Skip, You have moisture in Reno?

Bakes168 · January 20, 2009, 06:21:00 PM

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

Bakes168 · January 20, 2009, 06:24:00 PM

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

foxbo · January 20, 2009, 06:40:00 PM

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.

Roadkill · January 20, 2009, 10:20:00 PM

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.

Walt Francis · January 21, 2009, 11:07:00 AM

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.