Thread: New tools

Nice pile of files, Randy! Seems I read somewhere that some sort of acid would make them cut again?
All of mine are pretty 'weak'!

Nothing like a file which really cuts!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Nice pile of files, Randy! Seems I read somewhere that some sort of acid would make them cut again?
All of mine are pretty 'weak'!

Nothing like a file which really cuts!

From what I have read the acid method is questionable.
I do like the method that boggstool.com uses. It makes a lot more sense. When I get some files back from them I will let you know my impression.

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Tomorrow is the " move the workbenches into the garage day". Luckily my neighbor will help me move all the stuff around. There is a lot to be moved out of the garage and relocated before I can get the workbenches into the garage. But, I will then have a start on a functioning workshop in Wisconsin.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I had no idea that you could resharpen a file. Good to know.
I find small drill bits very difficult to res Harper by hand and find them to be the perfect use for a drill doctor. They do a nice job and are very easy to use. Bigger drill bits I can do by hand but I’m not nearly as slick at as Charlie is. I guess his work background gave him lots of practice. Like many things, if you are not good at it you need more practice.

I was taught to sharpen bits by hand and can do allright at times still...Drill doctors rock.
Borrowed my landlord's and sat before it a LONG time! I still don't have one. Need one!

The last pic looks like saw files. The old Nicholson files were good ones, lots of old files were good. They come in a variety of sizes, a tooth sizes go down to 3 TPI and up into the teen and some backed saws in the 20’s TPI. A saw file should be twice the width of the depth of the saw tooth, so may look larger than needed for saw work.

If he was sharpening saws, keep your eyes open for a saw vice, cast iron ones are worth a bit of money or at least handy to have and use. Lots of folks made their own out of wood, either free standing or to clamp in a bench vice, also handy to have.

You can re-sharpen files by etching in acid.

Also, if there are saw files, there are probably some hand saws. Good vintage hand saws have come into their own and folks are getting good money for saws, handles and even the screws and medallions. Some medallions are collectable.

Saw filing and refurbishing is yet another rabbit hole, but a sharp tuned hand saw is a joy to use. Most folks are surprised at how quickly and straight you can cut with a tuned hand saw.

Yea, grinding drill bits by hand takes a bit of practice, I too use the Drill Doctor. You can find good drill bits cheap at flea markets and garage sales, especially larger bits. And once you can sharpen them…

The last pic is of what I call triangle files. I do not know if that is the shape of file to use for saw sharpening. I do have a bunch more of them. These are just the small ones.

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Hmmphhh . I had written a nice post but then it just disappeared before I could post it.

Short version ...
All three workbenches are now moved into the garage and also the 2 tall shelving units. Hooray!
I will try to get pics tomorrow.

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Update ... I have continued with rearranging and setting up my workshop in Knapp Wisconsin since I will be moving there permanently.
I made the mistake of searching my garage in St. Paul, Minnesota for stuff to take to Wisconsin. One morning I found 20 more files, big ones!
That evening I decided to look thru my basement and filled up an old wooden peach crate with more files! Then the next evening I looked again and found 18 more files!
I have only one more workbench to look under .......
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I know this all sounds ridiculous but after watching this guy on Youtube I don't feel so bad.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLvPJNI8H_g

Now Randy, the only way you would have less stuff is for you to have missed that sale and a few others!

-Richard

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These files made me tear my hair out!��


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