Quality Files

[bearhunter]

I believe Lee Valley carries them, but you have to order from their website.

 

[B_noser]

Not liking the idea of dragging hardened steel pins across the teeth, I no longer use a file card. Two other methods actually work better for me.

Scrap pieces of Formica (plastic laminate) counter top material cut into approximately 1 1/4" by 4" strips make very effective file cleaners. The thicker Formica sold in sheets and used on counter top end caps works best, but the thinner stuff is also serviceable. A few strokes across the file teeth cuts the tooth pattern into the Formica and makes it a very effective cleaner that won't damage the cutting edge.

A piece of scrap brass used as above works great for heavier cleaning needs. A cartridge case flattened on the end works well. To make it easier to use, cut the head off and drive in a short piece of dowel.

 

[sean69]

I have been trying to find a file card to clean mine, they seem to be unobtainium and nobody even seems to know what they are anymore.

Grizz

I believe Lee Valley carries them, but you have to order from their website.

Lee valley does carry them - I have one. The nice thing is the brush on one side - they call it a file cleaner.

You could also find a natural bristle scrub/tub brush and trim the bristles real short.

 

[sean69]

Not liking the idea of dragging hardened steel pins across the teeth, I no longer use a file card. Two other methods actually work better for me.

I don't know why they even bother with the wire side - it doesn't work anyway.... I peeled the leather holding the wires off mine... keeps me from temptation

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Yes, I never use the wire side anymore. I mostly use a scrap of hardwood to scrape the teeth. Occasionally have to grab the brass scraper to get a stubborn pin.
Another excellent brand of file is Oberg, from Sweden. My absolute favorite file is one of theirs.

 

[B_noser]

I also keep a stiff short-bristle scrub brush on the bench for the same reason. Likely does 80% of the cleaning and would probably do more if I could just learn to lighten up a touch. It's an old dog and new tricks thing

 

[veeshooter]

Tagged for info.

 

[trevj]

PA has some pretty decent file cards on sale right now...

I always did OK with either a smashed flat cartridge case, or a crappy chunk of scrap aluminum to clear out the teeth on a file.

 

[bearhunter]

PA has some pretty decent file cards on sale right now...

I always did OK with either a smashed flat cartridge case, or a crappy chunk of scrap aluminum to clear out the teeth on a file.

Yup, as often as not the brass and aluminum just add to the problem, especially if you're trying to clean jammed brass/aluminum out of a file.

One other thing that works reasonably well is a "hand held" wire brush with fine bristles. They're available in six inch lengths or toothbrush style.

 

[buckbrush]

Check out”Fireball tools” on you tube for a file test using a 36” Cincinnati shaper as the prime mover. Very interesting.

 

[RRCo.]

Sounds like a specific purpose Draw File for jobs like deburring large diameter pipe or the like. If you want something special, and are willing to place a minimum order, you could get about anything made!

Had another look at it today: "C.O. Oberg & Co. Eskilstuna Sweden Garanti" and a man-in-the-moon trademark on one of the tangs.

"And that's a good thing".