[Jewelry making - Article 00299] - Re: [Orchid] How to clean files

[James Binnion]

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    Files should be cleaned of embedded metal before "sharpening" them
    by placing in an acid bath. Otherwise you can end up with some
    strange and possibly not so effective tooth patterns as the etching
    rate will vary around the contaminated areas. Ferric chloride and
    nitric acid both attack the iron in the files as well as copper and
    silver. Also if you are using pickle that has copper dissolved in it
    as soon as the copper plates the files (almost instantly) the etching
    action on the steel will stop defeating your intention of sharpening
    the file. It may seem to work better for a short period because the
    copper will act as a lubricant as long as it is there. To get the
    full effect use clean acid solutions to "sharpen" files this way 

    To clean the files of embedded metal drag or push a piece of copper
    sheet about 1 mm thick in the direction parallel to the teeth. this
    will easily remove the offending material rapidly. 

James Binnion
jbin AT mokume-gane.com
James Binnion Metal Arts
http://www.mokume-gane.com
360-756-6550
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