How to quickly and inexpensively restore the cutting properties of this tool? There are several common methods. Today we will look at one of them.
Will need
To sharpen a dull file, we must have the following materials and tools on hand:
- citric acid;
- container with water;
- material for testing file sharpness;
- metal brush;
- teaspoon;
- alkaline cleaner;
- extended cuvette;
- an old toothbrush;
- sponge or napkins.
The process of restoring file sharpness
The file definitely requires sharpening if it glides across the surface being processed and does not file it.
To make the file etching process more effective, first clean its working surface with a wire brush to remove dirt, grease and oil deposits, etc.
Next, prepare a mix at the rate of 50 grams of citric acid per 1 liter of clean water. The main thing is that the acid granules must dissolve in water without any residue, and the mixture completely covers the file.
If the volume of our container is 250 ml, then it is enough to pour two teaspoons of citric acid into it to maintain the recommended proportion. By the way, citric acid can be replaced with concentrated table vinegar.
We also degrease the file before etching. To do this, place it over an elongated cuvette, sprinkle it with an alkaline cleaning agent, for example, washing powder, and remove any remaining dirt, grease and oil with a toothbrush dipped in water.
Then we rinse the file with water from a jar, but preferably under running tap water. Degreasing is considered to be of high quality if the water on it does not collect in separate balls, but covers the surface with a continuous thin layer.
Now we place the file in acidified water and leave it there at our concentration for 24 hours. If the acid concentration is higher, the holding time must be reduced accordingly.
It is advisable to monitor the etching process during these days and take certain measures based on its results.
The method of restoring a file by etching is based on the fact that the area of the notch teeth is much smaller than the total working area. Therefore, metal removal from the teeth is faster than in other places. By the way, citric acid or vinegar can be replaced with ferric chloride in small doses.
The effectiveness of the etching process can be judged by the intensity of the formation of hydrogen bubbles on the surface of the file.
After 12 hours of exposure, we remove the file from the solution and check the quality of sharpening. To do this, wipe it on a sponge and see a black coating on it.This is nothing more than etched metal, mainly from serrated teeth.
We check the quality of sharpening of the file on the plastic body of the lighter and make sure that the hook has increased significantly, and numerous particles of removed material are visible on the notch.
However, it is better to keep the file in the solution for 12 hours, after first cleaning it of plastic shavings with a wire brush. You can speed up the etching process by placing the container in a warm place, or by increasing the acid concentration.
When the file reaches the sharpness we need, it should be treated with an alkaline solution to neutralize the acidic residue, and also held under running water to remove all chemical ingredients.
