Resharpening Files

[Alden]

I was curious if anyone here ever sent their files out for professional sharpening ?
I was reading some woodworking forums and found Boggs Tools in California
http://www.boggstool.com/index.htm
From the comments I read, the files come back better than new.
I want to say the cost per file is something like $5 each.
I was wondering since I bought all those old files, and a few have seen better days.

[KurtHuhn]

Huh. Look at that. I've always considered them used up and pounded them into knives.

[caskwith]

You can do it yourself with some nitric acid or other powerful etchant.

[SimeonTurner]

You can do it yourself with some nitric acid or other powerful etchant.

Is it as simple as dipping it? What's that process look like?

[Bosaiya]

It's an ongoing topic on the Old Tools list.

Go here: http://swingleydev.com/archive/search.php

and type in "Sharpen Files"

You can handle the rest.

[Alden]

Just got off the phone with Mr. Boggs. What a nice guy, and great customer service too.
The rate is .20 per linear inch for standard cuts (mill, bastard etc) and .40 for rasps and fancy schmancy files and such.
So a 10" mill file is $2, and comes back like new.
Every file they work on is block tested, if they havent sharpened it to the standards they set, they put a red dye on it to mark it as "expired" and charge you next to nothing for the work (and the file will still be better than it was before).
When the work is done, they'll mail you the files with an invoice. You dont pay until you've gotten your tools back and inspected them. If you mention it, he'll sharpen two files or bits for free for new customers.
They sharpen just about anything- end mills, drill bits, whatever you got.
They carry new files and sharpen them before sending them out.
They can make custom diamond files for you too, just send them the blanks.

Really cool company, I'll be sending them a crapload of files soon !

[hawky454]

Huh. Look at that. I've always considered them used up and pounded them into knives.

You can pound them into knives? Man, I want to learn how to do that!

[caskwith]

You can do it yourself with some nitric acid or other powerful etchant.

Is it as simple as dipping it? What's that process look like?

The file would need to be thoroughly degreased and free from swarf etc. A liight run under the sandblaster followed by a soak in acetone would work I would think. Then the file is dipped in the acid and agitated to stop bubbles settling. If the acid is strong then the dip will be quick, too long and you will remove the teeth completly.

[Tyler]

Wow...really cool. I'm going to bookmark the Boggs link. Thanks Ryan!

[KurtHuhn]

You can pound them into knives? Man, I want to learn how to do that!

Go for it! The initial costs are about as high as pipe making, but knowing how to forge steel and make knives is absolutely invaluable. It's also very addicting. I make about as many knives these days as I do pipes.

[KurtHuhn]

http://www.boggstool.com/index.htm

Thank you for this, by the way. I have a few files in strange shapes that are really expensive to buy new, and I'd love to get them working like (or better than!) new again.

[Alden]

I'll update this when I get the files back, I'm planning to send them out next week.
He said to expect 2-3 week turn around from the time I send them out.

[billiard]

Thanks very much for this thread. I honestly did not know this was possible and this is going to save me a bunch of money, I look forward to hearing your thoughts when they are returned.

[loosvelt]

I use boggs and he is simply amazing. Two thumbs up.