On 25 Jan 2005 05:52:49 -0800, "Jake" wrote:

I have a couple dozen old files from my grandfather's shop.

Buy some new files. The difference is amazing. They're a medium-cost
item, because you need a handful, but they're not a major cost and
they are very useful. Get _good_ ones - there's a difference.

You can't de-rust files by normal cleaning. You'll get the rust off,
but the teeth lose their edge. Try using a new file once - you'll
appreciate the difference for "sharp".

There is an acid-etch process for restoring old files. This is a
commercial send-it-away process, but the results are supposed to be
excellent.

New handles are cheap - I wouldn't bother re-using old ones. "Python"
handles have a metal spring inside the socket and are a bit easier to
fit. Plain wooden handles are usually fitted by clamping the file
(wrapped in cloth or leather) in a vice, heating the tang with a
blowlamp and then burning an accurately-fitting hole into the handle
(takes a few repeats). Then finally use a mallet (not a hammer -
you'll split the wood) to push them firmly on. A coat of Danish Oil is
a good finish to stop them getting too dirty too soon. Plastic handles
are garbage - you can never get a good tight fit. Always use
_something_ as a handle; file tangs into the wrist are a classic
workshop horror story.

Try Googling as well - a few threads on files in the recent past.
--
Smert' spamionam