File & rasp sharpening service review

[yellowhammer]

I'm about to start a plank build, and I do not like dull files and rasps. I sent some off to Boggs Tool Processing to try them out, and can report prompt excellent service:

That big ole antique 14" Black Diamond rasp is sharp as a razor now [I remember my dad using it around the farm in the '60's].

 

[hawkenhunter50]

Agreed, good folks to deal with. Decent pricing too I thought.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Co$t per file?

UPDATE - See below ... I found it ...

 

[PathfinderNC]

Thanks. I have used vinegar with good results for my teeny tiny files but the bigguns could use some help.

 

[Salty Cracker]

That'd good to know. Thanks

 

[yellowhammer]

... I have used vinegar with good results...

Often wondered if that really worked.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Often wondered if that really worked.

It really does work. I was happy about that.

 

[Sam squanch]

Yes, the vinegar treatment works!!! Thanks Dave Person!

 

[yellowhammer]

Somebody explain to me the chemistry/mechanics/etc that is going on with the vinegar that turns a dulled knife edge back sharp? Intriguing. One article guessed it was etching off the underside of the tooth, like sharpening a chainsaw tooth, but chemically.

 

[Old Sparky]

Somebody explain to me the chemistry/mechanics/etc that is going on with the vinegar that turns a dulled knife edge back sharp? Intriguing. One article guessed it was etching off the underside of the tooth, like sharpening a chainsaw tooth, but chemically.

Vinegar is an acid. Most blacksmiths use muriatic acid to sharpen their files. Works a lot faster but you have to be quick about taking it out. The acid eats away some of the metal reducing the radius of the worn out Edge. You can't do it forever just a few times per file

 

[waksupi]

Iv'e been using Bogg's for years. If you sharpen horse shoe rasps, be aware the rasps WILL cut you very easily when you get them back.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

If you sharpen horse shoe rasps, be aware the rasps WILL cut you very easily when you get them back.

It's just a flesh wound ...

 

[yellowhammer]

...be aware the rasps WILL cut you very easily when you get them back.

For sure, that big rasp in my photo is VERY sharp...

Amazed something that old and rusty could be made to look that good again; new lease on life...

 

[Scota@4570]

I sent them about 20 files a while back to see. I am happy. The old quality files that were sharpened are better than new files from the hardware store. I now keep an eye out for quality old files at my usual places. I buy them for a dollar then have Boggs make them like new.

 

[yellowhammer]

Same here. Wife is a yardsaler. Told her to keep an eye out...

 

[S.Kenton]

I'm about to start a plank build, and I do not like dull files and rasps. I sent some off to Boggs Tool Processing to try them out, and can report prompt excellent service:

View attachment 289745

That big ole antique 14" Black Diamond rasp is sharp as a razor now [I remember my dad using it around the farm in the '60's].

That’s good to know! I may give them a try as well.

 

[godutch]

I've been experimenting with both vinegar and sulfuric methods. Both work but the vinegar takes much longer. It's also much cheaper. So far I've gotten my best results with the sulfuric, mixed 10/1 and then a baking soda dip. My worn out nicholsen mill file USA, is now sharper than my newer Brazilian made one. I may use Boggs though for some small finer cut files assuming the result will be better than mine.

 

[godutch]

A 'muse': Ever have a favorite file that you wore out years ago but won't throw it out? You take it out every couple of years and try to use it thinking maybe healed up or wasn't as bad as you remember.., but it is. Of course you put it back again still unwilling to part with it. Mine's getting the sulfuric treatment now and it's showing signs of hope.

 

[James Kibler]

Unless it's something special, I don't like to resharpen. I don't think they cut the same. For example, it seems they are more prone to chattering.

I have had rasps sharpened and they worked well.