How to maintain tamiya files?

[CEKPETHO BCE]

So I have a set of tamiya files and I would like to know how to maintain them properly so I dont destroy them.

I tried to clean them with water and I'm seeing something that appears to be rust... is there a special way to clean them after each use without damaging them in the long run?

[spad007]

  On 4/22/2011 at 3:26 AM, CEKPETHO BCE said:

So I have a set of tamiya files and I would like to know how to maintain them properly so I dont destroy them.

I tried to clean them with water and I'm seeing something that appears to be rust... is there a special way to clean them after each use without damaging them in the long run?

I have a Brass Wire Brush i use as a file card.

. In one to one life, a file needs to be cleaned with a stiff wire brush called a file card.

look here for a explanation ► http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CCwQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hartvilletool.com%2Fproduct%2F11291&ei=KRqxTY-ALsLh0QG42oynAg&usg=AFQjCNGl97uLPitHDlE5pQVDfN8EmtXACw

or do a search for File card tool.

Water is as you now see is not a good idea... so lightly machine oil the files effected and find a small brass brush to clean your micro files .a cat curry brush will work

after oiling the files you will have to wash ANY thing your filing on with soapy water any way. but oil the files any way the rust will kill you files fast.

as you use the file tap it on some thing softly to clear out debris lightly though don't break the file.

this works with open face sanding paper also tapping and brushing out the debris

on one to one sand paper ..i hit/slap it flat with a paint stirring stick in till it gets so bad i can't clean it any more.

you must find you own way of unclogging sand paper. if your wet sanding that takes care of it on it's own.

[roush16]

  On 4/22/2011 at 3:26 AM, CEKPETHO BCE said:

So I have a set of tamiya files and I would like to know how to maintain them properly so I dont destroy them.

I tried to clean them with water and I'm seeing something that appears to be rust... is there a special way to clean them after each use without damaging them in the long run?

I have been a machinist for many years and use WD-40 to clean out my files. Spray it on or soak the file in it. It works excellent. Anthony

[Iron Fist]

x2 on WD-40

[CEKPETHO BCE]

Thanks guys. Where can I get this WD-40? Is it harmful for skin?

[CEKPETHO BCE]

  On 4/27/2011 at 8:50 PM, CEKPETHO BCE said:

Thanks guys. Where can I get this WD-40? Is it harmful for skin?

Never mind the where I can get it part. I just found some in my garage.

[CEKPETHO BCE]

So I just spray the files with it and thats it? Do I wipe it after or just leave it?

[spad007]

  On 4/27/2011 at 8:50 PM, CEKPETHO BCE said:

Thanks guys. Where can I get this WD-40? Is it harmful for skin?

Not that i know of.. its As safe as i know. I use it on my hands when my joints hurt it seems to help.

i have used WD-40 for many years never had a problem. i am 62 years old and finger joints hurt all

the time so i rub WD-40 in to them.

Now one thing WD-40 will attract moisture some. but not enough to harm any thing if

you use it regularly

on steel parts and saws its a wonder also under any mower deck.and sprayed on a snow shovel the wet stuff slips right off

Marvel Mystery oil will also clean a file and keep rust away .IF YOU can stand the smell..

Don't expect any thing to do all or every thing

I still recommend you use a file card or brush then oil and then put files in a case away from water.

if you Oil / WD-40 a file then touch it to your model you will have to clean the model before paint.

Or clean the file with a solvent use the file then put it away oiled and properly dispose of the oily rag or rags so they don't start a fire.

[niteowl7710]

Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop huffing WD-40...

[Keef]

  On 4/29/2011 at 4:43 PM, Donnie Boger said:

my file cleaner, and yes its my pants leg, works pretty good, removes all the junk from the files and also the sanding sticks. Take note, my file says China on it, I buy them at harbor freight and they do the same as Tamiya files.

i use my pants legs too, ease of access, and plentiful as well

[scalenut]

  Quote

my file cleaner, and yes its my pants leg, works pretty good, removes all the junk from the files and also the sanding sticks. Take note, my file says China on it, I buy them at harbor freight and they do the same as Tamiya files

thats a diamond file ,,, not the same..it doesn't have grooves that clog like a typical file... I use a small brass brush.

I'm a machinist and well... thats what we use.

Edited May 3, 2011 by scalenut

[Harry P.]

  On 5/4/2011 at 11:23 PM, khart said:

Trivia question ... anyone know what the "WD" in WD-40 stands for ... without Googling it?

Weiner dog?

[horsepower]

If your files get extremely plugged with plastic filings, you can soak them in a solvent like acetone, or MEK, then use a brass wire brush to clean out the teeth if the "gunk" doesn't just fall off in the soak.