cleaning/maintaining files

[Austin Brown]

Read thru what little I could find using the search, not a whole lot on here.  Just bought a new 16" Nicholson for sharpening big Snuffers, they don't give them away.  Any tips besides chalk, not too much pressure, and clean with file card/wire brush?  Did read that couple people use solvents to clean, what's the verdict on that?

Thanks
Austin

[lpcjon2]

Any wire brush will clean the file its keeping it from rusting thats the hard part. I use regular corn oil when filing and wipe it down when done,wire brush will scratch the finish and the oil helps. When storing them I put a few of those Silica gel packets that come in shoes (and just about everything you buy)and put them in the tool box with the file, they absorb moisture.