Chalking files

I've occasionally chalked files, particularly when working with aluminium. The stated wisdom is that it is supposed to reduce clogging of the file teeth.

Coarse files don't clog as easily compared to the finer files, particularly on ali. castings.

I haven't found it particularly effective to prevent clogging, but it does seem to ease cleaning the file (with a piece of flattened copper pipe) afterwards.

Does anyone have any experience with chalked files and whether they can keep the file clean while using it?

This question has come up because I'm working on aluminium castings at the moment.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

I was taught to chalk files used for aluminium at school, and it works quite well. If I file aluminium nowadays, I just wet them first with WD40 or AC90. We often had to fettle parts at work with 140MM Vallorbe No2 files, and if they got aluminium stuck in the teeth, popped them in a jar of caustic soda (NAOH) solution overnight.

Edited By old mart on 17/05/2020 16:40:30

If my memory serves me correctly (and it may well not do) I was taught that only course files should be used on soft material and then to use a strip of emery cloth supported by the file, getting less course as nearing the correct size. I do remember using chalk but I am almost sure that was when draw filling, but I might be talking out of the wrong end, it was a long time ago.

School chalk or French?

regards Martin

School chalk.

I was taught to use chalk on files used on aluminium when I was an apprentice and we had some large cast aluminium valve covers to prepare to make the engines look nice!

I don't use aluminium much for model making but if I do, I always chalk the files using the sticks of chalk that are sold for marking steels etc for cutting or welding.

Brian

I've used both school chalk & French chalk, both seem to work well.

George.

Its the individual job case whether to use or not. Most of the times the job will respond better to no chalking just merely using the file differently or choosing another file or even a rasp.

Keep oils off files, biggest mistake you can make wont cut or not very well until burnt off.
Alumnium you can use coarse, medium cut to finishing, how are you supposed to get it to size removing a couple of thou.
Coarse 12" bastards we got through every 3 days, declogging often worked by using it on steels and changing direction. You wouldnt be able to pick aluminium out thats clogged and wedged in under heat, just a few strokes!