Restoring Rusted Vintage Files

Summary

In this video, the creator takes on the restoration of old, rusted files and a rasp, demonstrating techniques like electrolysis for rust removal and acid etching using vinegar for sharpening. The tools, made in Australia in the 80s and 90s, were caked in rust and debris but still held value. The process is both hands-off and inexpensive, costing only around $10 in materials. The creator emphasizes the satisfaction of bringing vintage tools back to life and offers useful tips for maintaining their longevity. The video ends with the creation of custom handles from Tassie oak, making these restored tools ready for future use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Restoration videos may be overdone, but cleaning up old tools is a rewarding process.
• 😀 The tools being restored are Australian-made files from the late 80s to mid-90s, which are still usable despite rusting.
• 😀 Rust removal is done using electrolysis, which is a hands-off process and relatively safe if done properly.
• 😀 Electrolysis uses a solution of sodium carbonate and a 12-volt DC battery charger, with hydrogen gas being produced during the process.
• 😀 Different rust removal methods exist, but the creator prefers electrolysis over others.
• 😀 After rust removal, the teeth of the files are cleaned of gunk and wood using denatured alcohol.
• 😀 Sharpening the files is done via acid etching using vinegar (4% acetic acid), which is a cheap and effective method.
• 😀 The acid bath lasts for 12-18 hours, improving the sharpness of the file teeth significantly.
• 😀 The files are neutralized after acid etching with a baking soda and water mix, then finished with WD-40 for protection.
• 😀 The creator makes new handles from Tassie oak, using a custom-made carbide tool to shape them, completing the restoration process.

Q & A

What caused the files to rust in the first place?

The files rusted because they were stored in an open shed with significant humidity issues, which led to the rust buildup over the years.

Why does the creator prefer using electrolysis for rust removal?

Electrolysis is the creator's preferred method for rust removal because it is hands-off and effective. It involves using a bath with a sodium carbonate solution, allowing the rust to be removed without requiring constant attention.

What safety precaution is mentioned when using electrolysis?

The creator advises caution because electrolysis produces hydrogen gas, which is explosive. It is also recommended not to use salt as the electrolyte since it can produce chlorine gas.

How long did it take for the rusted files to be fully restored?

The rust removal process took around 4 hours for the less rusted files and 8 hours for the more severely rusted ones.

What is the purpose of acid etching in the sharpening process?

Acid etching, specifically using vinegar (acetic acid), helps sharpen the teeth of the files by gradually eating away at the surface, making the teeth sharper and more defined.

How long does the acid etching process take?

The acid etching process takes between 12 to 18 hours for optimal results.

What method does the creator use to neutralize the acid after etching?

The creator neutralizes the acid using a mixture of baking soda and water, which safely deactivates the acid on the files.

How does the vinegar acid bath affect the appearance of the files?

The vinegar acid bath darkens the steel, especially due to the manganese content, giving the files a darker appearance, which is then polished off with Scotch Brite to remove the top layer.

Why is the creator using Tassie oak for the file handles?

Tassie oak is chosen for the file handles due to its sturdiness and the creator’s preference for it, as it’s a good material for making durable and functional handles.

What tool did the creator make for turning the wood handles, and why was it necessary?

The creator made a carbide woodturning tool from a button insert of a face mill. This tool was necessary because the creator is not very skilled at grinding woodturning tools from scratch, and the carbide tool works well for the task.