56-58 Rockwell too hard for filework?

K

KennyB

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Jan 19, 2010
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The spey blade on my trapper got seriously recurved. I started working it down with a single-cut mill bastard and it was getting dull no matter what I did. I don't have a file-card or chalk, but was pushing pins out with a piece of aluminum and I've never noticed a file to go dull just because it didn't have chalk...

Perhaps the blade was just too hard? Too much pressure? Never dulled a file out, so I'm a little stumped. :confused:
 
That's definitely harder than I would ever try to use files on, but it should be doable. Just seriously hard on the files.
 
Normally filework is done before hardening. Now you have to work with carbide or diamond tools...
 
Are you simply trying to reduce the recurve? If so, I take it you have no acces to a grinder? In this case, a cement sidewalk would probably be just as effective and cheaper than going through a fistful of files.
 
Rick Marchand said:
Are you simply trying to reduce the recurve? If so, I take it you have no acces to a grinder? In this case, a cement sidewalk would probably be just as effective and cheaper than going through a fistful of files.
Click to expand...

Got a wheel grinder, but I don't really like taking blades to it--hard to get anything even on that. Not to mention kind of dangerous...

Sidewalk suggestion sounds good though! Also those files look nice. Thanks!
 
If you have a wheel grinder, use that for the bulk of it. Just keep a bucket of water next to you and dip often. You probably have more chance scraping your knuckles on the sidewalk than getting hurt on a stone wheel grinder. Wear safety glasses, obviously. Once you are there, clean everything up with sandpaper.
 
Rick Marchand said:
If you have a wheel grinder, use that for the bulk of it. Just keep a bucket of water next to you and dip often. You probably have more chance scraping your knuckles on the sidewalk than getting hurt on a stone wheel grinder. Wear safety glasses, obviously. Once you are there, clean everything up with sandpaper.
Click to expand...

Okay, sounds good. I think my old shop instructor's horror stories about those wheel grinders has me a little afraid of them. :D Oh well I guess it's better to have plenty of respect for a tool than to not.

Speaking of this wheel grinder though (and my apprehensions of them), I suppose I could save the database from making another thread... I'm not so sure it's in great condition. I think the wheel on the right just needs to be trued, but the sound it makes kind of concerns me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71iCbPbxVhA
 
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