What is a great way to clean files?
I through them out when I think they've had it but I go through files every 2 months. I mostly use water and soap to get stuff while in between modeling jobs. But since I got disablied my money supply has gotten to where I have to have everything last a little longer.

Since most of the people on this site are master modelers, use might have a great trick of the trade to teach me so I can have stuff last till I can get new. :-) :-)

Happy Holidays (:-) (:-) (:-) (:-)

Thank You very much for your help :-)

Head out to the Hardware store and ask for a File Card. It's udes to clean Files. You can also use a Stiff Wire Brush to do the same thing.

Where about in NYS are you?

Upstate, NY where are you located

but I winter down in FL I hate the cold weather, snow an ice and I leave after the yankees spring training is over I get Spring training season tickets and then I head home till sept-oct or so. The cold kills my arthritis in my hands and knees, and back.

Matt's absolutely right about using a file card or a wire brush to clean your files.

If you're only using your files on styrene plactic, you can also clean them with an old, stiff toothbrush.

If you use it on resin, putties or metals, you'll need a wire brush. You should be able to pick up a small toothbrush-sized brass wire bristle brush for about a buck at a hardware store or autoparts store.

Some folks soak them in clear laquer thinner to disolve all the trapped particles.

I use a small brass brush that I picked up for 99 cents at Walmart. Looks like a tooth brush with brass brissels. Works like a charm.

I also use this method, but I cut down the bristles to about 3-4mm. This makes it stiffer and I have even had success cleaning off putty, resin etc.

Of course, it's also cheap (Who doesn't have old toothbrushes lying around?)

Cheers
Ed

Dremel has an attachment - toothbrush type bristles or wire.

I grew up in Trumansburg NY right outside Ithaca NY - Go Big Red