Rob
I would just go ahead and oil them, they came from the factory that way. If the oil really bothers you degrease them before using.
I may get strung up here, but I use oil with my files. Yes I know, use dry/use with chalk, and I did that for many years. But a couple of years ago, I started thinking, I use oil for taps/dies, milling cutters, lathe bits etc…anywhere I’m cutting steel with steel I use an oil based lubricant….so why not files?
Started using WD-40 with my files, no ill effects, keeps the swarf from galling and clogging the teeth. Clean with a file card, files are still sharp & cut as well as ever.
V/R
Mike
Rob, I have to agree with Mike Hunter here, at the end of every working day I use WD40 on the files I have used during that period of work
after cleaning them with a file card to remove any traces of chalk used to help prevent filings clogging up the teeth and scarring the work.
I cannot see any future in covering your files with lime. This is hygroscopic and attracts moisture and will therefore cause metal to rust. Living in a more of less permanently damp atmosphere in England as I do, you have to be very aware of rust on every ferrous metal surface.
Harry
