How do I clean aluminum out of a metal file?

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Sooo way back when I had NO idea how to work with metal (as opposed to hardly any idea ) I used a metal file on some aluminum, and it gunked up all the teeth. Is there any way for me to remove the gunk without using heat? I tried using a wire brush on it, but that didn't do anything.
Reply:Use a file card, also called carding brush. It will also remove skin from knuckles in a single swipe. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...ed=0CCkQ9QEwBQ"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Your trusty wire brush will work in a pinch also.  Or if the aluminum is really gummed up, I will use my scribe.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Get yourself a piece of 1/4" thick Brass maybe 1 1/2" wide and 5" long..Grind 1 end "Roundish" so it won't dig into your hand and leave the other end flat..Now just go with the "Grain" of the file and the brass will take the shape of the file and clean out everything without dulling it..I still have a "Bastard" file that I use everyday that I got 20! years ago and is still sharp as ever.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Sometimes spraying the file with a good penetration fluid can help; I like Oil of Wintergreen for other purposes but haven't tried it on "gunky" files. Try whatever is handy, even ATF thinned with acetone. Anything which can 'creep' between the aluminum and the file to lessen the bond. Then use the brass rod Zap suggested.
Reply:I'm gonna have to try that zap! I've always resorted to a pick like boostin said.Matt
Reply:Hey Taiden,Spray the file with some WD-40, let it soak an hour or so, & then use Zaps technique. The WD works great & I use it to spray all my cutting tools when doing alum..DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I herd using ATF fluid will keep files/cutters from gunknig up.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Not to help you clean them but to prevent it rub some soapstone across the file first before using it.....Mike
Reply:There are files made with coarse cut tooth profile-specifically for soft metals, BTW.Blackbird
Reply:sodium hydroxide (lye) will dissolve the AL and leave the steel untouched
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterGet yourself a piece of 1/4" thick Brass maybe 1 1/2" wide and 5" long..Grind 1 end "Roundish" so it won't dig into your hand and leave the other end flat..Now just go with the "Grain" of the file and the brass will take the shape of the file and clean out everything without dulling it..I still have a "Bastard" file that I use everyday that I got 20! years ago and is still sharp as ever.....zap!
Reply:Thanks all for the excellent ideas. Looks like I can finally get my files back into good working condition again.
Reply:Thanks to Zap for the "brass rod" file cleaning trick.  I'll have to give that a try!I usually run something sharp like a utility knife in between the grooves to remove difficult deposits, but it can be a pain.The file card has a tough time removing really gummed up, melted-in aluminum anyway.  Frequent brushings on the loose shavings works, but also a hassle.  And after a while, my file card is kind of bent up.  I rarely reach for it anymore.  I always use the card "with the grain" of the file and don't believe it dulls the file much when used this way.The thing I don't like about lubricants like WD-40 is, they can make a mess.  Both of the shavings (a "sludge", that must be wiped instead of a "dry powder" that can be swept) and also can contaminate the work (potential source of contamination for welding.)My latest trick for preventing the build-up on aluminum is, I sometimes intentionally will drag the file backwards across the aluminum workpiece with a moderate amount of force, to continuously dislodge the shavings away from the teeth before they have a chance to build-up.  It can be really helpful at times for keeping it from building up in the teeth, and I don't think dulls the teeth on soft aluminum.  The filing orientation (horizontal, vertical, etc) matters also, if you can get gravity to pull the shavings away from the file it can make a big difference.Usually, going slower (less force, slower) helps reduce the build-up as well.  Think about keeping the surface you are filing cool.Sometimes you get a chunk of aluminum build-up in the file and it can dig a deep gouge in your perfectly flat filed aluminum surface.  Hate that.  Hand files can be remarkably quick, handy, and efficient tools though.
Reply:Most folks don't have an ultrasonic cleaner around but they sure will clean anything out of a file. Also, a graver such as an engraver or jeweler uses will get between the grooves really well.
Reply:use an aluminum flat file.. or non-ferrous file.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:cooking spray works great also.. i usually will pick up some generic cooking spray every now and then for the garage and box..Last edited by brucer; 01-07-2011 at 09:51 AM.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Cooking spray is just a cooking oil, with a chemical that makes it stay in a fine mist.Unfortunately, cooking oil goes rancid.  Probably not the best idea.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanCooking spray is just a cooking oil, with a chemical that makes it stay in a fine mist.Unfortunately, cooking oil goes rancid.  Probably not the best idea.
Reply:I think I just stepped into the TWILIGHT ZONE!
Reply:cooking oil doesn't require refridgeration until after its been used. it doesn't go rancid sitting in the cabinet.
Reply:Originally Posted by boatbuoycooking oil doesn't require refridgeration until after its been used. it doesn't go rancid sitting in the cabinet.
Reply:neeeewbie here. another way to clean files, as long as they are straight cut files, is to take a short section of 1/2 '' or 3/4" soft copper and flatten one end down alittle. make like a flat blade screwdriver tip on it, and then run it down the teeth just like the brass ideas on the other posts. been making these for years. it will cut new teeth when ever u use it on different files. I just leave it in the file drawer.
Reply:great info in this thread, many occassions when I prefer to file rather than use a grinder......like when I'm pissed at the ole lady or just need to burn off some steam. Doing stuff by hand builds character, that what I tell kids...someday I'll believe it myself.Mike
Reply:Put kerosene  on the file and it won't gum up and stick so bad. Use a file card to clean.WD40 in a pinch.Bees wax is the best. You can get a piece at any sewing store and sometimes at some grocery stores or hardware stores.If you have rubbed the bess wax on the file it will not get clogged up.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 04-06-2011 at 07:43 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder