rifflers and sulphuric acid

[William Smith <wesmith@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have never used acid to sharpen a file. I have never heard of it. It seems to me that using an acid to sharpen a file is really using an acid to erode or dissolve the bent or curled edges of the teeth. It shouldn't be possible to do this too many times before the file is shot. But perhaps it works.

What I want to comment on is safety.

Sulfuric (or sulphuric acid) is a common drain cleaner and also battery acid. The same acid can be had in stronger or weaker concentrations. Stronger acids are usually reagent grade for commercial or laboratory use. Acids are very dangerous. Do not use them without proper protective equipment and an
understanding of their proper and safe use and disposal. Pollution, Injury, blindness, or death can result from mistakes. Acid baths also give off gases which may be toxic, corrosive, suffocating, or explosive. Make sure you have adequate ventilation.

As for the amount of time needed to immerse the files and rifflers, that would depend on the strength of the acid and the amount used (since the acid is consumed in the process of eroding metal from the files and rifflers. Starting with less acid will mean that it might reach very low concentrations and
slow reaction times.)