rifflers and sulphuric acid

["Deb" <deb_p@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I got some lovely rifflers from Zecchi  [URL now obsolete] - at the time the lira was a) still about and b) weak against sterling - so even with packaging and credit card charges they were very good value.  Before that I got a few from Avery Knight Bowlers - you need to ask for a catalogue as their web site is rather sparse http://www.averyknight.co.uk/products/hand_tools.html

I'm told rifflers can be refurbished - repicked - but I don't know who does this - maybe the tool makers here can help?  I've not heard of the sulphuric acid route before (but then I'm certainly no pro) - does it re-cut or take out the gunk?  Swooshing through a bit of carpet helps keep rifflers and files clean.

I have to confess I'm quite reluctant to use the rifflers too much - this no doubt sounds daft - but what I mean is I try to carve very close to the shape I want before switching to riffles.  Whilst I'm stating the bleedin' obvious ... rifflers only work in one direction (pushed not pulled usually).