How to square file

[Duane(Pa)]

If it’s oil film rinse in alcohol or with brake clean...

 

[mdavlee]

I’ve had some go dull in as little as 10 touch ups and some go for way more than that. How hard to push and how Rd you are on the corners will make a difference in how long they last. Wire brush to keep them clean will help life.

 

[Deets066]

I use a lot of pressure, files don’t seem to last as long as they should. Even snapped a few after a little filing fluid

 

[Bjorn]

Hi, a clean chain and a clean file and a good vise so the chain is steady When you file. Will make file holds up longer. Vibration Will kill the file Quick.

 

[huskihl]

When converting to round, I started flipping the file end for end and pulling it up through the corner for a few swipes on every tooth. And then a few more swipes from outside in. Once I had a path, the file didn’t dig into the corner as bad. I think catching the sharp corner shortens the life of the file

 

[Carhartt]

I don't have the time to read all the responses. Has anyone tried the Stihl FG 2 with the Pferd triangular file to try to come up with angles? Please forgive me I am not a square sharpener and don't follow it. Is there any benefit in hardwoods? I have heard it is more of a soft wood tooth.

 

[Deets066]

I don't have the time to read all the responses. Has anyone tried the Stihl FG 2 with the Pferd triangular file to try to come up with angles? Please forgive me I am not a square sharpener and don't follow it. Is there any benefit in hardwoods? I have heard it is more of a soft wood tooth.

Never tried the FG2, but properly sharpend square is more efficient than round in every way

 

[Magic_Man]

I don't have the time to read all the responses. Has anyone tried the Stihl FG 2 with the Pferd triangular file to try to come up with angles? Please forgive me I am not a square sharpener and don't follow it. Is there any benefit in hardwoods? I have heard it is more of a soft wood tooth.

I tried it a few times with the grandberg jig which is very similar to the fg2, so it might work.

 

[Battle Cross 2]

This^^^

With this...

Its called a file card and using one religiously will greatly extend the life of your files

YMMV

Realized there's a file card hanging in front of my face where I file.

 

[chipper1]

I don't think its as easy as changing the file, but I'm sure someone could adapt one to do it.
As @Magic_Man said there was a grandberg jig guys were using, but you have t have the right one if I rememberer correctly as there were a few different ones.

 

[chipper1]

View attachment 212329 Realized there's a file card hanging in front of my face where I file.

That's funny James.
Had to put on your where's Waldo eyes.

 

[Wolverine]

View attachment 212329 Realized there's a file card hanging in front of my face where I file.

I’ve become ocd with keeping the file clean. For a long time I used a stiff bristle tooth brush and cleaned it every 3-4 file swipes. Now I have a card but still clean them that frequently. To me the file cuts smoother and less chatter when free of metal. It also helps those expensive files last longer. I have 3 in rotation. The worse condition one is used for rakers and converting round, then the middle one does the loins share of filing, and the newest I use for one last pass for a smooth finish, not heavy pressure and if a chain is just getting a light touch up.

 

[racerjohnbf]

I don't have the time to read all the responses. Has anyone tried the Stihl FG 2 with the Pferd triangular file to try to come up with angles? Please forgive me I am not a square sharpener and don't follow it. Is there any benefit in hardwoods? I have heard it is more of a soft wood tooth.

I don't know about the FG2, but I have used a Grandberg by installing a round collar on the 6 sided triangular file. My settings were 40° top angle and 25° tilt. The hardest part was setting file roll and to give correct side plate angle.

The older Granberg file n guide will hold a regular double bevel file. I have one but haven't tried it yet.

Never tried the FG2, but properly sharpend square is more efficient than round in every way

I'll second that! Smoother, faster, and holds and edge better IMO than round chisel.

 

[Carhartt]

If I get some screw off time, ill try the FG2 with those settings. Can I modify a chisel tooth with the USG to make for easier filing. I guess just short stroke the wheel over the tooth and leave it more vertical.

 

[mdavlee]

I use a lot of pressure, files don’t seem to last as long as they should. Even snapped a few after a little filing fluid

You and me both. I’ve had them only last one long chain converting it or bringing it back after hitting something. I see files like plastic wedges. If they break or get full buy more[emoji2371]

 

[Battle Cross 2]

more fixin RI. got a good lesson from @MustangMike this past weekend at the PA GTG. now i need some files.

Been over 2 years it's about time one of us tried it.

 

[huskihl]

You and me both. I’ve had them only last one long chain converting it or bringing it back after hitting something. I see files like plastic wedges. If they break or get full buy a Simington[emoji2371]

 

[Wolverine]

Outta my pay scale.

 

[huskihl]

Outta my pay scale.

Yeah I get it. It was for me too.
Go hoard some more, sell 3 cords of wood, put $20 per week in the safe, and in 6 months you’ll have it.

 

[chipper1]

Yeah I get it. It was for me too.
Go hoard some more, sell 3 cords of wood, put $20 per week in the safe, and in 6 months you’ll have it.

That's what I did, then there's the second machine, because they're like files, gotta have more than one just in case lol.