Chain grinding and filing thread

[Dub11]

Wayne, I have not. I’ve only tested my hack jobs against two different Dallas grinds. A pro I am not. This chain is for a 3 cube so the more weight I remove the better (to a point).

I like one tooth exposed Jeff. Everything else is out of the way. Totally personal preference.


Fooker bit back.

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So after about 3-4 swipes, I rotate and use the other side of the file then a toof brush to clear the file.
Clean
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3 swipes
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I’d consider myself a little anal-retentive on keeping the file clean. Can’t afford to be buying boxes of files so I take care of the ones I have.

Got ya and I only have one square file my self and have been very protective of it too lol

 

[Lightning Performance]

Still can not get the square even side to side. Need to make a few tooth gauges like a drill point gauge. Witness marks on the vice works with tape. My under top plate down angles are different. Causes the chain to push sideways. Wears on one side of the bar rail more than the other.

 

[RI Chevy]

You doing it by hand file Kenny? Or do you have access to a grinder?

 

[Philbert]

So after about 3-4 swipes, I rotate and use the other side of the file then a toof brush to clear the file.

(Don't forget to floss!)

People don't realize that files are cutting tools, brittle, and consumable. Makes sense to take care of them. Compare your care to how the new files are treated at Harbor Freight:



Philbert

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

Is this where we post up our chains’n stuff now? Archer .404 chain. Just finished converting it to square.

 

[RI Chevy]

Looks real good Sondre!

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

Looks real good Sondre!

Thanks Jeff!

 

[RI Chevy]

Is .404 any easier or different to file compared to the 3/8?

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

Is .404 any easier or different to file compared to the 3/8?

I find 3/8 and .404 to be pretty easy. There’s a lot of room to work with on both.
3/8LP isn’t too bad either. .325 is my least favorite. It feels tight to work on to me.

 

[cus_deluxe]

Is that guy cutting with a cigarette in his mouth? If so, he and I should be friends. That’s badass.

Adam. Hes good people.

 

[RI Chevy]

Same for Me Sondre. Weird how you can use same file for any sized chain when square filing.

 

[old guy]

I don't like the triangle file for chain smaller than 3/8.

 

[concretegrazer]

Is .404 any easier or different to file compared to the 3/8?

More metal in the .404 so it might take a few more strokes with the file.

 

[concretegrazer]

Madsen's has a good write up on gullet maintenance in their catalog this year.

 

[Philbert]

Weird how you can use same file for any sized chain when square filing.

Only have to match the angle; you don't use the full file. Round files have to march the curvature of the different teeth. Whole file gets used.

Philbert

 

[Lightning Performance]

You doing it by hand file Kenny? Or do you have access to a grinder?

By hand Jeff. Converted two with a file. Having them square ground first is much easier to hold the under-face angle.

What angle under the face are you guys using on square ground milling chain?
My top plates are ten or fifteen degrees for now. That came fast free hand. I want to be a fuel/oil, file and mill some more kinda guy this fall.

Might try a flat file on the top plate of a chipper 404 chain. Real short one for testing.

 

[Hedgerow]

Madsen's has a good write up on gullet maintenance in their catalog this year.

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Madsen's puts out solid info.

 

[RI Chevy]

Yes they do. Good source of Info for sure.

 

[Redfin]

Madsen's puts out solid info.

Iirc I read a piece where it was stated taking back the gullet to far from the side profile also hindered.

Im curious what the physics behind this is. I have never tested to see but Im not sure I could duplicate exact chains without a grinder.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Sideways balance...