What am I am Doing wrong?

[chaded]

Besides not doing it right.....I am trying to keep the file level and at the right angle but i keep getting this hump in the middle of the curve?

 

[RocketRoss57]

I would say incorrect size file. If that chain is 3/8 use a 7/32 if it's .325 use 3/16 and 3/8lp use 1/8. At least that what I use.

 

[chaded]

It’s a 3/8 so i bought the stihl 3/8 file kit.....

 

[RocketRoss57]

I would still check the file size. Usually the size is marked on the shank of the file. I'm no expert by any means but that's all I can think of based on the picture. Like the file isn't filling out the face of the cutter.

 

[Fruecrue]

Top view?

 

[Dub11]

Get a 2n1 file system. Prefrd makes them in there own name or you can get a Stihl branded one. It' made my chains look decent.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Here in the uk, we use mm, it does look like you got the wrong size file are you sure it's not 3/8 lo pro IE 4 mm as to 3/8 5.2mm or Oregon say 5.5mm for a 3/8

There's more to filing than most peeps think

And if you read the info on filing when you are about halfway down the tooth you should drop the size of the file.. The reason is 20% of the file should be above the tooth and as you file the tooth away it gets smaller, but you keep the same angle on the tooth.
Post a pic of the file in the tooth.

Cheers

 

[chaded]

The file says 5/32 and 4.0mm. I am having trouble now getting my camera to focus...heres a top view although not very good pic.

 

[chaded]

I got the low profile file dont I! ?

 

[Dub11]

I got the low profile file dont I! ?

Yes

 

[chaded]

I need the 13/64 right? *bangs head off wall*

 

[Dub11]

7/32 is what the dealer will have.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I did say looks like 4mm 3/8 lo pro, I could see from the 2nd tooth and the file marks..
We all make mistakes, and we all laugh at how silly we've been

But the best bit, is we learn from it,

 

[Dub11]

Here is two out of the 3 that I have. And the blue one was $15 cheaper.

 

[Rob Stafari]

I need the 13/64 right? *bangs head off wall*

If you plan on using a guide, you will need the appropriate guide for file size so it holds the correct percentage of the file above the tooth. I personally prefer the husqvarna roller guide as a cheap effective guide which can be picked up at your local tractor supply with the jonsered name. If you'd rather stick to the stihl style guide, I should have one I could send you that I'll never use again. The husqy guide is just that much better. Where about in Ohio are you?

 

[Rob Stafari]

Also the 2n1 is a good option and works well enough. However I prefer to use a separate progressive raker guide and round the front of the raker over. Takes more time, but makes for a smoother cutting chain in my opinion. Also the 2n1s are double the price and I like to take the cheap road when possible.

 

[chaded]

View attachment 102065
Here is two out of the 3 that I have. And the blue one was $15 cheaper.

I’m going to buy the blue one. I see there is a 7/32 and a 13/64. Which one?

 

[chaded]

I did say looks like 4mm 3/8 lo pro, I could see from the 2nd tooth and the file marks..
We all make mistakes, and we all laugh at how silly we've been

But the best bit, is we learn from it,

Yeah I have been learning a lot from here. Im just glad there are smarter people than me or I would be up a creek.....lol

 

[chaded]

If you plan on using a guide, you will need the appropriate guide for file size so it holds the correct percentage of the file above the tooth. I personally prefer the husqvarna roller guide as a cheap effective guide which can be picked up at your local tractor supply with the jonsered name. If you'd rather stick to the stihl style guide, I should have one I could send you that I'll never use again. The husqy guide is just that much better. Where about in Ohio are you?

I am in Gallia county. A couple hours east of Cincinnati.

 

[Dub11]

I’m going to buy the blue one. I see there is a 7/32 and a 13/64. Which one?

The Stihl one I got is the 5.2mm, 13/64 one