Chain filing class

[jmester]

Not sure if this is the right place for this.
Have had the idea of doing a chain filing class for a few years. To share some of the knowledge i have with others. Looking for some insight on what some of you would look for, or what should be covered.

Explaining the parts of the chain its self
Tie strap, drive link, depth gauge,cutter.

Proper chain tension

File angles, top plate angle.

File sizes for different pitch chain.

Mainly want it to be a practical class more emphasis on filing, then theory. I do know this can be opening a can of worms. But think it could help others

 

[Big_6]

Can you break down the vertical and horizontal methods of filing in the field?

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[davidwyby]

Sure

 

[jmester]

Can you break down the vertical and horizontal methods of filing in the field?

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Not sure what you mean

 

[jmester]

Guess i should of prefaced that my plan is to do this class in person local to me.

 

[jmester]

@Philbert
@Wilhelm

 

[Big_6]

Not sure what you mean

My arborist family friend, at 82yrs. Currently running a Co. and working had showed me a sharpening method with the handle down and the bar tip up.
The chain angles could be seen and addressed with a file vertically.
The method must have worked for a lifetime in the wood.
If the class is personal in MD, we'll throw in a chartered offshore fishing trip before it's pruning season.

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[jmester]

I got you now. have filed a few times like that in the woods. Helps because you can get the powerhead between your legs to help stabilize the saw.

I am mainly wanting to achieve the basics of filling say with the saw in the vise. Wanting for guys to see a correctly sharpened cutter. And begin to gain muscle memory. I feel if you can gain the muscle memory sharpening in the woods or on the tail gate of the truck becomes a bit easier

 

[Philbert]

Every instructor teaches differently: you have to teach from your own experience, including personal preferences, to be genuine (or they will spot you).

Every student learns differently: you have to let them make some ‘mistakes’, and to be able to present the material in different ways. Hands-on practice, with their own saws and chains in a class, could give you some great insight on where they each are at, where they need help, etc.

I can talk for hours about chains, but that can bury important stuff. Key things I would emphasize are:

- How a chain works. What do the top plate, side plate, gullet, and depth gauge each do in the wood? Then they can understand the importance of each when filing.

- What a finished cutter looks like. How do they know when they are ‘done’? Discuss how it’s possible to ‘file’ a chain without making it sharper.

- Don’t worry about exact angles and perfect chains. Encourage them to work on getting consistent cutters; making intentional decisions about cutter shapes, etc.; and working to improve over time.

Philbert

 

[Big_6]

I'm on my way to Philbert's house!
Where's East Dakota?

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[chiselbit]

My arborist family friend, at 82yrs. Currently running a Co. and working had showed me a sharpening method with the handle down and the bar tip up.
The chain angles could be seen and addressed with a file vertically.
The method must have worked for a lifetime in the wood.
If the class is personal in MD, we'll throw in a chartered offshore fishing trip before it's pruning season.

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This is how I do it too.

 

[jmester]

Yes i wanted them to bring there saws with them. I could not agree more with being able to see where they are in trying to sharpen. This is where i think most of useful teaching can be done. Hoping to work with my local dealer to use there shop on a Saturday for they have multiple benches with vices.

I think to cover this is important knowing how it all works together to make a chip.

How a chain works. What do the top plate, side plate, gullet, and depth gauge each do in the wood? Then they can understand the importance of each when filing.

 

[jmester]

Something i am not real familiar with is all the different filing guides. Not sure if i want to include stuff about them.
My main focus is on free hand as that is what i am most comfortable with.

 

[Philbert]

Something i am not real familiar with is all the different filing guides. Not sure if i want to include stuff about them.
My main focus is on free hand as that is what i am most comfortable with.

Teach what you know. Advertise it as a free hand class.

There are many different guides, and each one is a little different.


Philbert

 

[Wilhelm]

Get a bunch of Archer FastFiler roller guide jigs in every pitch and be done with it!
Archer FastFiler filed chains are the fastest cutting chains I ever filed.
I increased durability once I made and utilized my own custom made side rollers altering the file angle.
The quite quickly wearing bottom rollers got replaced with easy "renewable" bottom rollers once I made and utilized my own custom made bottom rollers.

Just to be clear, the Archer FastFiler roller guide jig works perfectly fine factory stock!
And the jig is "mobile" and can be used both in the shop as well as in the field.

Just saying!
Why complicate things for people that do not understand the matter of filing chainsaw chains.

 

[Big_6]

This is how I do it too.

Makes for a short day when you can't see the toof edge as the sun sets.
Having Willheim show up on site in the mobile filing unit saves the last cuts!
I'd move for that service!
Sometimes @Angelo is too busy grinding loops for the tree service guys.

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[jakethesnake]

Something i am not real familiar with is all the different filing guides. Not sure if i want to include stuff about them.
My main focus is on free hand as that is what i am most comfortable with.

Where at in md? I’m near oil city

 

[jmester]

Near Frederick. Probably 2 hours or so west of you.

 

[jakethesnake]

Near Frederick. Probably 2 hours or so west of you.

Lemme know if this goes down. I probably wouldn’t be able to make it due to work schedule however if time allows I may be interested just to check it out.

 

[Philbert]

I would come too, if closer! Always willing to learn something, or to pick up a trick or two!


Philbert