Dumb#@$ Question About Sharpening

[deye223]

A key thing to keep in mind, is that those are recommendations or suggestions for general use.

One of the advantages of sharpening your own chain is that you can use custom angles for your wood, your saw, and the cutting that you do (it's all about you!). For example, 25° is often better for hard or frozen wood. 35° is often preferred for soft wood. If you mostly cut one type of wood, with one saw, you might find out that 27.5° is the best angle for you.

Best way to find out is to start with 3, identical chains and file / grind them to 3 different angles. If you notice a big difference, go that way. If you don't notice a significant difference, stick with the 'standard' angles.

Philbert

Yep here in Australia with our hardwood when it's dry top plate angle for me it's 20 degrees there about does not cut as fast but stays sharp longer more cutting less sharpening .
when I'm lucky enough to get into green red gum or pine top plate angle around 35 degrees and a lot more hook on the side plate this is with semi chisel chain .

 

[chainsaw806]

information and video very good, thank you..

 

[Deets066]

information and video very good, thank you..

Do not!.... repeat what happened in that vid.

 

[Wilhelm]

When I use a Granberg type file guide, I find that I have one hand up by the top rod for power, and one down by the file for pressure and guidance. Pushing and pulling depends on which side I am filing. If I think about it too much, it does not work as well!

View attachment 272493

Philbert

That is the prettiest file guide I have seen to date.

I have two "blah" ones in that style, haven't used them since I got my first Archer FastFiler jig.

 

[Bjorn]

At least he's going in one direction right?

Just for those that have never seen:

Worlds best method.

The new master of disaster.

 

[Philbert]

That is the prettiest file guide I have seen to date.

That one is a Tecomec MS-1.

Philbert

 

[davidwyby]

I have a Pferd 2n1. Works pretty good, gives you something to go off of for angle and you can tweak that as desired. Seems like they leave a gullet sometimes after a few sharpenings, so I come along after and freehand those out. Also, for soft wood, I take more off the rakers freehand or with a husky raker guide after....I also use the husky guide on my skip chains as the 2n1 doesn’t fit. Working on getting better at freehand.

I noticed last time I was playing with sharpening that if I rolled the file up and out of the cutter a little as I pushed it across, (kinda like what’s going on in that video) it pushed the burr up and out and was very sharp...but I’m sure that edge is delicate and doesn’t last.

 

[davidwyby]

I’m really tempted to the try the drill and reciprocating saw methods just for grins.

 

[Philbert]

I’m really tempted to the try the drill and reciprocating saw methods just for grins.

Go for a hammer drill and get back to us with results?

Philbert

 

[sundance]

That one is a Tecomec MS-1.

Philbert

I've got a Granberg that's probably 20+ years old that I use. Any advantage to this one? Sure looks cute!

 

[Philbert]

I've got a Granberg that's probably 20+ years old that I use. Any advantage to this one? Sure looks cute!

No advantage if you are happy with your current one. This one is fairly compact and mostly metal. A good choice if someone is looking for one.

Philbert

 

[sundance]

No advantage if you are happy with your current one. This one is fairly compact and mostly metal. A good choice if someone is looking for one.

Philbert

Bummer.....I'm not in your league for sharpening items but do like them. Might have to try one out just for the hell of it. Sounds like a decent unit to acquire even if not needed.

 

[Philbert]

Just sayin, but you push the file instead of drag it.

Odd, but related, thing I ran across on eBay: a grip designed specifically to help you push your file from the front:



Yeah, you could make one just to try. This one is from Tecomec, who makes the good Italian grinders. Not compatible with some file guides, but is only $6, shipped, if anyone is interested.

Philbert

 

[hotajax]

Is an Italian grinder as good as an Italian hoagie? They don't oven roast the hoagie. I'll bet the freshly made Italian hoagie tastes better than the grinder.

 

[sundance]

Bummer.....I'm not in your league for sharpening items but do like them. Might have to try one out just for the hell of it. Sounds like a decent unit to acquire even if not needed.

Started looking...seems Tecomec offers three different units, the MS-1 being the bottom tier.
Now I'm not so sure which one to order.

 

[Philbert]

Started looking...seems Tecomec offers three different units, the MS-1 being the bottom tier.
Now I'm not so sure which one to order.

Check the ArcherPlus eBay site: he sells all their models I believe.

Philbert

 

[sundance]

Check the ArcherPlus eBay site: he sells all their models I believe.

Philbert

But which to pick? I like the looks of the WS-1 but the better ratings of the other two are enticing.

 

[Philbert]

Be bold.
And report back.

Philbert

 

[sundance]

Ordered the push grip. Expect I'll order one of the Tecomec file guides in the spring once shipping settles down a bit and I get closer to my cutting season.
Really like my Stihl FG-2 when I have several chains off the saws to do but prefer bar mounted most of the time so I don't pull the chain other than cleaning things up.

 

[Philbert]

Really like my Stihl FG-2 when I have several chains off the saws to do . . .

Might be hard to compete with an FG-2; you mentioned ‘Granberg’!

There is the FG-3 . . . about the same size and mass as the FG-2


Philbert