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How to square file

Moparmyway

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Here is why the triangular 6 sided file digs in ............ probably wont grab the strap as much as when its on a curve, but it digs into the driver then, and this is with .404, these pictures are all of the same tooth
2017-10-31 18.00.37.jpg 2017-10-31 18.00.56.jpg 2017-10-31 18.01.12.jpg 2017-10-31 18.02.11.jpg 2017-10-31 18.02.22.jpg

Why I preferr the double bevel over everything else. Can even get away with .325 and a double bevel ............. although the single bevel really shines with .325, because it has the lowest cross sectional thickness and doesnt dig into the straps or drivers (depending on cutter alignment setup) as much as the others. NOBODY, and I mean nobody will be able to file .325 square with a triangular 6 sided and be better than a sharp round .325 full chisel
 
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MustangMike

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Jeff, I can show you!

Kevin, I agree completely, that is why I stopped using the Triangular files and went with double bevel rectangular six sided.
 

RI Chevy

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I will bring a .325 chain next time we meet up Mike.
Thanks. [emoji106]
 

RI Chevy

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Hey Kevin, do you try to match the witness mark with your top plate angle? Or is that for round file only?
 

MustangMike

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Hey Kevin, do you try to match the witness mark with your top plate angle? Or is that for round file only?

Focus more on the file being 45 degrees back angle, and keeping the corner in the corner and your stoke straight.
 

RI Chevy

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Thanks Mike. So the witness mark angle is not used for square filing?
 

Time's Standing Stihl

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ChipsFlyin

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Don't laugh an angle grinder may have its place when working on a chain ....

I'm shortening the rakers on a chain right now and got irritated when the dremel was not doing the job and file was taking to long. I don't have all of that fancy grinder stuff so grabbed the grinder with the 4" wheel. Locked the chain in the vise grips ( I'm using sheet metal vise grips) that were already in the regular vise. With the back of hand on the vise as a rest / pivot point making sure not to touch the chassis and perpendicular to the chain hit the front of each rakers for a split second taking them to about 3.0 - 3.40 mm in length then finished and straightened them all to around 3mm ( just under 1/8 inch )minus up to 0.1mm ( 4 thousandths in ) in length with a file.

Believe me before I hit the first one I was scared and thought If this thing digs in my chain is toast. With the grinder off I did a couple trial motions to see if it was even possible. It took 5-6 rakers to get to where I wanted - the first few were not cut deep enough. Sorry no pics or vid. Once I get the chain to where I want which will take forever I'll take some pics and maybe a vid on a different chain with the grinder.
 
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Manofstihl066

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Brad I agree with this guy. Either your picture is very deceiving or that top plate looks like a filet knife. Won't last long in those oak cookies....
I’ll be testing and posting skip, half skip, and redbull hybrid chains today. All 404, filed and rakers set the same for each. I file all my 3/8 the same so I don’t see why it wouldn’t last. Guess we’ll see, may be going back to the drawing board.
 

Moparmyway

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Kevin, I agree completely, that is why I stopped using the Triangular files and went with double bevel rectangular six sided.
Problem is that I've got a bunch of them, and they last soooo long. Much longer than every other square file. I dont know why, I just know that I've gone through a lot of the others, I'm only on my second triangular 6 sided

Hey Kevin, do you try to match the witness mark with your top plate angle? Or is that for round file only?
I try for 10-15 degree top plate, depending on what chain I'm running and what wood I'm cutting

Them witness marks arent for me, I just ignore them
 

MustangMike

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The angle of the top plate is not as critical as the angle of the side plate. The side plate cuts through the wood grain, the top plate just acts like a chisel to remove the chips.
 

mdavlee

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There's a difference in top plate angles. I shoot for 30° on race chains and 25 on work chains. It changes the side plate angle when you do this. The side plate only cuts whatever depth the raker allows. 10 to 15 is very durable but it's not as fast at least for 90-130cc
 
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