How to square file

[junkman]

Looks like you nailed the cutters ,but with square you can keep the rakes a little taller and be ok

 

[Danders]

Looks like you nailed the cutters ,but with square you can keep the rakes a little taller and be ok

The 359 felt like it wanted a taller raker. This chain came this way on a saw I bought, only thing I did on these is try to smooth the ramp up to the raker. Sure doesn't look like it from the pictures though.

I was going to attach a video of a stock 2171 with this last chain but it won't load. I was generally pleased with the way it cut and already have the 359 set up to touch up the chain, I've got some honey-do's to tend to first though.

 

[Danders]

Here we go, wasn't going about it right. I crowded it too much on the second cut but you can lean on it just a bit but keep the rpm up and it seems to cut.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Look pretty good to me. Nice work! Cheers

 

[Danders]

I touched up the chain on the 359. Is it helpful when cleaning the gullets to angle the file similar to the top plate? I filed this one perpendicular to the bar. I don't think it's cutting crooked, I just wasn't paying attention on the second cut.

 

[mdavlee]

My evening before dark.

 

[Danders]

Did you use a chair or just kneel down to work on the chain? Nice use of the scrench.

 

[mdavlee]

The rolling office chair from the motel

 

[Chris Zautner]

I honestly have given the Square file Chains A good look and after watching some video's It doesn't look Extremely hard to file as some make it out to be.. That said I think I may soon give it a try myself.

 

[Chris Zautner]

My evening before dark.

is that 3/8 or 404?

 

[mdavlee]

3/8" windsor. I need to find more of that chain. I like it.

 

[Chris Zautner]

What chain brand is the best to square file? I hear you like the Oregon?

 

[Chris Zautner]

Has anyone used the Atop square file guide and how do you like it.

 

[Danders]

I honestly have given the Square file Chains A good look and after watching some video's It doesn't look Extremely hard to file as some make it out to be.. That said I think I may soon give it a try myself.

It's been a fun process for me trying to learn. I'm just a firewood hack, I'm not sure if my outlook would be the same or not if I were relying on the saw for a living. The pictures in this thread and the video on page 1 will get you started - that's what I've been trying to mimic.

 

[Chris Zautner]

It's been a fun process for me trying to learn. I'm just a firewood hack, I'm not sure if my outlook would be the same or not if I were relying on the saw for a living. The pictures in this thread and the video on page 1 will get you started - that's what I've been trying to mimic.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[mdavlee]

Oregon, Carlton, and windsor are easier to file than stihl. I don't recommend anyone try learning to file the stihl chain. You wear out files quicker and if you chip the corner too much they're expensive raker files.

 

[nixon]

Has anyone used the Atop square file guide and how do you like it.

I've got one . The plus side : it works well ,and helped me wrap my brain around square filing .
The minus : they are expensive ,as are the files for it .

 

[Redfin]

Oregon, Carlton, and windsor are easier to file than stihl. I don't recommend anyone try learning to file the stihl chain. You wear out files quicker and if you chip the corner too much they're expensive raker files.

I concur after filing all my rs square. But it is still cheaper than buying all new chains.

 

[Douglas Ostrander]

How high from ground do you like to have your chain to square file. Waist, belly, rib, chest, shoulder chin high? Feel my vise is to low.

What works for you?

 

[mdavlee]

I can file it wherever. The most comfortable is high enough to not bend over.