How to square file

[mdavlee]

OK so clockwise from 4 o'clock to 6 o'clock?

Yes. The side plate should be vertical to a touch forward.

 

[CoreyB]

Yes. The side plate should be vertical to a touch forward.

Even with the small 6 sided triangle file?

 

[Deets066]

Even with the small 6 sided triangle file?

With any file

 

[CoreyB]

I will look closer at it tomorrow. Thanks for all the help guy's

 

[MustangMike]

I stopped using the triangular files because you can not get the right angles w/o and a lot of strap damage on the opposite side. Get a 6 sided file.

For hardwood, you want 45 degrees back and 45 degrees down as a starting point (you can get fancy later if you want).

Your guide may not adjust to that, I free hand it.

I found this info to be excellent:

http://www.madsens1.com/bnc_cb_angles.htm

Once you get it right, you will like it.

 

[MustangMike]

Having the side plate tilt a bit forward is very important, it draws the chain into the wood.

 

[Hedgerow]

Having the side plate tilt a bit forward is very important, it draws the chain into the wood.

Yes, but the closer to vertical it is, the smoother it cuts.

 

[CoreyB]

Ok I figured out some of my problem is my file. It is a Stihl file and the the short sides are more rounded then photos I seen. So where is a good place to get just one triangle 6 sided file. I don't want to spend to much on something I don't know how to do yet.

 

[junkman]

Yes, but the closer to vertical it is, the smoother it cuts.
View attachment 26602

Cut muh eyes again .Will you quit doing that ?At least give a warning .

 

[MustangMike]

Ok I figured out some of my problem is my file. It is a Stihl file and the the short sides are more rounded then photos I seen. So where is a good place to get just one triangle 6 sided file. I don't want to spend to much on something I don't know how to do yet.

Get a 6 sided file, but not a triangular file. The triangular files are too fat and hit the strap on the opposite side too much. There is less contact on the far side with a 6 sided file.

 

[MustangMike]

Like this:

http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...es/Pferd-Double-Beveled-Chisel-Files-Each.axd

 

[CoreyB]

Get a 6 sided file, but not a triangular file. The triangular files are too fat and hit the strap on the opposite side too much. There is less contact on the far side with a 6 sided file.

I am trying to use my jig and only the triangle will fit. Thanks for the link.

 

[MustangMike]

Will your jig adjust to the proper angles for square file? If not, you will be better off free handing it.

As a starting point, you want 45 degrees back, and 45 degrees down, and file from outside in (not inside out like round file). I don't know of any jigs that will do that.

 

[CoreyB]

Will your jig adjust to the proper angles for square file? If not, you will be better off free handing it.

As a starting point, you want 45 degrees back, and 45 degrees down, and file from outside in (not inside out like round file). I don't know of any jigs that will do that.

Yes one jig sows go to 45 and 45. Looks like a granberg but from a company that I have never heard of. However I was going for longevity in hickory so I was going to try something closer to 20 and 25. Right now it is just an experiment why I am not wanting to spend to much money.

 

[MustangMike]

I have cut Hickory, for square file "working" chain go 45 & 45. With your angles, you would be better off with round file. Cut both Shag Bark & Pig Nut just last week, my chains has NO trouble with it.

 

[mdavlee]

Corey if you want to free hand lay the file on the tie straps then bring it up into the corner. Should rub the strap a tiny bit and that will be good work angles. Forward lean about 2-3° is ideal.

 

[concretegrazer]

Yes one jig sows go to 45 and 45. Looks like a granberg but from a company that I have never heard of. However I was going for longevity in hickory so I was going to try something closer to 20 and 25. Right now it is just an experiment why I am not wanting to spend to much money.

I think your file is fine.

Your angles with the jig are not what you'll end up with on the cutter. Just use them as a guide. The more tilt you use on the jig takes away from the top plate angle. And you need more tilt for a longer lasting cutter.

Keep at it. You'll get there.

 

[concretegrazer]

Heres 25/25 on my 108.



Note that I have no easy way to change the roll of the file.

 

[junkman]

Heres 25/25 on my 108.

View attachment 26614

Note that I have no easy way to change the roll of the file.

Looks like a strong cutter that will last .

 

[concretegrazer]

35/30