How to square file

[exSW]

That's as good a chain as I have found..
Not sure if husky spec's a bit better than standard LGX or what..
Jasha's uses a steep angle and lower rakers for durability and self feeding.
Takes up some hp to run em, but very workable at low pressure. You'll be fine keeping those angles on touch ups. Raise the lead edge of the file once they stop self feeding, or lower rakers a tick more.

So it's not just me. I thought that chain hangs in way better than regular Oregon.

 

[Chris Zautner]

Here's a reason why everyone should be running square filed chain.

 

[junkman]

What are the rakes set at ?

 

[Chris Zautner]

What are the rakes set at ?

Good question. 15-20 at most.

 

[junkman]

Good question. 15-20 at most.

That's what i thought ,the last chain i did gave me chips like that ,think the rakes need a swipe or 2 now ,they have been untouched for 4 sharpens on the grinder i bet it cuts smooth though .

 

[Chris Zautner]

Yeah. I really would like to get a stone to stone the teeth. It amazing how smooth square cuts.

 

[Hedgerow]

Yeah. I really would like to get a stone to stone the teeth. It amazing how smooth square cuts.

Stoning the cutters works, but I would advise against it on a chain you want to work with.
The narrower kerf will make it less usable. "Forgiving"

 

[Chris Zautner]

Stoning the cutters works, but I would advise against it on a chain you want to work with.
The narrower kerf will make it less usable. "Forgiving"

Ok, thank you for the Information.

 

[Redfin]

I was sharpening a chain tonight and thought about this thread. I use one of Mikes vises and tried a bunch of ways holding it in my bench vise.

This is how I found works best for me.
Its almost 90* from the bench. The chain is probably 45" from the floor. I only use the front clamp and do one left and one right at a time then advance. I look directly down on the cutter when Im filing and if I see just past the beveled edge of the file I know Im right about where I want with the lean on the side plate.

Also, get yourself one of these or a stiff wire or brass brush. Makes a world of difference having a clean file.

 

[jake wells]

i thought about buying some stihl klassic square and file just to practice.

 

[Gunn]

Start with something a little softer and more forgiving to learn on. Stihl chains will wear your new file out quickly.

 

[Hedgerow]

Working on another one.

 

[Hedgerow]

Gratuitous and random cutter photo.

 

[Redfin]

That looks very nice Matt.

 

[exSW]

I better get my vice mounted so I can get to practicing.

 

[old guy]

Nice lookin tooth Matt, did you do those rivits on a rock

 

[junkman]

That's the way i was taught to do them ,peen them on the vise .

 

[Toad22t]

Working on another one.

View attachment 29814

Man every time I'm about to give up and stop trying to square file. You guys have to go and do this and post these pic's.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

I've been playing around trying to make a couple good loops of chain for play time at gtgs. What do you guys think? Any tips or suggestions?

First picture is .325 chain. The second picture is picco

 

[Hedgerow]

I've been playing around trying to make a couple good loops of chain for play time at gtgs. What do you guys think? Any tips or suggestions?

First picture is .325 chain. The second picture is piccoView attachment 29826View attachment 29827

Those should cut.
If you're gonna be running in wood that is a little stringy, you may want to let your file hit a little farther down the side plate. "Straight, flat, and sharp"