How to square file

[MustangMike]

Yea, you did well, that chain had way too much beak when you got it.

 

[Jswanson]

I read in TN gtg thread about spending 25-30 hrs on a chain. Thought it would be better to ask here. What can be done to spend that much time on one?

 

[RI Chevy]

Race chain

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[Time's Standing Stihl]

I read in TN gtg thread about spending 25-30 hrs on a chain. Thought it would be better to ask here. What can be done to spend that much time on one?

@Deets066

 

[MustangMike]

You can also ask Jeremy. He had a very effective race chain on his 7900 at the NY GTG, and said there was a lot of hours in it.

Anything that makes it cut faster (sharper, different angles, smaller foot print by thinning things, etc). It can make a big difference.

Keep in mind they only have to work for a short while. For example, they cut the cooling fins off the flywheel on race saws so they run faster. They don't run them long enough to get too hot.

 

[wcorey]

I read in TN gtg thread about spending 25-30 hrs on a chain. Thought it would be better to ask here. What can be done to spend that much time on one?

In the extreme you can build the up entire chain from scratch/individual parts.
The side plates get thinned, dog boned and radiused, rivets shaved back, cutters reshaped/tunneled out and chrome removed, stoning each cutting edge after filing, depth gauges thinned/reshaped.
Who knows what other endless little details...
I've heard of 40-50 hrs on one.

You make it frail and weak, then run it at speeds and hp insanely over what the original stronger version was designed for.
And brace yourself...

Edit; Got me curious. My quick 'n dirty calculations put a cleanly thrown hotsaw chain at similar muzzle energy to 223 rem.
I don't stand in front of those things even at a good distance...

 

[Jswanson]

In the extreme you can build the up entire chain from scratch/individual parts.
The side plates get thinned, dog boned and radiused, rivets shaved back, cutters reshaped/tunneled out and chrome removed, stoning each cutting edge after filing, depth gauges thinned/reshaped.
Who knows what other endless little details...
I've heard of 40-50 hrs on one.

You make it frail and weak, then run it at speeds and hp insanely over what the original stronger version was designed for.
And brace yourself...

Edit; Got me curious. My quick 'n dirty calculations put a cleanly thrown hotsaw chain at similar muzzle energy to 223 rem.
I don't stand in front of those things even at a good distance...

Interesting. Now you've doubled the time asked. Lol

 

[mdavlee]

I haven't spent more than 10 hours in one.

 

[Deets066]

I read in TN gtg thread about spending 25-30 hrs on a chain. Thought it would be better to ask here. What can be done to spend that much time on one?

Compare this to a standard 404 chain

 

[Frank bierce]

View attachment 87015

View attachment 87016



Compare this to a standard 404 chain

That should cut at a decent speed!!

 

[Jswanson]

View attachment 87015

View attachment 87016



Compare this to a standard 404 chain

Showoff...

 

[junkman]

I do not know what angle this .404 ended up ,but it self feeds on its own ,and takes a saw with some nuts to pull it ,was bogging my hybrid a little . I was able to set the saw on the log one handed and it just ate the wood on its own .

 

[RI Chevy]

Looks real good Bryan. [emoji106]

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[junkman]

Looks real good Bryan. [emoji106]

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I am embarrassed to post my chain lately ,the table on my grinder is getting loose making the cutters a little off from one another ,need a the upgraded one soon scarr sells .

 

[dahmer]

Ok, smack me, kick my azz and call me dumb. For an average firewood cutter like myself, would there be an advantage to square filing or is this more for high performance saws? Thanks.

 

[mdavlee]

Good square chain is like a port job for your chain.

 

[MustangMike]

I can square file right on the saw, just as fast as round, so what is the down side (once you learn to do it)? It is on every one of my saws.

 

[concretegrazer]

so what is the down side (once you learn to do it)?

Files are 8-10 bucks.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Ok, smack me, kick my azz and call me dumb. For an average firewood cutter like myself, would there be an advantage to square filing or is this more for high performance saws? Thanks.

Square filed, or ground chain is smooth, durable and faster than round. It is not very common and takes some commitment on your part if you want to switch over. I say it is worth the effort even for firewood.

 

[junkman]

Saw sparks fly off my square chain ,it don't cut so good now .