How to square file

[RI Chevy]

Yup. That's kinda what I am looking for. Thanks
Sad to say this because I love mt chain vise, but I think it is easier to use the vise grips and do one at a time. The chain vise tightening arms get in the way for me. Not sure if I am doing something wrong or not.
Chain vise is worth its weight in gold for round filing though.

 

[Manofstihl066]

Yup. That's kinda what I am looking for. Thanks
Sad to say this because I love mt chain vise, but I think it is easier to use the vise grips and do one at a time. The chain vise tightening arms get in the way for me. Not sure if I am doing something wrong or not.
Chain vise is worth its weight in gold for round filing though.

To square file, I gotta have it close and up high. My vision sucks, been hit in the head too many times I guess...I've found that if I hold ur file a little flatter and get the handle up, it'll give u just a touch forward lean. This will give u a nice corner and durable top plate. U can drop yer rakers and itll cut fast,smooth and last a long time. This is all just my opinion and what works for me.

 

[RI Chevy]

Thank you sir. I will try that. I am almost there, but not quite. Just need to fine tune my angles. [emoji106]

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[concretegrazer]

Well.... Seems like my square filing went from bad to worse. lol
Not sure if I am asking for too much, but could someone who hand files make a quick video of the points and angle aim points for square filing a chain please?
I just need to know where abouts you aim the file and the approximate angle downward and rearward when you hand-file. I appreciate any help and guidance given. I understand the concept behind it, but just can't seem to get it consistently. I have only hand-filed my chain twice, and I am over half of the tooth used.
Looks like I am not throwing out my round files just yet. lol
I am close, but just looking for some pointers and guidance.
Thanks.

Best pics I have on my phone.

 

[concretegrazer]

Little long winded for my taste but not bad

 

[RI Chevy]

Thank you sir.
I cant believe how different square file is from round filing. [emoji106]

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[Manofstihl066]

Thank you sir.
I cant believe how different square file is from round filing. [emoji106]

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Square is a whole different animal. The payoff is well worth the effort.

 

[old guy]

I do mine on the saw too.

 

[RI Chevy]

Best pics I have on my phone.


View attachment 89011 View attachment 89012

I noticed you don't seen to touch the outsides of the chain links when you file. Many others do.
And are you filing full chisel or semi chisel chain?

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[RI Chevy]

Square is a whole different animal. The payoff is well worth the effort.

My chain was pretty sharp when I used it but for the time difference and level of difficulty of square filing, I really haven't noticed a huge difference in the cut from my round file chain.
But I am still giving square a good and thorough vetting. Something different. LOL

 

[concretegrazer]

I noticed you don't seen to touch the outsides of the chain links when you file. Many others do.
And are you filing full chisel or semi chisel chain?

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That's just a test chain. The cutter in front is still round. Generally for work angles I hit the tie strap some. On a new/ish chain it'll be around the rivit.

 

[RI Chevy]

OK. That's what I thought. Thanks

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[mdavlee]

If you want to really learn file every chisel chain you got square. That's the advice I got when starting from two old timers named Cahoon and Redprospector.

 

[RI Chevy]

Lol.
Should I mess up just one chain to learn on or all of them? I do have some older round file full chisel chains I could do though.
Thanks Mike.
Practice makes perfect.

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[Deets066]

Lol.
Should I mess up just one chain to learn on or all of them? I do have some older round file full chisel chains I could do though.
Thanks Mike.
Practice makes perfect.

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Buy one chain that's factory square. You won't be able to duplicate exactly but it should give you an idea on how the file should fit into the tooth

 

[mdavlee]

Mess up everyone of them if that's what it takes. It took me a whole roll of chsin and a dozen files to get where I wanted to be.

 

[RI Chevy]

Buy one chain that's factory square. You won't be able to duplicate exactly but it should give you an idea on how the file should fit into the tooth

I did. I bought some loops of 16" 3/8 Oregon square. I may have to send it out to have someone grind it and bring it back to spec. Lol

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[concretegrazer]

I did. I bought some loops of 16" 3/8 Oregon square. I may have to send it out to have someone grind it and bring it back to spec. Lol

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Are you close to someone who can show you?

 

[RI Chevy]

Not sure. I will be going to a GTG soon. I will ask there.

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[Lightning Performance]

I must be starting to get a grip on this square file stuff and stuff.
The saw pulls me into the wood now. Loads the chain hard and tosses chips like a wood chipper. And is it fast? Yes. Durable, no doubt. Halls through hardwood with easy. 60 feels like 70. 72dl 8 pin with 25 on the drags. Converted LGX