Messing around experimenting...guess my method

[davidwyby]

 

[species8472]

Sharpen top of cutter than clean out gullet?

 

[Deets066]

Looks normal from here

 

[Deets066]

Bigger file?

 

[davidwyby]

Bigger file?

Ed Zachary. I'd been wanting to try it and there was a 1/4" file laying out by itself in the store, so I grabbed it. Works pretty good on newish chain but would be too big once the chain is worn back a ways. Gets the gullet and makes a nice arc all in one shot. I've only tried one tooth on a couple different brands of chain, haven't done a whole chain yet.

What application are 1/4" saw files for anyway?

 

[firewoodhuntingman]

Looks like it really has opened up the cutting area of the tooth, would this speed up the failure of a tooth?

 

[qurotro]

I've found out 5.2mm file is too small for new chain! I thought i was too dumb to file chains..

 

[firewoodhuntingman]

Stihl with their large 3/8 Pitch Chains call out a 13/64 File for it's sharping, just how many people have a 13/64 file?

 

[davidwyby]

I've found out 5.2mm file is too small for new chain! I thought i was too dumb to file chains..

Stihl with their large 3/8 Pitch Chains call out a 13/64 File for it's sharping, just how many people have a 13/64 file?

I think Stihl recommends that (13/64") and it comes in the 2n1 sharpener that Pferd makes for them. Simple and easy but leaves a gullet. 7/32" is better for brand new and 1/4" may be even better? As @Philbert says, first you must learn and know what the tooth needs to look like. Then get down there and look and see what you have...and then figure out the best method to make it.

@firewoodhuntingman I haven't tried this on a whole chain yet, but I expect it will cut pretty fast, and dull somewhat quickly, depending on the wood.

 

[davidwyby]

Over the life of the cutter, maybe 1/4"- 7/32"-13/64". You can see that after a couple sharpenings, the 1/4" will run into the top of the next link.

 

[davidwyby]

The next thing I want to try (for speed/play) is a real sharp/aggressive angle.

 

[Philbert]

What application are 1/4" saw files for anyway?

There are .404” and harvester chains that take larger files.

Philbert

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Here the recommendation from the manufacturers is 5.2mm for stihl std 3/8 chain and Oregon is 5.5mm for there std 3/8 chain
I’ve seen people argue about what they thinks right.

I just carry both files and use them accordingly.
There is a slight difference in top plate cutting angle and it also depends on how high you hold the file and depending if you do or dont use a file holder.

I quite often use the bigger file to clear the gullet.. and I always like to file my chains as others are generally dull.
It’s fun to watch someone using a saw with sq file chain, when they don’t know it’s on there.

 

[davidwyby]

I have no exp with Steel chain yet, but should this weekend. Would explain my inexp with 13/64" and why the stihl file doesn't seem to work great on my Oregon chains.

 

[Deets066]

I have never bought a 13/64 file. Always a 7/32 file for 3/8. When it’s a new chain you’ll have a little gullet to get, perfect for mid life, and diggin down hard in the end.

 

[Catman]

Stihl with their large 3/8 Pitch Chains call out a 13/64 File for it's sharping, just how many people have a 13/64 file?

I use them all the time!

 

[firewoodhuntingman]

After using my new Sthil 2&1 Sharpener i cut a test on a small log, i have a picture on chains teeth and the cutting chips on a block used to lay log on while being cut.
Do you think from looking at pictures is my sharping of chain doing the job good enough?

 

[Philbert]

Try holding a white card behind the teeth to help your camera auto focus better.

Philbert

 

[davidwyby]

Kind of depends on the wood but looks OK to me.

 

[firewoodhuntingman]

Try holding a white card behind the teeth to help your camera auto focus better.

Philbert

Hope this is a better picture.