Raker Files

[BlackCoffin]

What files have you used for setting raker height that have worked the best? Best as in quickest cut, smooth operation, and longevity. Are there any with smooth sides so if you free hand the rakers you won’t nick the cutter?

 

[Philbert]

What files have you used for setting raker height that have worked the best? Best as in quickest cut, smooth operation, and longevity. Are there any with smooth sides so if you free hand the rakers you won’t nick the cutter?

All 'depth gauge files' are supposed to have smooth sides (a.k.a. 'safe files') - this is what separates them from a standard flat file.

I use the Oregon files because they work well and are available locally at a reasonable price - sometimes $4.50 on sale, including the depth gauge tool. Sometimes cheaper than what I can pay for the file alone, on line.



Philbert

 

[BlackCoffin]

Any comment on Oregon VS pferd or save edge?

 

[BlacknTan]

A regular three corner file works well because there's plenty of room to clear the cutting edge.

 

[hardhat]

I don't know if I got a dud of a file from oregon, but the pferd cut much faster. had a lot more bite than the oregon.

 

[Philbert]

Nobody has mentioned STIHL yet. Nicholson and Bahco make good files too. I have not compared them, as I mentioned that the Oregon work for me. But, as opposed to sharpening the cutters, you don't need a chainsaw-specific file for this task. Some people use their depth gauge tool, or even an old spoon, to protect the cutting edges when filing the depth gauges if not using a 'safe' file.

Philbert

 

[Spladle160]

A file. works better than a hammer. I have a couple of flat ones for rakers from oregon and stihl that I have ended up with through no particular intention and they work fine. So does the side of a square file. If your using a gauge most protect the cutter anyways.

 

[BlackCoffin]

Old spoon is a good trick. The guides are straight forward, but when customizing your own raker depth I could see it slipping or getting out of hand and nicking the cutter. This is where a smooth sided raker file would save you. I’ll try a pferd out and see how I like it.

 

[old guy]

I just pinch the cutter with my left thumb & forefinger, it keeps the file away.

 

[Philbert]

I just pinch the cutter with my left thumb & forefinger, it keeps the file away.

I've been using my tongue, but your way sounds better!

Philbert

 

[old guy]

I've been using my tongue, but your way sounds better!

Philbert

I'm gonna leave that one alone!

 

[Ryan Browne]

I much prefer a Dremel with a sanding wheel.

 

[Lightning Performance]

I much prefer a Dremel with a sanding wheel.

Odd. You don't use a stone?

Any file that will cut I use.

 

[3browns]

Any comment on Oregon VS pferd or save edge?

The last half dozen Save Edge raker files I bought were/are very disappointing

No "bite" to them

Felt like a half worn out file right out of the box

But the Save Edge 5/32" round files I bought at the same time cut just fine

 

[Ryan Browne]

Odd. You don't use a stone?

Any file that will cut I use.

Never even tried a stone. The sanding wheels make real quick work of the situation. File-o-plate in one hand, Dremel in the other. After a few rakers, I have a good guess how much needs to come off the rest of them, usually 3-5 quick taps with the drum. I'll hit them a few times and then check. Might have to do a couple more taps, but I don't check again after that.

 

[Lightning Performance]

Never even tried a stone. The sanding wheels make real quick work of the situation. File-o-plate in one hand, Dremel in the other. After a few rakers, I have a good guess how much needs to come off the rest of them, usually 3-5 quick taps with the drum. I'll hit them a few times and then check. Might have to do a couple more taps, but I don't check again after that.

New to me... good idea for tore up cutters I pound back down.

Found my 12V Grandy sharpener today with the angle finder. Can I get diamonds for it now?

Stone sucked and its useless with carbide cutters, I tried.

 

[Wolverine]

I've been using my old double bevels to do raker maintenance. Bahco mainly. They work awesome.

 

[cus_deluxe]

I've been using my old double bevels to do raker maintenance. Bahco mainly. They work awesome.

thats what i use. theres a nice strip of the file right in the middle that never gets touched filing the cutters, use the whole file this way.

 

[BlackCoffin]

Pferd file showed up, pretty happy with it! Seems to only take a few strokes to take the taker down.

 

[TreeMonkey85]

I use oregon files also. If the chain was real bad, or a long chain, I will do one by hand using the gauge then set my chain grinder and get em all.