Return of the File-O-Plate?

[PogoInTheWoods]

Anyone know anything about this? Was looking for File-O-Plates and ran across this in the 2016/2017 Carlton catalog. I can't find anything besides obscure versions for $14 ~ $20 on ebay, though I did run across a .325-01 version for $1.50 Thanksgiving eve that I promptly ordered from Hudson Valley Supply hoping they still had a few. Probably won't know for sure until next week due to the holiday weekend. We'll see.

Anyway, check this....straight out of the newest Carlton catalog. Also looks like they reduced all their different models down to five from that huge list of variations in the past. Sure hope this is for real and not some holdover from previous catalogs. Been looking for a while now and not finding much until this.

 

[Philbert]

Ahem, of course, that catalog also says that 3/8" low pro chain takes a 7/32" file . . . .

Seriously, a lot of guys really liked those FOPs, so it would be good for Carlton to make them available again.

Philbert

 

[Metals406]

The FOP is the best way to set your stops IMHO.

 

[Locust Cutter]

Is it just me or are the file sizes all jacked up? I thought that 3/8" standard was either 13/64" or 7/32" depending on the chain and tooth life? How in the hell would a .325" cutter require a larger file than a .375" cutter?

 

[Deets066]

Is it just me or are the file sizes all jacked up? I thought that 3/8" standard was either 13/64" or 7/32" depending on the chain and tooth life? How in the hell would a .325" cutter require a larger file than a .375" cutter?

Yeah, I'm sure it's just listed backwards

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Yeah, the file sizes are obviously a misprint. I just hope the whole page isn't!

 

[madhatte]

I'm gonna have to tease you guys a bit.

First, I asked around some and it appears that there is not a current batch of FOP's being produced, so those listed above must be NOS. It is my understanding that the hardening process makes these guys pretty difficult and expensive to produce, which is why they were originally discontinued. However, it is also my understanding that there is talk about running a few more batches of the old Carltons which would be excellent.

There is also a prototype Oregon model which I present here for your perusal. This unit is not hardened and therefore is not usable, and is a mock-up only. However, you can see that it has both hard- and softwood raker depth settings as well as more angles and a simplified slot for the cutter. This design is only a bit larger than the original, and is designed to be the same size as a credit card, so it'll still fit in your wallet. Let's hope that they put this thing into production.

 

[Philbert]

Good to see that a good idea is not lost.

Philbert

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

First, I asked around some and it appears that there is not a current batch of FOP's being produced, so those listed above must be NOS.

Could you "ask around" some more and see where we may be able to procure said NOS?

The new Oregon prototype is very cool. It sure would be nice if someone were to begin production again. (And it even appears to have a handy dandy "built in" bar groove cleaner!)

And it's odd that production cost was cited as the reason for the FOP to be discontinued when they were being sold for $.99 back then. Seems like raising the price would have made more sense, though they may not have caught on yet by the time the decision was made. And as a matter of fact, there's still an ad on Bailey's for the 3/8 lo pro version as an "in stock" item...., for $.99. 'Course the shipping would be 20 bux if they actually have them.

http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...n-File-O-Plate-Fits-3-8-Low-Profile-Chain.axd

The older versions on ebay for $14~$20 are ridiculous.

 

[Philbert]

Ray Carlton split from Oregon in the early 60's, 'cause he had some different ideas about saw chain.

http://carltonproducts.com/carlton_company_history.asp

When Oregon's parent company Blount bought Carlton, after Ray's death, they probably tried to integrate those products into their existing line, and the FOP just did not fit in (IMO).

In recent years, we have seen 'progressive' filing guides from Husqvarna and STIHL, along with comments from forums like this. So maybe that encouraged them to give it another look?

Just my arm chair speculation.

Philbert

 

[madhatte]

When Oregon's parent company Blount bought Carlton, after Ray's death, they probably tried to integrate those products into their existing line, and the FOP just did not fit in (IMO).

You hit the nail on the head. You also sussed out where I'm getting my info. The prototype pictured is owned by Sam at Madsen's and he showed it to me and an Oregon engineer who'd never seen it(!) when I picked up an Oregon test bar awhile back. No, Madsen's had nothing to do with the testing, it was just a convenient place to meet. I'm not exactly sure how or when Sam got it but you know how it is with folks who are connected.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Good to see that a good idea is not lost.

At least the depth gauge concept is still alive and well (and readily available) as a stand-alone Husky tool (separate from their roller guide /depth gauge combo tool). $3.95 at a dealer.

​

I have one each on order from my Husky dealer for 3/8, .325, and 3/8 lo pro for less than the early file-o-plates are going for on eBay these days, though the .325 version of the FOP is still available from Bailey's for $0.99 + $7.99 shipping.

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accesso...s-filing-equipment/depth-gauge-325/505698100/

So is anyone else using these? I have the 3/8 roller guide combo tool and can't figure out the depth gauge for the life of me unless it was mistakenly assembled with a .325 depth gauge piece. It simply doesn't fit 3/8 chain as intended..., Husky, Stihl, Oregon, none of em. Filing guide is pretty nice but I'm starting to file freehand more and more..., just because.

 

[madhatte]

I haven't seen those before. They look like solid units.

 

[Mastermind]

They work just fine too Nate.

 

[madhatte]

I'll pick one up first chance I get!

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Mine should be in this afternoon. I'm anxious to give em a spin around the block.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Got the 3/8 and .325 Husky gauges today. They neglected to order the 3/8 lo pro mini version, but a very kind member here is sending me a file-o-plate version along with a 3/8 FOP as well. Very nice gesture and is gratefully appreciated!

So after messing around with this style of raker gauge today, I now get how the one on the combo roller guide works, too. What a dumb ass. If it were a snake...

For some unknown reason I had been under the impression that the cutout on the front of the plate fit up against the heel of the cutter in front of the raker to be filed as a reference/pivot point corresponding to the cutter of the raker itself, and that a correct angle between the two was established relative to the raker height. That orientation actually does occur (under most conditions) when using the hardwood slots, but obviously doesn't fly with the soft slots which generally seem to line up against the rear of the preceding tie strap. I also thought the raker was supposed to be positioned in the narrowest part of the gauge's slot for filing instead of at the rear. Once I realized that the pivot point was the actual cutter of the raker and that the raker's relative position should be at the rear of the slot and not at the front, it immediately all made sense and works great. Duh.

Anyway, some pics for anyone else who may also waaaayyyyy overthink such a simple and effective little device. And just a side note on these things..., they're only stamped pieces and not hardened steel. A good file will wear one down eventually.

​

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

One other minor note and a heads up I forgot to include above...

In my first post of the thread I mentioned finding and ordering a .325 version of the FOP for a buck and a half from Hudson River Supply (Hudson Valley Trader). Never heard a thing from em and the PayPal transaction never occurred. Sorry if I led anyone in that direction. Anyone else, don't waste your time.

 

[Bob95065]

One other minor note and a heads up I forgot to include above...

In my first post of the thread I mentioned finding and ordering a .325 version of the FOP for a buck and a half from Hudson River Supply (Hudson Valley Trader). Never heard a thing from em and the PayPal transaction never occurred. Sorry if I led anyone in that direction. Anyone else, don't waste your time.

Thanks for the heads up. I am looking for a .325 FOP and was going to look for Hudson River Supply. Im glad I read the whole thread.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Glad you caught it too. There are a few .325 FOP's on eBay at ridiculous prices. The Husky combo roller file guide / depth gauge tool is about the same price including a couple of files and file holder. Works well for both functions. I think you can even buy the same kit at Lowes for less than at a Husky dealer..., at least some Husky dealers with stupid mark-ups on such accessories.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/262351239196?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true