lf l had a Silvey grinder l would buy stihl square but hand filing l prefer somthing softer. I ran my handfile oregon cl .404 yesterday and it was more of a treat than the norm as l don't like the hard work at the end of the day handfiling. Usually 10-20 mins gets ALL my semi chisel chains sharp that l swapped out during the day. l actually now laugh when l remeber hand filing all my work chains at night after work....some days it would take ages with a couple of rocked ones in the mix. Then l was given a china copy oregon 511ax and life is good! Good to see ya found a good square chain source Mike, also Randy at weedeaterman is good for square chain.
Stihl Square File Loops
- Thread starter MustangMike
- Start date
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Adirondackstihl
Flyz, Fuel & Fotos
Deets066
Firewood hack
Off the grinder? Or hand filed
Adirondackstihl
Flyz, Fuel & Fotos
Outta the box
johnny5ny
RR tie burner-indoor fireplace
Jeremy, that chain is gonna put a smile on your face!
I don't have a grinder, but I can hand sharpen the Stihl square file (unless it has been rocked) about as fast as I used to hand file round. I just make sure I keep the saw lower than I do with round so I can get the corners right.
cobey
Addicted to ArboristSite
Right now $9 for any order!
Trx250r180
Saw polisher
Whichcraft this square chain is.........
VERONICA STARR
New Member
I could get them at a local dealer, and I don't have to leave home!
Deets066
Firewood hack
Do you live at the stihl dealershipI could get them at a local dealer, and I don't have to leave home!
jetmd
ArboristSite Operative
When hand filing square do you just do it by eye, or does someone make a guide?
ATOP makes a guide . You can get it from Baileys . It's not cheap . And , you are pretty much stuck with one filing angle , which ismore of a race chain angle than a work chain angle . And the files are pretty pricey as well .
Having said that , I have one ,and it's helped me wrap my head around hand filing square chain .
I just studied the info on the Madsens website and tried to follow the Stihl factory angles, has worked for me.
http://www.madsens1.com/bnc_cb_angles.htm
I typed that link, hope it works.
http://www.madsens1.com/bnc_cb_angles.htm
I typed that link, hope it works.
Trx250r180
Saw polisher
I have never had luck duplicating the factory grind ,they must sharpen the cutters before they put the chain together or something ,how are you holding the file to get those angles ?
I'm using the PFERD "Three Square" file, (like a triangle with flat sides) which likely takes up less space than what you are using, but I still hit the strap on the opposite side.
I just make sure I keep the saw lower than normal so I can see & line up the corners.
I just make sure I keep the saw lower than normal so I can see & line up the corners.
After thinking about it, I guess the file profile will not matter, you just hit the strap on the opposite side.
Actually, I learned a lot from watching your filing video! Thanks!
Actually, I learned a lot from watching your filing video! Thanks!
Tree Sling'r
Addicted to ArboristSite
Do you guys consider square chain sharp from the factory?
Trx250r180
Saw polisher
I guess it depends on what size saw it is on if it works better or not ,on my 75cc saws no ,it does not bore or self feed as good to me
I've been happy with the way the Stihl RSL & RSLK has come to me. It out cuts RS, and I just try to maintain factory sharpness. Also holds and edge in hardwood just as good as RS, so to me there is no downside (other than the cost of the files and learning how to sharpen it).
I am so glad it is now available in loops, costing less than I was paying by the roll!
Also, out here in the East, you are kinda on your own. I don't have a grinder, and NO ONE AROUND HERE SHARPENS SQUARE. If you rock a chain, you will spend some time fixing it.
