p61 western
ArboristSite Guru
I saw them at Bailey's for 4 bucks after super3 posted that. It is just the depth gauge.
Hand filing chain
- Thread starter Boomer 87
- Start date
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I can't quite tell from this picture but it appears the edge has a curve to it. You want the top plate edge to be straight as you sight along it. If it's just the picture then please ignore!
p61 western
ArboristSite Guru
It was not quite strait good eye. I didn't notice till I took the pics,but went back and got it straight now. Was there anything else that could use improvement.
concretegrazer
ArboristSite Operative
Filing square can be more difficult to learn than round. It's a more efficient cutting edge so it'll cut faster and smoother. And with the right angles it will last longer than round. You can sharpen any full chisel square. All of my square has been converted from round.
Only full chisel chain can be filed / ground square. Square is much harder to do, and requires a much more expensive grinder.
Yes, you can convert, but you will lose a lot of tooth life changing, or going back and forth.
MANY separate threads devoted specifically to square filed chains - best to do a search for those, than to try and replicate all of that info in here.
'Google': 'arboristsite square filed chain'; 'arboristsite square ground chain'; 'arboristsite square filing'; 'arboristsite who square files'; etc. (slightly different results for each).
Philbert
Yes, it is a LOT of work, with really expensive ($8-$12 ?) files that do not last very long. Most people would buy square ground chain to start with, or grind first, using the files to maintain the edges.
Philbert
concretegrazer
ArboristSite Operative
No you don't need a grinder. One that will do square isn't cheap either. It would be easier to learn how to on already squared cutters. Or even better if you can find someone to show you.
Also when converting just get the working edges sharp. No need to get the side plate fully squared. It'll still cut well and save the life of a file.
p61 western
ArboristSite Guru
I am just starting with round filing, but how was the switch to square filing. Or should I say how long did you file round before switching to square.
concretegrazer
ArboristSite Operative
I've been round filing for 7-8 years. Had read a lot about square so when I stumbled upon some cheap files for it last year I gave it a try. Thanks to some good teachers here & elsewhere I picked it up fairly easily.
I have only one 81DL square ground chain, which I got just to try and learn. I made a separate chain vise for it because the one I had would not work with the file angles required. I like how it cuts, and it was interesting, but the files are expensive, filing it takes more time and I just don't see enough advantage in hardwood firewood cutting for my uses. Heck, I mostly use semi chisel anyway.
p61 western
ArboristSite Guru
I'm happy with my round filed chisel chain just being sharp.I kind of enjoy the hand filing,it's almost relaxing.
p61 western
ArboristSite Guru
It is satisfying cause you get a better chain. Weird ya probably not everybody enjoys it, but I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Local dealer.
astnmacgto
Carnac The Magnificent
Bump
Had another hand filing question. The top plate is usually ground or filed at 25° or 30°, question is would there be any benifit to going more angle or less angle even. Im sure somone has tried it so what say yee?
I thing harder wood likes less angle, and soft, more angle. Less angle "chips" hard wood, more angle cuts the soft wood to help it chip more. I THINK That what i read, i could be wrong
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Just a home owner that likes the older better made machines
Craftsman 3.7 x2
Husqvarna 36
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Just a home owner that likes the older better made machines
Craftsman 3.7 x2
Husqvarna 36
