I use this rule: on the third filing, take the little flat file and do the rakers. It can be hard to remember though, if you are running more than one saw. I don't know how to sharpen with other than a round file and a flat file and a hand.
I used to use one of those filling outfits that clamps on the bar for a great many years, until I bought a Jolly Bench Grinder, chain grinding machine. (TecoMec 136), identical to the Oregon Bench chain grinding machine. Personaly its up to the individual. If you plan on doing alot of cutting wood, it would be worth the money, and invest it once, instead of wishing you would have bought somthing else. I used to cut a lot more wood than I do now. I used to cut firewood for alot of farmers, because they didn't have the time for it. 100 bush cord a year. Used to have 4 chains per saw too. Sharpened 4 chains an hour every night, after supper. 2 hours anite. Now I cut only 30 to 40 bush cords a year. Sharpen a lot of the neighbours chains with it too. Now I sharpen 8 chains in an hour. It's quicker amd easier with a Bench Grinding Machine. No guessing on how to hold the file. Every tooth is the Identical to the next. Chain runs true in the guide bar as well. Hand filing, you never get each tooth of the chain the same. You will wear out your chain, and guide bar edges a lot quicker too. Its up to you. Quied bars, and chains are not cheep, if you don't get along time out of them.
