Getting a chain sharp

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aokpops

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I used a dremel for years with a carlton chain for some reason I can't resharpened them now . I think some of it I hit a nail stone cement I know they can be rock out . I'm just not sure what change ? I talk to a few others about it they sharpen there own chain for years now they can't seem to get the edge
 
I used a dremel for years with a carlton chain for some reason I can't resharpened them now . I think some of it I hit a nail stone cement I know they can be rock out . I'm just not sure what change ? I talk to a few others about it they sharpen there own chain for years now they can't seem to get the edge
Never tried a dremel myself, but I don't see it working well. Before I bought a real grinder I had great luck using the Husqvarna roller file guides.https://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories/chainsaw-sharpeners-filing-equipment/combination-file-guide/596285401/

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I know getting old is hell . I can still see the dam chain I was young once and my hands would flat hurt hand filing .
I used to do indoor smallbore rifle shooting- was pretty good at it- can't get through half a target card now before everything blurs into one through the peep sights!
Same with hand filing chain- anything over about 72 drive links, I have to take a break and let my eyes readjust- getting older is a biarch!
Carlton A3 is pretty hard some batches. I have a couple of 25'rolls here that demand new files.
Never used a Dremel to sharpen a chain, but perhaps your cutter is clogging fast- or you are dropping down into the gullet too far and missing the top plate a bit?
 
It may have nothing to do with using the dremel. I had a similar experience when trying Carlton chains a few years ago. Iirc, it wouldn't sharpen after I hit some metal when clearing a fence line. I can't recall but I may have continued to use it for a few more cuts, which I'm guessing caused it to heat up and changed the temper.
 
I've had similar issue with Carlton chain. No amount of filing, grinding, or taking down the rakers would make that chain cut proper. It would cut if you dog in but would not self feed at all. I tossed it and went back to Oregon and have actually been using Archer lately and really liking it.

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If you hit metal with something that is really hard, like a stone, it will harden the impacted surface (called work hardening) and it will take some effort to get through the hardened part back to the normal metal, have to use a diamond stone or a REALLY good carborundum.
 
If I hit metal or stone with a chain I usually just take it off and hang it with my other used and discarded chains. About every two to three years I grab a hand full of used chains and take them to the county consignment auction, the Amish love them and it makes me feel good too. Last file holder I bought was the 3in1 file Stihl offers, have not used anything else since.
 
Can you tell if a chain is sharp just buy looking at it? Yes you can. How? A sharp chain will have a dull finish. Example. A new or unused file will not reflect light. All the barbs are in a line of some sort. After the file get used or abused then the edges will get worn or "polished" and reflect light. Same principal applies to a chain. A shiny chains tooth has been polished buy the wood or actually a dull file. Look at a new file and then compare it to a worn one. BTW, this applies to using a file. If you are using a grinder then your wheel could use a cleaning or resurfacing.
 
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