Hand filing chain

[Boomer 87]

I have a file guide I tried but it seemed like it was too high didn't take any meat out of the bottom

 

[Boomer 87]

here's a different technique a few strokes right on and a couple putting slight pressure upward as it filed.

 

[Boomer 87]

To me it looks sharp enough to cut a forest of Satan's back hair but idk what you think now

 

[Andyshine77]

I have a file guide I tried but it seemed like it was too high didn't take any meat out of the bottom

That's what you want. After you sharpen the chain a few times you have to clean out the gullets freehand. This is what you have to do if you want a good chain.

 

[Boomer 87]

Ok so don't worry initially about the bottom of the tooth file with the guide then go back and freehand the bottom to clean it out

 

[Andyshine77]

View attachment 529052 here's a different technique a few strokes right on and a couple putting slight pressure upward as it filed.

That's a lot better, I still believe I see some reflection on the top plate, but it's hard to tell in the picture. Getting the file high enough for proper hook is extremely important.

 

[farmer steve]

7/32 is what I was using. thats what I read was correct for 3/8 chain

i don't know about other brands of chain but my stihl chain calls for a 13/64 file on 3/8 chain.

 

[Boomer 87]

There is a bunch of buildup of solid sawdust on the tops of the teeth. I know it's hard to see in a picture but checking it with my fingers would definitely lay you open on one.

 

[Andyshine77]

i don't know about other brands of chain but my stihl chain calls for a 3/16 file on 3/8 chain.

Stihl recommends 13/64 for 3/8 chain, but 7/32 is only slightly larger and it works just fine. I do prefer the 13/64 files for a bit of extra hook.

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[farmer steve]

Stihl recommends 13/64 for 3/8 chain, but 7/32 is only slightly larger and it works just fine. I do prefer the 13/64 files for a bit of extra hook.

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i had a brain fart andy thank you for the correction. i corrected my post.

 

[Boomer 87]

I just know the package said 7/32 for 3/8 chain. I also bought a 3/16 file it said was for. 325

 

[Boomer 87]

Went through it once more making sure all the top plates were filed right went out and tried it.... did awesome cutting really well like a new chain now I only got like a hundred chains left to file

 

[Boomer 87]

Thanks all for pointing me in the right direction

 

[Andyshine77]

Oregon recommends 7/32 for their 3/8 chain, and it works fine. The slightly smaller 13/64 file just adds a little more hook, which makes the chain a little more aggressive, bit also makes the edge a bit weaker.

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[Philbert]

I'm also filing out the last hook the electric grinder put on it may need to go back and hit them again

I never really liked the profile of what the grinder did

Should be able to get the same profile with a grinder. Good for cleaning up rental chains. Some guys will go back with a file for a final edge.

I have a file guide I tried but it seemed like it was too high didn't take any meat out of the bottom

Bottom does not cut. It only carries chips.

Cleaning out the gullet is a separate task/step, just like setting depth gauges.

Philbert

 

[Boomer 87]

I guess that's why I never liked the hook my grinders made.I ground all the way down to the gullet. Maybe I should of raised it then went back and cleaned the gullet out

 

[Andyshine77]

Went through it once more making sure all the top plates were filed right went out and tried it.... did awesome cutting really well like a new chain now I only got like a hundred chains left to file

Sounds like you're getting it down.[emoji106]
If you keep at it, your chains will be better than new.

 

[Philbert]

Bingo!

Philbert

 

[p61 western]

Thanks all for pointing me in the right direction

+1 thank you everybody for all the tips and help.

 

[Khntr85]

The other issue I'm running into is the chain I'm filing is one of the ones I bring home from the rental shop... they put on a brand new chain everytime one goes out Its amazing how consumers can absolutely destroy a chain. Works out for me as I collected a 100 or more 24"full chisel Oregon chains and 100 or more 20" of the same. So I got chains out the wazoo.

Hey if you ever want to get rid of any of that used chain I would buy some loops off of ya.... never hurts to have extra around...