Advanced chain sharpening.

[Rough Hewn]

Warning!!!

This is not for beginners/novices.

For professional users only.

 

So....

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I'm having a long conversation with stihl about dropping a file size when the chain is about halfway done.

As the side plate angle goes to 90degrees, or you file into the tie strap if you use the same size file.

Either is not good.

 

My boss (a very knowledgeable and a decent bloke) totally disagrees.

Same size file all the way.

 

Stihl GB have been very thoughtful, this is their email.

 

 

What file size do you use?

Do you drop a file size or always use the same size?

[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

[Woodworks]

I just go with the regular size all the way and mark the tie straps. If the chain doesn't snap I cant see the problem and never had one snap to date. 

[Mick Dempsey]

I used to hear about ‘half life’ files back last century.

 

Not necessarily dropping a whole size, but slightly smaller.

 

They're definitely a thing.

Edited October 8, 2018 by Mick Dempsey

[Paul in the woods]

41 minutes ago, Rough Hewn said:

 

Warning!!!

This is not for beginners/novices.

 

I shouldn't reply really but if it's any help my Makita saw manual states "File the first cutter half with a 5.5 mm dia. round saw-chain file, then switch to a 4.8 mm dia file."

You can see the manual here, page 20 : http://www.makitauk.com/products/garden-machinery/chainsaws/petrol-chainsaws/ea7900p45e-chain-saw-45cm-79cc.html

 

[Stubby]

Been doing that for years if I happen to have the slightly smaller file but its not critical . Certainly not " advanced " ! ?

[Rough Hewn]

Been doing that for years if I happen to have the slightly smaller file but its not critical . Certainly not " advanced " ! [emoji3]

Thought you used to run racing saws stubby?

[Rough Hewn]

I shouldn't reply really but if it's any help my Makita saw manual states "File the first cutter half with a 5.5 mm dia. round saw-chain file, then switch to a 4.8 mm dia file."
You can see the manual here, page 20 : http://www.makitauk.com/products/garden-machinery/chainsaws/petrol-chainsaws/ea7900p45e-chain-saw-45cm-79cc.html
 

Thanks Paul,
Yes this is what I'm trying to get at.
[emoji106]

[Stubby]

Just now, Rough Hewn said:

 

Thought you used to run racing saws stubby?

Nope . Had some racing saw sprockets to play with but no competing .

[Steve Bullman]

Yep, always drop a file size.  More like the last quarter than the half way though. 

 

I been known to drop to as low as an 020  file on a 3/8 chain before 

[TTownsend]

I do this, always drop down from a 7/32 to a 3/16 when getting towards the end of the chain. Works a dream and get a lovely hook