Round file diameters

[Fastapasta]

I've got a Husky 440e and am using a Carlton K1 chain.  I'm only a light user and in the past I've always taken my chains elsewhere to get them sharpened.  I'm using the saw more frequently and want to sharpen the chain myself.  I'm tempted to use the Stihl all in one tool but the round file in it is 4.8mm whilst the stipulated file size is 4.5mm.  Will using a file that is .3mm too big make any difference?

[s o c]

I find the old flat file guide better with file that small.

the stihl type is good with bigger files but smaller file will flex and become giddy once guide wears a bit.

hope that makes sense 

[Rough Hewn]

It will work but not as well as a correct size file.

As you go down the tooth it will become too large.

20% above the tooth edge is optimum for most chains.

Learn the art of hand filing

[emoji106]

 

[Khriss]

Chain filing is an art, mate. I sometimes swap file sizes fr different jobs or woods. K

[Dan Maynard]

The difference between 4.5 and 4.8 will be small, they will both produce a sharp edge which will cut wood.

What I would say to check though if the Stihl file is designed for a bigger saw is the depth gauge setting, as if the rakers are filed too low then the chain will be trying to take too much wood with each tooth and the engine will struggle to get into the power band, you end up cutting slower.

Personally I would get the correct Oregon filing kit rather than the all-in-one, it will cost about as much as sending it to sharpen twice and you can give the chain a couple of light strokes every few tanks of fuel to keep it razor sharp without touching the depth gauges every time.

[Fastapasta]

Thanks all - looks like using the right size file and learning the art is the way forward.

[Stubby]

6 hours ago, Fastapasta said:

Thanks all - looks like using the right size file and learning the art is the way forward.

Learning the art and using the " wrong " size file is far better than having all the gear and no idea ?