"after half life"

[chilli]

Looking at files on the 'Chains Direct' site, "after half life" is shown against the 13/64"files. They tell me that Oregon recommend that once a chain has been sharpened a few times & is about halfway through its life, that 13/64" files are used on all chains for the remaining life, regardless of the original file size (5/32", 11/64", 3/16", 7/32").

Stihl on the other hand don't offer this advice & say to stick with the correct file size for the full life of the chain.

Any of you guys heard of, or follow the Oregon advice?

[Ben90]

It does make sense I suppose, since the cutter head is slightly sloped downwards. Using a smaller file would stop you compromising the strength by gradually filing down towards the metal surrounding the rivet. But at the same time it could cause the working corner to become a 'hook' and not cut as efficiently.

 

They could go so far as to say you must use a slightly smaller file every time you sharpen it!

[Rupe]

13/64 is an increas in size from all but the 7/32 so that theory doesn't work.

 

I often go down a size once on the latter part of a chain.

[Big 'Ammer]

I've never heard of it, or read that in any Oregon literature.

 

I always use the correct size file for the life of the chain.

 

I've heard of some people going one size smaller as it wears back, to increase the gullet.

 

I never bother and always sharpen freehand without any gadgets, making any corrections by eye, as necessary.

[Les Cork]

Looking at files on the 'Chains Direct' site, "after half life" is shown against the 13/64"files. They tell me that Oregon recommend that once a chain has been sharpened a few times & is about halfway through its life, that 13/64" files are used on all chains for the remaining life, regardless of the original file size (5/32", 11/64", 3/16", 7/32").

Stihl on the other hand don't offer this advice & say to stick with the correct file size for the full life of the chain.

Any of you guys heard of, or follow the Oregon advice?

 

Hi

 

Half life files known as 13/64 or 5mm in Oregon range or 5.2mm in Stihl are used for a more accurate file profile after half life of 7/32 std chain and .404 only

 

{Oregon round the file size down and Stihl round their file size up but both are 13/64}

 

Because the angle of the tooth gets slightly narrower as it's filed more the smaller file helps keep a good profile without cutting into the tie strap.

 

Many operators never bother and use 7/32 files all the way thru keeping an eye on the cut profile, over the past 10yrs or so "half life files" have grown in sales and are available in many Arb dealers.

 

So for those using 72,73,75 and or 27 and 59 chain you can try this to see

 

Part no is 70505 page A52 Oregon catalogue

 

Les

[Bundle 2]

Have always sharpened by hand myself aswell. A case of having to. Occasionally I will use a bar clamp that can be "driven" into a stump as the big bars are a clumsy b****r and it is easier.

Always dead fussy that my chains are sharp and also use correct file sizes. Im afraid Im old and stupid enough to take the dogs (depth gauge) right down by hand for maximum aggressive cut. This is NOT recommeneded and if I thought anyone else was gonna pick up my saw and unwittingly sink it into a piece of wood, I would nt have done. So never if I am working on site as pert of a crew then.

Unfortunately I am guilty of nearly always catching the "tie strap" into the bargain....you gotta watch that!!

[Craig Johnson]

13/64 is an increas in size from all but the 7/32 so that theory doesn't work.

 

I often go down a size once on the latter part of a chain.

 

 

[tommer9]

I have heard this at my local dealer who is an oregon stockist, but stihl make no mention. I have never bothered, and TBH dont notice a reduction in peformance to any degree.

[Graham]

Years ago running 051s and 075s on a daily basis we used to drop down a size. They ran 404 chipper chain.