File sizes

[treequip]

Is that so? - I use a guide all the time - still hand sharpen from time to time... using a guide actually gives you something to aim for when it comes to hand sharpening.

 

 

Using a guide has been the main way I've improved my sharpening over the last 3 years - hand sharpening is better than it's ever been....

 

My sharpening hasn't improved at all lately. I learned to sharpen properly a couple of decades ago.

 

I still maintain that people should learn to sharpen without an aid before they learn to sharpen with one.

 

I once had a student that came on a placement and couldn't sharpen without a guide, he had to ask how I could possibly sharpen saws without one:thumbdown:

[daddyola50]

5.2 all day long 5.5 dont really fit well from new as they are better for 404 chain in my experiance

[Mike Dempsey]

Which file guide size do you use Daddyola with a 5.2mm file?

[SawTroll]

5.5, 5.2:confused:

 

What happened to 5/32, 3/16 and 7/32? Only sizes I've ever needed in nearly 30 years.

 

5.2mm files are 13/64 - and it actually matters if they are 7/32 or 13/64 on 3/8" Chain.

The front edge of the Stihl cutters in 3/8" is lower than on Oregon, that's why they specify a smaller file.

Changing to a smaller file when the cutters are filed back makes sense for the same reason.

[SawTroll]

Can you put a 5.5mm file in the holder in place of the 5.2mm ? It seems the obvious choice instead of buying all the lot again. If you know the angles you can do it just with a file so it can't be that critical.

 

Likely not a good idea - the hight of the file will be off, compared to the top plate of the cutters,

 

Anyway, it is best to file freehand, looking closely on what you are doing!