Chain filing.

deezlfan · Apr 10, 2009

When filing chain freehand, do you hold the file straight and push it through steady or do you twist the handle slightly while pushing it through? The rotation method seems easier on the file and I have less problem maintaining a good steady stroke. What works best for you?

Turkeyslayer · Apr 10, 2009

I file straight, for no reason but habit. Im intrested to see what everyone else does. If it makes the files last longer I will be switchin to the "twist":biggrinbounce2:

harrygrey382 · Apr 10, 2009

I use a file holder, and don't twist. I give it a little turn every few teeth - I have it loose (ish) in the holder. Never really analysed it though...

Also, I would have thought twisting it could have opposing effects - depending on the direction. As the teeth are helical. It could make the teeth ware quicker, but cut more, or ware slower, but cut less

tomtrees58 · Apr 10, 2009

after 5 times put the file in the trash and wipe the file on your pants don't drag it back tom trees

cjnspecial · Apr 10, 2009

I'm a twister. It seems to cut faster.

Crofter · Apr 10, 2009

cjnspecial said:
I'm a twister. It seems to cut faster.

which way do you twist? does it matter whether the file is LH twist or RH? I dont think it works for square filed chain.

JohnJr · Apr 10, 2009

I file straight and when my files quit I toss'em :cheers:

BobL · Apr 10, 2009

I normally use a file holder but when I freehand I roll my wrist clockwise.

To clean the file I after every half dozen cutters I knock the holder on a piece of hardwood to knock the filings off and then wipe on my shirt sleeve.

When I finish I also use a compressor to blow the gunk off.

purdyite · Apr 10, 2009

I file staight--no twist--wipe and turn on the next tooth. Finally broke the long-held belief (from my Dad) that files don't wear out. They do.

moose42 · Apr 10, 2009

I square file now so there isn't any twisting. When I round file I don't twist. I know some do and some don't. I don't think it makes much of a difference.

Raymond · Apr 10, 2009

Either way works. Like Tom says don't try and save money when it comes to files. Throw'em out after 4 or 5 times.
I sometimes take the air compressor to them, blow'em out, I find that to help.

grandpatractor · Apr 10, 2009

I kinda rotate a little in between strokes. Not while filing and then I just tap the file end on the vice occasionally to knock it clean. And I use the roller guide.

Dan_IN_MN · Apr 10, 2009

I file chains under 3 places. N for new, D for dull, and S for sharp!:spam:

opcorn:

I free hand and like others have learned, files do not last forever. I do want to get a good grinder.

Dan

grandpatractor · Apr 10, 2009

manyhobies said:
I file chains under 3 places. N for new, D for dull, and S for sharp!:spam:opcorn:

I free hand and like others have learned, files do not last forever. I do want to get a good grinder.

Dan

I got a grinder, but I just use it on other peoples rocked out chains!

valekbrothers · Apr 10, 2009

grandpatractor said:
I kinda rotate a little in between strokes. Not while filing and then I just tap the file end on the vice occasionally to knock it clean. And I use the roller guide.

:agree2:

The best thing since sliced bread.....

harrygrey382 · Apr 11, 2009

tomtrees58 said:
after 5 times put the file in the trash

Raymond said:
Throw'em out after 4 or 5 times.

what are "times"? I ditch them when they're blunt. Altho may try the vinegar trick next

gmax · Apr 11, 2009

valekbrothers said:
:agree2:

The best thing since sliced bread.....

:agree2: They sure make filing quick & easy.

PatrickIreland · Apr 11, 2009

harrygrey382 said:
what are "times"? I ditch them when they're blunt. Altho may try the vinegar trick next

The vinegar trick as in dissolving aluminium off a file by leaving it soaking in vinegar? Won't do anything for a chainsaw file, unless you're running aluminium chain!

scotclayshooter · Apr 11, 2009

PatrickIreland said:
The vinegar trick as in dissolving aluminium off a file by leaving it soaking in vinegar? Won't do anything for a chainsaw file, unless you're running aluminium chain!

I think the guys decided you would need a stronger acid to sharpen a file than vinegar.
But it would work in battery acid.

I just know your going to try it now lol

PatrickIreland · Apr 11, 2009

I don't need battery acid, I've got full strength hydrochloric that'll eat the face off you if you get too close... :greenchainsaw:

Chain filing.

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