7/32 vs 13/64 file size

[MNfarmer]

WOW.. what a difference!!! I got a pack of 7/32 files the other day and tried it out today, the 440 has never cut so good! It cut faster and seemed to take less power in the same wood that I had been cutting when I was sharpening with 13/64. Has anyone else noticed this much difference or am I just imagining the whole thing??

 

[1953greg]

i have used them both and cant tell any difference

go figure

 

[SawTroll]

i have used them both and cant tell any difference

go figure

Ditto!

-but 13/64 is what Stihl specs for their 3/8" chains.

The most important thing is to keep the file at the right height.

 

[Fish]

To say on size will properly fit all 3/8 chains is incorrect, and when selling files
I like to hold it up to the chain and look at it. Also, as the chain is worn
down, the chisel height is lower, so stepping down a file size might be needed
as well. It is important to learn what angles you are trying to achieve, and
how to reach it.

 

[Fish]

To illustrate, would you recommend the same file to use on Oregon 21 l.p.
and on the Oregon 33? They are both .325 pitch.

 

[SawTroll]

To illustrate, would you recommend the same file to use on Oregon 21 l.p.
and on the Oregon 33? They are both .325 pitch.

Not at all, Oregon specs different different file sizes for those models......

I agree with you on the step-down thing, but I don't step below 13/64" on 3/8" chains.

On the Stihl ones I start with 13/64 for the first couple of finings, then use 7/32 for halv the teeth or a bit more, then down to 13/64.

Oregon is the same, except for the initial use of the 13/64.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Increased File Dia.

This may help explain why you noticed the difference. When you went from a 13/64" file to 7/32" file, you increased the diameter by a measly 7.7%, but the area that you gouged out on the chain went up nearly 16%.

That area largely determines the size of the chunks being removed from the log. As long as your engine has sufficient power to remove those chunks without significant loss in speed, you are bound to see larger chips flying and thus faster cutting from the same chain.

I doubt that it took less power to drive the chain, (if anything it should have taken more) but the sharper chain made it seem that way. If the engine had lost speed while contacting the log, then you could actually have obtained slower cutting speed.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

In theory the 13/64 should cut faster due to a sharper leading edge on the tooth and the 7/32 should cut a hair slower but keep its edge longer due to a more blunt cutter.

 

[Wood Doctor]

In theory the 13/64 should cut faster due to a sharper leading edge on the tooth and the 7/32 should cut a hair slower but keep its edge longer due to a more blunt cutter.

That's interesting. The kerf size and chain pitch also has a lot to do with cutting speed. For example, my vintage Echo 3900 has a rather rare chain--far more links on the chain than most 16" saws--and wants a 3/16" file. The big box stores don't even sell replacements for it. That saw will cut faster than just about any saw in its class (39 CC) while pulling this hard-to-find 16" chain.

 

[SawTroll]

In theory the 13/64 should cut faster due to a sharper leading edge on the tooth and the 7/32 should cut a hair slower but keep its edge longer due to a more blunt cutter.

...or the smaller file will create more "hook"......

 

[Fish]

On the Stihl ones I start with 13/64 for the first couple of finings, then use 7/32 for halv the teeth or a bit more, then down to 13/64.

Oregon is the same, except for the initial use of the 13/64.

Why do you start with the smaller file on the Stihl, then up, then back down?

Just curious. I made my posts, so some of these guys will try to see "why" the chain cuts better, not just a blanket acceptance of why a certain size is better, when it was just pure luck, and will not apply with a different chain.

 

[Fish]

I have seen a wide range in cutter heights on big 3/8s and do not always
agree with what the manufacturer recommends, but who am I?

 

[HUSKYMAN]

That's interesting. The kerf size and chain pitch also has a lot to do with cutting speed. For example, my vintage Echo 3900 has a rather rare chain--far more links on the chain than most 16" saws--and wants a 3/16" file. The big box stores don't even sell replacements for it. That saw will cut faster than just about any saw in its class (39 CC) while pulling this hard-to-find 16" chain.

Sounds like 1/4" chain

 

[stihl 440]

files

I use 7/32 when chain is new, then switch to 13/64 after it is half filed back. The key is to know when to switch though.:greenchainsaw:

 

[Fish]

The key is to know when to switch though.

The same applies to wives.........................

 

[stihl 440]

Ha Ha Ha

The same applies to wives.........................

HAHAHAHAHAHA.....LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!:greenchainsaw:

 

[SawTroll]

Why do you start with the smaller file on the Stihl, then up, then back down?

Just curious. I made my posts, so some of these guys will try to see "why" the chain cuts better, not just a blanket acceptance of why a certain size is better, when it was just pure luck, and will not apply with a different chain.

The 7/32 ones don't really fit into the chain (RSC) before you have filed it a tad - I guess that is why Stihl recommends 13/64" files.....

 

[SawTroll]

I use 7/32 when chain is new, then switch to 13/64 after it is half filed back. The key is to know when to switch though.:greenchainsaw:

Not critical, imo......

 

[stihl 440]

file

Not critical, imo......

But, it will give you a faster cutting chain, easier to file, and longer lasting one as well. You do what you want.....:greenchainsaw: :censored:

 

[SawTroll]

Who really cares about minute differences in cutting speed anyway?

At least for me, the actual cutting is just a small portion of the work with the trees anyway.......