A saw filing question

[trimmmed]

Chain came thru unscathed, I actually didn't know I hit anything at the time, but gave it a quick filing anyway.

 

[glens]

Originally posted by Derek
That could of been the bullit that killed Ned Kelly...

(could <i>have</i> been, Derek)

I saw a <a href="http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0066130/" target="_blank">movie</a> about Ned the other day.&nbsp; Funny thing about that Ned, he looked and sounded just like a youthful Mick Jagger!

<img src="http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/11/23/40m.jpg">

 

[Derek]

Hi there... I doubt very much it could of been Ned, but I couldent think of famous yanky bank robbers.. I'm tring to watch the link you sent....Never even knew bout the movie (must tell my mum she loves stories bout Ned and a big fan of Micks) got to get out more often... Derek

 

[Derek]

buggernedkelly

Maaaaannnnn..... More forms/registration...More spam...
And still carnt see it....Should of waited for it to come to satilite.
Dont get t.v here. yet...Do get great news though..
Go Ian Thorpe!!!

 

[mswabbie]

How do you determine what size file to use on a chain when you file. Is there a table or reference somewhere.
Thanks

 

[MasterBlaster]

It usually says the file size on the box the chain came in.

 

[Derek]

Forget the box, ya got kids at some shops! (Apprenticises)

Plus if your collection is anything like mine the box is the first thing
That disolves...

There are codes on the chain it self.. different makers, different codes..

If ya give me till tonight , i will get you a page showing what file to use for which chain...

If you let me know what you run ie saws, and bar lenght, it will be a much shorter list....

Good work BTW, you must of done a shearch to find this pretty old thread!!....Im only to willing to help!!, Back in 10 hours with it...( got to go to work)...Derek.

But in case your stuck right now....A couple of "standards"...

for your climbing saw or small saw, should be 3/8 chain, use a
4mm (5 3/2 nd)
for mid sized 3/8th use 5.2mm (13/64ths)OR 7/32nd)[this will depend on the chain,, and your preference!

For bigger saws, 404, use 5.5mm

Or wait for the list...;Derek...( running late!)

 

[mswabbie]

I have a Stihl 3/8 - .063 chain and I believe I need a 13/64 file. I was just trying to find a reference that I could keep handy in the shop for other size chains.
Thank You very much for your help.

 

[Al Smith]

Normaly

Repeat,normaly,a 3/8" and .404,take 7/32 files.A 3/8 lo pro,and pico,and 1/4"[rare] use 5/32" file.1/2" use 1/4" file.Now,there are exceptions,and different applications,used by filing gurus,of which,I am not.I can get them sharp,but I'M not Art,just wish I knew half as much

 

[glens]

13/64 is correct for Stihl 3/8 chain.

 

[Ax-man]

Originally posted by glens
13/64 is correct for Stihl 3/8 chain.

____________________________________________________

Has that file size always been around?? It seemed like it just popped up on the market in the last few years.

Like Al said, the 7/32 ths file was basically the standard for many years for both 3/8ths and .404. At least that was the way it was in our area, none of the Sthil dealers carried the 13/64 ths file.

Now I have to carry four files around in my tool box along with all the other junk for chain maintence LOL. I have to mark three of the handles with different color tape so I can find the one I'm looking for.

The 13/64ths file does get a 3/8ths chain sharper than a 7/32ths will.

Larry

 

[fmueller]

Hey Snowdog,
I got a stump grinder, I could do some grinding fer ya.

 

[Lewis Brander]

Chipper Chain Filling Guide:

Hello to all. A friend of mine emailed me this information reguarding file sizes for chipper chain. I hope he doesn't mind me posting it here, don't think he will. The 13/64" file for 3/8" Stihl chain isn't included, but these sizes I would imagine would apply to most any chain that was round filed. Wheather it be chipper, semi-chisel or chise. I could be wrong ( not the firsst time), but this may help those who have questions about file size on different chain sizes. Also remember that there are different files. Course and smooth or fine. Course (which removes material faster) for roughing in a chain, to get it back in shape and fine for finnishing up the cutters. If you file alot a fine would work for most filling work. If there is any other filling sizes not on this chart, post them. I would like to add them to my chart. Course as the tooth is shortened, by filling, I usually try to go to a bit smaller file. Hope this helps. Take care. Lewis.

 

[tony marks]

i got a question for those that use a chain all the way back..
art martin use to say that as u take the tooth back.. u should put more depth in the gauge to compensate for the differen distance from gauge to tooth,as the tooth gets shorter..any body got any ideas how much difference, u need to adjust for this.. that is if anybody does follow this method..

 

[ballonknott]

Treeco, do you really think 0.38 rakers will work on your 026? What application was he talking about?

 

[Derek]

Originally posted by mswabbie
How do you determine what size file to use on a chain when you file. Is there a table or reference somewhere.
Thanks

Dammm scaner is stihl not working...

I get the last years "carlton", "windor" "Stihl", Oregen catologs (on chains) from the local chainsaw shop (thanx Hec)..

The cross referencing is unreal...Try to get a hold of one!..
I should of looked at your sig, it shows the saws you use..

For ME ( and also might be wrong) on a 3/8 th chain, (on my stolen 046) I start with a 7/32...As it wears to about half way I will then use the 13/64th
( a little more bite...)

It also takes out any "marks" in the bottom of the link, gives the whole chain a "fresh" look..

Stay as far away from the 0.325 stuff as possible...

Where did/why did that size come about??
I think 13/64th has been around for ages!

I see to some "picco" is rare, I should of mentioned a 1/4 chain at 3/8th for the small saws...If you use a file guide, make sure its "picco" stamped on it.., Or you will go to deep!..

Great charts guys,

Lewis;"Course as the tooth is shortened, by filling, I usually try to go to a bit smaller file. Hope this helps. Take care. Lewis."

( try it the other way around!!)..Derek..

 

[Al Smith]

13/64" didn't know that

It might explain a few things,but don't have that much Stihl chain
,good stuff,though.I have used a 7/32",opened the gullets,then"kissed"the top angle,with a 3/16".Makes for a fast cut,but doesn't hold the edge long.Repeating what I said,I'm not Art,nor any of the other great filers.Maybe,someday

 

[Derek]

Huh...If in doubt, get an 088, anychain and grind/burn it off...

But really, there is so much personal choice in the way you sharpin a chain...


Old timers round never heard of a file guide, they do all right..

I allways use one, I find it keeps the file up to the top of the cutting edge, where you need it, I find fileing without a guide lets the file drop to low, cuts the chain in half!!, And takes to much material..

Now do you do the rakers FIRST, or LAST ?? (useing a guide)

IMO Stihl should stick to what there good at, leave the saw chain to others..."Carlton" was the best chain I ever found...The company got bought out by Oregen, they just sit on it..

I figured, "buy out the "better" compition, They can still claim to have better chain that way...Havent found a Carlton now for years!!

this should start a chitfight...Derek..

 

[Lawn Masters]

Actually, the company Oregon bought out was Windsor if I recall right. Carlton is still an independant company, and I personally use nothing but carlton chains for the durability.

Oregon isnt my favorite brand of chains, since they use a softer metal than carlton or stihl.

 

[Derek]

oldsaw-addict

"Actually, the company Oregon bought out was Windsor if I recall right. Carlton is still an independant company, and I personally use nothing but carlton chains for the durability.

Oregon isnt my favorite brand of chains, since they use a softer metal than carlton or stihl."

Well thats funny, I heard that ( Oregon bought, Carlton out) via a mobile parts rep one day , Did he have it right...Still cant get anymore carltons around here, ( are the reps driving this?)

Can get winsor, got a new one on the Jred 625 (Way to cheap Aussie), it's by far better than any othere options i have..

Any comments on the which file to start/finnish with??(on the same chain)...Derek..[stay with 3/8ths] 7/32nd first, or 13/64ths first , Cheers..