Brainstorm-> Ideas for mobile bucking operation w/ hand saw for Joe Blow

[Bster13]

Now on to research chain sharpening. I don't think I want a bench mounted grinder (cost and takes away more metal I think), but some folks rock just a file and free hand it, and others use a guide... the research is driving me nuts.

 

[CTYank]

Now on to research chain sharpening. I don't think I want a bench mounted grinder (cost and takes away more metal I think), but some folks rock just a file and free hand it, and others use a guide... the research is driving me nuts.

No need to be driven anywhere. Get in a little "quality time" with new saw first, and then "Chain Sharpening 101" can be short and sweet. Forget grinders and free-handing; they're desperation moves. I'm suggesting K.I.S.S.

You can over-think this. :cool2:

On another topic, you can NEVER have too much wood on the property. NEVER. Just don't even try to argue this with the little lady until she gets to savor zero heating bill. Let her take part in the "discovery." BTDT

 

[Como]

If you have a Dremel then try that first. They sell a kit for c$9 that comes with a guide that is pretty easy to use.

Replacement Stones are about $1.50 each.

 

[dingeryote]

Husky Roller guide. Done.

Don't overthink things untill you get a handle on the simple crap.

Stay safe!
Dingeryote

 

[sgt7546]

Congrats on your chainsaw purchase. I may offer a little advice when dealing with your significant other in repect to tool purchases (guns also).

"It's better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission."

With those words in your mind, its hard to go wrong. You may go hungry, lonely, and sleep on the couch...but in your mind you'll know you weren't wrong.:msp_biggrin:

 

[Bster13]

I swear I'm not trying to get him reps...

...but CTYank called me this afternoon w/ a present. He just cleared a tree or two of apple and needed a home for it (his yard is apparently packed, haha). He left a few pieces longer so I can practice with my new saw, but he drove up to my place and unloaded a P/U full of wood and then helped me stack it. Many, many thanks. Can't thank him enough.

(Anyone happen to know what file size a Husky .325 chain takes? <3/16ths?> Trying to buy a Granberg chain saw sharpener and files)

 

[TreePointer]

.325 pitch chain takes 3/16" round file.

A Granberg is nice, but you don't have to go expensive.

I started with and still use a simple file guide like one of these:
Amazon.com: Oregon Cutting Systems #25896 3/16" File Guide: Patio, Lawn & Garden

(Oregon makes Husqvarna chain)

EDIT:

There are also more complete kits like this one:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/chainsaw-accessories/husqvarna-reg-pixel-file-kit-325-in--3909148

It has a different type of file guide and also contains a flat (bastard) file for filing depth gauges (aka rakers).

Most big box stores will have one of these two models. Sometimes they sell out, but they do carry them.

 

[Bster13]

I was reading (briefly) a thread where someone said .325 can take a few different types of round file, depending on the manufacturer. Am I nuts?

.325 pitch chain takes 3/16" round file.

A Granberg is nice, but you don't have to go expensive.

I started with and still use a simple file guide like one of these:
Amazon.com: Oregon Cutting Systems #25896 3/16" File Guide: Patio, Lawn & Garden

(Oregon makes Husqvarna chain)

 

[TreePointer]

I was reading (briefly) a thread where someone said .325 can take a few different types of round file, depending on the manufacturer. Am I nuts?

Not nuts, but they were referring to regular 3/8" pitch chain (sometimes called .375" pitch). You can use either 7/32" or 13/64" round files on it--or both!

 

[Bster13]

Hrmm, seems to be some different of opinion in the last two posts on file size. This was the thread I was reading:

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/36249.htm


Page 34 has some specs on my chain (if that helps):
http://weborder.husqvarna.com/order_static/doc/HOUS/HOUS2004/HOUS2004_1140235-95.pdf

 

[Bster13]

Actually page 35 states to use 3/16th file size:
http://weborder.husqvarna.com/order_static/doc/HOUS/HOUS2004/HOUS2004_1140235-95.pdf

 

[TreePointer]

Actually page 35 states to use 3/16th file size:
http://weborder.husqvarna.com/order_static/doc/HOUS/HOUS2004/HOUS2004_1140235-95.pdf

There you go. :msp_thumbsup:

In your earlier post, you added a link to a discussion that indicated 5/32" files may be used for some .325 pitch chain, but they were pointing this out as the exception. Those chain models have been discontinued, and you won't find them on a new saw or as replacement chains.

For modern chain that you would get from a big box store or dealer today, you can be confident that 3/16" files are for .325 pitch chain, and 5/32" files are for 3/8LP (low profile) chain.

There is another rule for chain files. When you get to the end of tooth life, you use whatever size file makes for effective sharpening.

 

[Bster13]

OK, thanks for the clarification!

There you go. :msp_thumbsup:

In your earlier post, you added a link to a discussion that indicated 5/32" files may be used for some .325 pitch chain, but they were pointing this out as the exception. Those chain models have been discontinued, and you won't find them on a new saw or as replacement chains.

There is another rule for chain files. When you get to the end of tooth life, you use whatever size file makes for effective sharpening.

 

[howellhandmade]

Husky Roller guide. Done.

Don't overthink things untill you get a handle on the simple crap.

Stay safe!
Dingeryote

Second this motion. I have a grinder, never use it. Started with the Dremel stones -- very fiddly, easy to get angles wrong, stones wear out quickly, make too much heat for the work they do. They work, I just never went back once I got to hand filing. Husky roller guide is my favorite.

 

[Bster13]

Chainsaw has arrived, but chaps have not yet, argh. Oh well, can at least put it together tonight and start it up.

Still researching chain sharpening guides for the newbie homeowner who will probably not need to sharpen every week. We'll see.

 

[Philbert]

Keep it simple. Hit both edges (top and side), and get each cutter in a loop the same. Don't have to be perfect. Pick one method and work with it. If you chase every different method, guide, sharpening aid, etc., you will drive yourself nuts, and never develop skill with any.

STIHL Video Library - Informative Videos about STIHL Outdoor Power Equipment | STIHL USA

Philbert

 

[Bster13]

Accessories I've purchased

- Husky chaps
- Husky chain sharpening kit for 0.325 (flat file, two rounds files, roller gauge)
- Echo syn 2-cycle oil w/ stabilizer (makes 6 gallons)
- Echo bar & chain oil.
(The echo stuff was available locally and I wanted to use my saw ~now~. I do wonder how long a gallon of bar & chain oil will last though... does it have an expiration date? Seems like a lot, haha)
- bar scabbard
- Cheapo Moisture meter
- 3mil pastic sheeting to cover top of wood piles.

Still need to source scrap wood or pallets to store more wood outside after I split it. Going to rock an old motorcycle helmet and earplugs for my face...any reason this is a bad idea? (MC helmets have saved my face 2 times now, including sliding face down, passed out, on asphalt for awhile)

 

[darkbyrd]

- Husky chaps
- Husky chain sharpening kit for 0.325 (flat file, two rounds files, roller gauge)
- Echo syn 2-cycle oil w/ stabilizer (makes 6 gallons)
- Echo bar & chain oil.
(The echo stuff was available locally and I wanted to use my saw ~now~. I do wonder how long a gallon of bar & chain oil will last though... does it have an expiration date? Seems like a lot, haha)
- bar scabbard
- Cheapo Moisture meter
- 3mil pastic sheeting to cover top of wood piles.

Still need to source scrap wood or pallets to store more wood outside after I split it. Going to rock an old motorcycle helmet and earplugs for my face...any reason this is a bad idea? (MC helmets have saved my face 2 times now, including sliding face down, passed out, on asphalt for awhile)

A MC helmet will protect you... but way too much overkill. I usually just wear glasses myself, but if you like the full face protection, this will be more comfortable.

I hear you on the helmets, though. It saved my ass once.

EDIT: and although I'm a fan of hearing protection, when I use a saw, I don't. I want to be able to hear what's going on, be it the person yelling or the tractor coming. Weedeating, splitting, bushhogging, I rock the worktunes.

 

[TreePointer]

Forestry helmets are great! Flip the earmuffs up when you wish to hear more, and they never fall on the ground. Just remember to flip up the shild before you spit. D'oh! Stihl, Husqvarna, Rockman are a few brands.

When I cut without a helmet, I use inexpensive safety glasses from Harbor Freight and 3M Extreme Performance Ear Muff H10A. Those muffs have a 30 dB NRR and are very comfy.

 

[Como]

I had a dozen of those little bottles of 2 stroke oil, suddenly they were all gone. Very annoying. What I should have done is kept half a dozen and bought a big bottle to refill.

Bar lube I now pick up a couple from Walmart when I am running low, $8?

I keep the chainsaw in a box with my tools, files etc and have a tote for everything else.