nomad_archer
Addicted to ArboristSite
Here is the wheel profile. Do it look good or does it need some work and if it needs work what needs to be done.
H
H
Can't seem to get safety chain to cut
- Thread starter nomad_archer
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nomad_archer
Addicted to ArboristSite
I don't have a lot of chains only about 7 loops. But when I started I thought a grinder would be easier to figure out than hand filing since I do not have anyone to show me. Obviously that isn't that case properly using a grinder isn't as easy as it looks. Reshaping these cutters is my first attempt at hand filing so I am interested to see how it comes out. However the grinder is bought and payed for so I am going to learn to use it properly as well. If hand filing turns out ok I may use of combination of hand filing and grinding in the future but right now I need to get one method figured out.
Redoakranch
ArboristSite Operative
It looks like the biggest problem is the dept of the grind. If you look at picture 4 you can see that the grind was way too deep compared to the etched guide near the back of the tooth. Its an easy mistake to do since it seems natural to get the grinding wheel to the bottom of the tooth, but its too deep.
nomad_archer
Addicted to ArboristSite
I was trying to get to the bottom of the tooth and as such buggered up the cutter pretty good. Now I see that is not the way to go about this now that I see the profile that I get using a round file.
Your wheel profile should be half-round.
Some .325 chain works better with a 1/8" wheel; some with a 3/16" wheel*. See which one is closer to your preferred cutter shape.
*some guys grind new chain with the larger wheel, then switch to the smaller wheel as the cutter height decreases.
Philbert
The physics behind the results of a "good cutting chain is science.
The technique of the filer is the art. Some just can't duplicate what others can.
I used to shoot archery with a gentlman that was a coach for Olympic teams many moons ago. One of his adivces that stuck in my head was "practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect".
nomad_archer
Addicted to ArboristSite
Is there an example of what this should look like? The wheel is half round "U" shaped. I was only going off the the gauge the came with the grinder. But then again I could be using that incorrectly as well.
SierraWoodsman
ArboristSite Guru
Philip Wheelock
Finis Origine Pendet
I'd work on the hand filing first and save the grinder for chains that you want to revive after they've been rocked beyond all recognition. Best of both worlds.
Trx250r180
Saw polisher
A tip if you hand file ,keep a little of the file above the top of the cutter when swiping ,having the file down in the gullet will make too much hook and not fix the top plate
nomad_archer
Addicted to ArboristSite
A tip if you hand file ,keep a little of the file above the top of the cutter when swiping ,having the file down in the gullet will make too much hook and not fix the top plate
I am using the stihl guide that rides on top of the top plate so that should be setting the file height correctly. I picked up the file guide holder today to help me get the angles more accurate then using the guide alone. I will say that it takes a while on each cutter and they are looking much much better and are much sharper to the touch. I am really looking forward to trying this chain once I am done. Then I want to learn to use the grinder so I have more methods at my disposal. I never imagined that hand filing could get the chain so sharp.
Trx250r180
Saw polisher
you can test the sharpness of the chain with notebook paper ,if it cuts the paper nice without tearing it ,you are sharp
You can't understand what 'dull' is, until you have cut with a sharp chain.
You cannot appreciate what 'sharp' is, until you have cut with a dull chain.
Philbert
Trx250r180
Saw polisher
when you graduate round this is next ...........
Chris-PA
Where the Wild Things Are
You can also use a knuckle or finger tip - a sharp chain will cut them well too!
lambs
Stihl crazy after all these years
Here is the wheel profile. Do it look good or does it need some work and if it needs work what needs to be done.
H
Note that you do not quite have the template at a right angle to the wheel in the picture. Make sure you do, then check to see if the profile actually fits the template. Also make sure that the template meets the wheel aimed right at the arbor of the wheel. In other words, don't "lean" the template on the wheel. That can be deceiving too. You can't get it perfect though. I shine a penlight through from the backside of the template to see the gaps around the wheel. That seems to help me judge it better.
Also, you mentioned using an angle finder to check the head. That will work. But if you don't already have one, you might be able to set it for 58 degrees and see how you like it, then adjust until you are getting the right amount of hook in the cutters, then mark that spot on your grinder angle scale with a sharpie.
N. A. not to far from you over here in east berlin. i'm not the best but have been hand filing 99% of the time. pm me and see if i can help you out. another option is the PA GTG May 3 in Marysville,PA. there will be plenty of guys there that should be able to help you out. FS
All stihl owners have to be careful with rakers. Now us J-red guys snap the rakers off with a pair of vise grips.
I like the art in your sig line B A. i knew an old russian immigrant that carried his wood home like that.i'd see him 2 miles from his house carrying wood home on his back.every body called him pappy.
