Carleton File 'o Plate

[Chainsaw Pete]

Does a given size FOP (example, for .325 pitch chains) work on other brands of chain - like Oregon and Stihl - of the same pitch?

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Yes will work fine on other brands of chain.

 

[heimannm]

The answer is, it depends...

Some chains have additional guard links or bumper links and the FOP may not fit those.

Also, some cutters have different geometry and again the FOP may not fit even though the pitch is correct.

There were different FOP's for different chain types (Chisel vs. Semi-chisel) and one may not actually fit a different chain type.



These all fit some form of full size 3/8 chain. I had the blue ones made because 37509 was put of production for 20+ years and no longer available elsewhere.

Mark

 

[heimannm]

There were some alternative design plates made for some of the guard link type chains.







Mark

 

[Greg Tracy]

Were do you find them? Always like them.

 

[Chainsaw Pete]

Were do you find them? Always like them.

Several on ebay right now....search for file o plate. Most are obsolete and listed as NOS. Selling for around $15 to $22.

I was interested for the depth gage part of the plate. I have no problem filing the teeth by watching the scribed angle mark on each tooth. The angle gage part of the FOP is much more obvious, but I'm not convinced it will make things any easier. Since I am running Stihl and Oregon chains (.325 and 3/8) and one needs more knowledge than I have to select the appropriate FOP I think I'm going to pass on getting one.

While I am not thrilled with the Stihl gage, I'll probably stick with it for a while.

 

[Greg Tracy]

I have done this in the past have to try again.THANKS

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Several on ebay right now....search for file o plate. Most are obsolete and listed as NOS. Selling for around $15 to $22.

I was interested for the depth gage part of the plate. I have no problem filing the teeth by watching the scribed angle mark on each tooth. The angle gage part of the FOP is much more obvious, but I'm not convinced it will make things any easier. Since I am running Stihl and Oregon chains (.325 and 3/8) and one needs more knowledge than I have to select the appropriate FOP I think I'm going to pass on getting one.

While I am not thrilled with the Stihl gage, I'll probably stick with it for a while.

For depth gauges- a lot of people (myself included) prefer the Husqvarna style gauge- but I (and others) use it as a gauge only, file and recheck with gauge- rather than file with the gauge in place and lower the depth gauge to the face of the plate- keeps them looking new for decades.