Checking Grinder Angle - Final angle correct?

[nstueve]

Just wondering what you guys are using to check the final (top plate) grind angle on your chains? I haven't gotten this particular before but would like to start checking the grind angles after grinding with my 511A and even when I'm hand filing. I've trusted the 511A angle stickers to be "close enough" thus far. I know there are File-O-Plates that have a small tooth angle guages on them but I'd need to buy many of those for all the different angles and different chains.

Suggestions on how to measure angles accurately on cutter teeth?

 

[w8ye]

Actually the angle plate on the front of the grinder is just fine as long as you are only doing you own chains . . .

But to be a perfectionist or doing other's chains, you need a angle finder?

This one is at most hardware stores around $5 and is what I use though I have a couple Starrets.

 

[watsonr]

Using that one on the square grinder as you play with the angle?

 

[w8ye]

Using that one on the square grinder as you play with the angle?

I have used it on the square grinder as I was setting it up and tweaking the angles.

But I also used it on the 511A to check actual angles compared with the angle strip on the front of the grinder. I was mainly interested if left equals right. It did.

 

[nstueve]

are you checking the chain itself or the actual cutter angle after the grind? Since I'm being a perfectionist I would thing the finish product is all that matters so you'd want to measure there with a small guage...???

 

[7sleeper]

Would be interesting to see if a few degrees (2-3°) difference would actually ever be detectable in real life firewood cutting! Or if we are just trying to be anal here.

7

 

[watsonr]

I've seen everything from 25°-35° on the top plate, don't think it matters much as long as your close to 30°... they all cut.

 

[w8ye]

It is more important that left side equals right side in both angle and cutter length. Higher angles are better for soft woods.
You can use an adjustable Crescent wrench as a gauge for cutter length? Just find the shortest cutter and make all the others like it.

 

[machinisttx]

You need a protractor, easily found in most hardware stores, sears, home depot, etc..

 

[John R]

I just go by the gauge on the grinder, they cut great.
60-30-0

 

[w8ye]

I just go by the gauge on the grinder, they cut great.
60-30-0

I checked my 511A and these angles were right on. Like was said, the chains cut great.

 

[heyduke]

I've seen everything from 25°-35° on the top plate, don't think it matters much as long as your close to 30°... they all cut.

annecdotal evidence... but 25 deg stays sharp longer. 35 deg feels fantastic for the first ten minutes in wood. the old 30 deg standard has been mostly abandoned by oregon, probably due to pressure by osha or some other regulatory agency, works too well.

 

[MCW]

Would be interesting to see if a few degrees (2-3°) difference would actually ever be detectable in real life firewood cutting! Or if we are just trying to be anal here.

7

It certainly does make a difference but is only noticable in larger wood. I've seen heaps of people who think they are awesome at filing but never cut anything more than 8" limbs I even saw a "pro" firewood cutter with 45° left hand cutters and about 27° right hand cutters. His son thought he was the most awesome filer on earth.

 

[7sleeper]

It certainly does make a difference but is only noticable in larger wood. I've seen heaps of people who think they are awesome at filing but never cut anything more than 8" limbs I even saw a "pro" firewood cutter with 45° left hand cutters and about 27° right hand cutters. His son thought he was the most awesome filer on earth.

Good ego though!

7

 

[lambs]

Just wondering what you guys are using to check the final (top plate) grind angle on your chains? I haven't gotten this particular before but would like to start checking the grind angles after grinding with my 511A and even when I'm hand filing. I've trusted the 511A angle stickers to be "close enough" thus far. I know there are File-O-Plates that have a small tooth angle guages on them but I'd need to buy many of those for all the different angles and different chains.

Suggestions on how to measure angles accurately on cutter teeth?

A Stihl depth gauge tool comes in pretty handy to check the effect of the grinding wheel on the cutters. But Stihl chain has a mark on the top plates to give you a reference too.