Clearing the gullet, round filing

[SawTroll]

I have a old bar that I cut of the mount off and put in a vise. the tip is almost straight up, this helps not to go down with the file, i use roller guides to sometimes.

Probably a dumb question, but how do you keep proper tension on the chain with such a setup? :Eye:

I just clamp the bar in a wise while it is still attached to the powerhead, and use the tension screw on the saw to tighten it properly (the chain that is).
Works great, I think!

To the original question; Yes, I do clean out the gullets from time to time, but I am not fanatic about it. If nothing else, it does make room for better chip transport.

 

[Butch(OH)]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you keep proper tension on the chain with such a setup? :Eye:

I just clamp the bar in a wise while it is still attached to the powerhead, and use the tension screw on the saw to tighten it properly (the chain that is).
Works great, I think!

That is how I sharpen mine when in the shop. My favorite filing crutches are the flat stamped steel holders as sold by Stihl and Oregon. They seem to hold the depth per factory grind when used correctly and I see no differance in speed between a fresh filed and new chains except as noted above when the cutters get very short. Guess I'll file out the gullets and lower the rakers as suggested on the next worn chain just for giggles.

 

[CNYCountry]

At first filing of a new chain and then on, I keep filing my rakers down a bit more than recommended. I have always done this as I like my chains a bit more self feeding than straight out of the box. However as I get older i find this more tiring on the arms also and this strains the old back more also.

I agree with you CNY as i do the same.

And it seems like as little as one stroke on the rakers makes a huge difference in whether or not it cuts fast and smooth or if it's grabby and bogs the saw down.

 

[CNYCountry]

Then your filing to deep. check to see how much of the files diameter is above the cutter.

Mc Bob.

This is where I have found that 7/32" in Stihl RS (round filed full chisel) chain is good right up to the very end, it gives me a reasonable good hook angle while cutting the bottom nice and clean. It's more necessary to go to the factory recommended 13/64" file at the very end of the cutter life to keep from getting into the tie straps.

What little you would get as a "gullet" in a round filed chain is nothing like what I see in pictures of square filed chain, it's obviously a whole different world with that...

 

[Lobo]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you keep proper tension on the chain with such a setup? :Eye:

I just clamp the bar in a wise while it is still attached to the powerhead, and use the tension screw on the saw to tighten it properly (the chain that is).
Works great, I think!

To the original question; Yes, I do clean out the gullets from time to time, but I am not fanatic about it. If nothing else, it does make room for better chip transport.

Hi troll

I am assuming here one of the two following scenarios:

1- there is either a weight or pulley of some kind at the bottom of the chain which we can not see in the picture.

2- there is somekind of retaining/holding system on the bar track it self that holds the chain taut.

#2 is probably the most likely possibilty.

 

[Gypo Logger]

The best way to deal with the gullets when round filing is to end the stroke in a flowing motion toward the back of the raker. This progressional method is much easier than having to clean them out all at once.
John

 

[Lobo]

The best way to deal with the gullets when round filing is to end the stroke in a flowing motion toward the back of the raker. This progressional method is much easier than having to clean them out all at once.
John

John, sorry but you will have to explain it a little more clearly.

As a picture is worth a thousand words or in your pictures ten thousand words, perhaps one of your short video's is what is called for here.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Lobo, I'd do a vid, but my hand is incapacitated for work requiring that sort of dexterity.
I will try to describe it a bit better.
Instead of simply ending the filing stroke with the file in the cutter, bring the file down the slope of the gullet in a gentle motion using the heel of the file, drawing the file toward the back of the raker.
John

 

[Lobo]

Hi Lobo, I'd do a vid, but my hand is incapacitated for work requiring that sort of dexterity.
I will try to describe it a bit better.
Instead of simply ending the filing stroke with the file in the cutter, bring the file down the slope of the gullet in a gentle motion using the heel of the file, drawing the file toward the back of the raker.
John

John mee son, that I do understand.

Sorry, I forgot about the 020, skid mishap.

Sure do hope its not to painful and heals up real fast.

But as usual you have come through for us.

Many thanks,

 

[SawTroll]

...... Instead of simply ending the filing stroke with the file in the cutter, bring the file down the slope of the gullet in a gentle motion using the heel of the file, drawing the file toward the back of the raker.
John

Sounds like a neat way to do it, never thought of that......
I sure will try it!