File Sizes

timberwolf · Jan 9, 2003

I am not sure I buy the idea about more hook angle.

If two different file sizes are used and they are both held at the same height to the top plat (relative to the file size) 1/5 of the stone the would both produce the same angle at the hook angle at the edge of the top plate top plate. The only slight differences would be noted in the length of the edge on the top plate lifting the chips less abruptly, and also slightly in the shape of the edge presented in the side plate.

If it is aggreed that a square filed side plate out cuts a round filed one, than the larger the round file is the more it is akin to a square filed sideplate. To prove this through exageration Just imagine if the round file was a couple of feet in diamiter, I know it would not fit, but it would put on a side plate edge that would look like it was square filed. From the side view the side plates would look like

this __/ __/ __/ not this __C __C __C

I think folks are getting and/or precieving more hook because the height of the smaller file is droping from 1/5 of the file to more like1/7 of a file creating a finer edge and more hook. It would cut well as long as the chips are cleared, but the chain would dull quickly.

I am using 7/32 on 3/8 RS and 13/64 on .325 RS, you would need to drop a 64th as the chain gets used up, else you would be cutting into the straps. Also Need to reduce a file size for some milling chain setups as the file is droped to as little as 1/10 of the file to increase hook.

Timberwolf

Sethro · Jan 9, 2003

I use 13/64 on all of .375 chisel chain and never had any problems with to much hook, but I could see someone getting into trouble by filing to low into the tooth,and or not filing 10 degrees up.And the only thing I have noticed in using the 13/64 file is that it requries a little more gulleting. Seth

bwalker · Jan 9, 2003

I guess I won't need to many files with this LOL....

hey Rob, Whats the max diameter tree you can take down with that beast? How in the hell does a young guy like you afford all the high dollar equipment you run?

Tony Snyder · Jan 10, 2003

To decide fole soze, I do essentially the same thing Fish does; I hold the file in the tooth as if filinf and look for about 1/5 the diameter sticking above the top plate.

Sometimes the file I would like to use won't fit in because it grabs on the back of the drag, so I drop down one size.

I keep all the available file sizes, but I sell more 7/32, particularly by the box. The loggers seem to use them pretty exclusively.

One thing I find that bugs me is the manufacturer will sometimes recommend a file, but produces hi chain without enough gullet material ground out to allow that file to work initially, so you tend to want to use a smaller file on the first sharpening to get that material out of there. You can also do it with the grinder, that is make room for the file. (wonder what Art Martin would say on this?)

StIhL MaGnUm · Jan 10, 2003

Ben/Bwalker,

To answer your question about how a young boy like me can afford all this big equipment well if you really want to know I inherited quite a chunk of change when my grandparents passed back in 1999 and thats how I got to buy all this newer stuff.I'm thinking about adding one more piece of equipment this year a 2002 or 2003 Timbco 445 track hydro buncher with a 22" Hot Saw.Now as for what size tree it will cut I believe it will do 20-22" DBH trees,these machines speed up productivity so much it's unbelieveable...

Later Rob..

Crofter · Jan 10, 2003

Tilmberwolf:
Your analogy of the exaggerated file size has a problem. Only the part of the cutter higher than the depth guide setting actually cuts and since a larger file has a larger radius, it leaves more material in the intersection of top plate side plate corner. The near zero radius of the square filed cutter is what gives it its advantage. I think you are correct thoug in saying that a smaller file size need not give excess hook, providing the 1/5 above the top plate rule is obvserved.

Frank

Originally posted by timberwolf .

If it is aggreed that a square filed side plate out cuts a round filed one, than the larger the round file is the more it is akin to a square filed sideplate. To prove this through exageration Just imagine if the round file was a couple of feet in diamiter, I know it would not fit, but it would put on a side plate edge that would look like it was square filed. From the side view the side plates would look like

this __/ __/ __/ not this __C __C __C

Timberwolf [/B]