The problem is ,it,s wet . Harry Hunsley , an old faller I worked around , and cut around his sons for a while was a great hand filer ...... He said if he knew it was going to start raining he would wet his chain ( sharpen ) before the rain started . that the water on the file would ruin a file ....... I,ve wore out a hundred or so chisel files and would agree with him .............. My favorite is the 3 corner chisel file ..... But it works best for me when used with a chain saw bar and half ton p/u leaf spring filing jig . You use a shortish bar so there is enough droop in the chain to put your foot in the chain to hold tension on it ..Then use 2 hands on the file ........ Of course you need to do this at night at the saw shop or home ect .. Someplace warm and dry ......
Double ended Oberg files are the best for out in the brush IMO and they last the longest .
.. But , Really , you need a good chisel bit chain grinder ..... I can promise you , If Tarzan , or I or a number of other bushlers on here ground you a chain , or just borrowed you one of ours that we would use that day , you would be very happy with how sharp they were !!!!!!!!!!..
. You have almost infinite adjustments on a chisel grinder ...... So much so it is pretty easy to REALLY SCREW UP A CHAIN .... All with a few degrees difference on a dressing block , or height difference with the stone and chain holder .... .. But as Silvy's come from the factory they will grind a very good , very sharp !! chain .. And you won,t get cramps in your hands .......!!!And in the long run it is much less expensive than files !!!!!!!.. The Swing Arm Silvey or the Razur Sharp II is a great grinder .... If you were running long bars in Big timber like Tarzan , an SDM 4 ( nmy personal favorite grinder) or the Pro Sharp are great ...............The Pro Sharp is worth the money ... But I like the SDM 4 better . and I can put up a chain just as well on my Simington 451 A as good as I can a Pro Sharp ... But it,s easier with the Pro Sharp ............ An HDG is very handy also for gullets and riders , . But a bar mounted to a bench ,and a Carlton File O Plate .with a fine rider file is great for the depth gauges .. and a 3 cornered file for the gullets is what I have mostly used ...... I recommend the soft brown stone for getting started and with experience moving up to
the Blue ceramic stone ............. Go easy when dressing the stone ,
.
Have ONLY GOOD ELECTRICITY !!!!!! And Never allow your grinder to be knocked over !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wear eye protection .. Get a Big florescent magnifing glass light ....... I,ll stop now ..
