Filing guides

[kyle.kipple]

I have been hand sharpening for about 5-6 years now. I learn something new each chain and improve my filing. But ive seen and read about" guides". I really enjoy hand filing and doing different things with a file to see the different results. Im looking to improve my filing with getting something in the lines of a bench mounted guide. I just read a post and seen the "FG2" and really liked that set-up. I am confident on my free hand skills with file and a guide on my file for the angle but i would like to get a bench mount set-up to be more consistent. Could i get some replies and pictures on what you use and how well the results work.

 

[gunnusmc03]

I use an old granberg file n joint from time to time. It works well once you figure out how to set it up.

For the most part I just use the husky file guide. They are quick and work well enough.

 

[kyle.kipple]

I use an old granberg file n joint from time to time. It works well once you figure out how to set it up.

For the most part I just use the husky file guide. They are quick and work well enough.

is that something that you attach to your file itself and just freehand or a mount

 

[shootingarts]

I have been hand sharpening for about 5-6 years now. I learn something new each chain and improve my filing. But ive seen and read about" guides". I really enjoy hand filing and doing different things with a file to see the different results. Im looking to improve my filing with getting something in the lines of a bench mounted guide. I just read a post and seen the "FG2" and really liked that set-up. I am confident on my free hand skills with file and a guide on my file for the angle but i would like to get a bench mount set-up to be more consistent. Could i get some replies and pictures on what you use and how well the results work.

I just ran this rabbit a few weeks ago. I think you will find that the Stihl benchmount guides are no longer available in the US, very pricey too. I went with the Granberg bar mount. With it you leave the chain on the saw and can lock the bar in a bench vice so you have about the same as a bench mounted unit. I am looking for an old bar now to sharpen chains off of the saw.

If you like to play, some people have modified the Grandberg to square file full chisel, something I will play with one of these days.

I haven't talked to them yet but Grandberg has a real simple device listed on their website for fifteen dollars, might be all I want a lot of the time. I do fair with a file in hand, no guide, when I am in a hurry. The occasional clean up with a Grandberg, and tote the chain to a grinder if I rock it bad and it is salvageable.

Hu

 

[kyle.kipple]

i would like a set-up to where i can sharpen off the saw, instead of having to keep taking my bar and chain off each chain i do.

 

[shootingarts]

i would like a set-up to where i can sharpen off the saw, instead of having to keep taking my bar and chain off each chain i do.

That is why I'm looking for an old bar. There is an excellent chain vice sold on the site too, I read the Granberg will work on it. If not the Granberg is cheap enough whittling on it to work wouldn't be a big deal.

I dug into sharpening systems for awhile, check my old posts. I think you will find that unless you find one NOS or used that the FG2 will cost you about $350 shipped from Germany. It was $200 when it was available in the US. Double check that info though, I have slept a few times since I looked into the FG2.

Good luck in your quest!

Hu

 

[Homelite410]

Would this work for you?

 

[Raganr]

Th FG2 is nice but expensive and not readily available. Best bet is German Ebay, it will run you $250 USD to your door. Before purchasing the FG2, I used the Granburg unit but was not impressed with how it held the drive link/tooth. I have a Husky file guide, File O Plate, and a standard Stihl kit to play with but have no comment at this time.

Tzed250 started a nice tread w/good pics about the FG2.

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-fg2-bench-mount-filing-guide.206564/

Here is mine. I just set it up this weekend. They could have done some things better but it does do a good job.

RSC practice chain

I plan to get one of Homelite's chain vises and see if I can get it to work with an Oregon file guide.

http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...gon-Professional-Bar-Mounted-Filing-Guide.axd

After spending some time with the FG2, I can say that with practice, I will probably do rough filing free hand in a good vise then true up the angles with a guide or in the FG2.

 

[kyle.kipple]

Would this work for you?

yes that would be fantastic, what brand is that?!

 

[kyle.kipple]

the fg2 looks amazing but your right....the price doesn't! thanks for the photos!!

 

[Homelite410]

yes that would be fantastic, what brand is that?!

That's my vise that I make and sell here!

One vise works with all the pictured guides!

 

[Raganr]

Email on the Homelite

 

[Little Al]

That is why I'm looking for an old bar. There is an excellent chain vice sold on the site too, I read the Granberg will work on it. If not the Granberg is cheap enough whittling on it to work wouldn't be a big deal.

I dug into sharpening systems for awhile, check my old posts. I think you will find that unless you find one NOS or used that the FG2 will cost you about $350 shipped from Germany. It was $200 when it was available in the US. Double check that info though, I have slept a few times since I looked into the FG2.

Good luck in your quest!

Hu

I understand the FG2 is NLA in Europe so unless you can find some one with 1 in stock or a used & not abused 1, your chance of aquireing same are somewhat limited I have tried the FG4 but like the Husky roller 1 better+it s cheaper than the Stihl

 

[Sagetown]

I freehand, but this old granberg is a good go to for consistency.

 

[wap13]

That's my vise that I make and sell here!

One vise works with all the pictured guides!

Other than free hand I have only used a granberg. What are the guides in pics one and two? Can a granberg be used with your vises?

 

[Homelite410]

Other than free hand I have only used a granberg. What are the guides in pics one and two? Can a granberg be used with your vises?

Top picture is the Atop square guide and second one is the stihl file guide. No clue what model it is. I do not know if a granberg will fit, I do not have one.

 

[shootingarts]

I understand the FG2 is NLA in Europe so unless you can find some one with 1 in stock or a used & not abused 1, your chance of aquireing same are somewhat limited I have tried the FG4 but like the Husky roller 1 better+it s cheaper than the Stihl

Al,

Thanks for the update! Either because they had stocked a bunch or Stihl was letting the last few go nearby I found a dealer in Germany that had some when I was looking. Thought they were still available in Europe. He must have had the only stash of them because he was getting $200 plus I think $158 US for shipping. I would have had a hard time giving two hundred for one or paying $158 shipping as I haven't found shipping to be that super expensive back when I did a little international buying. May be just sticker shock because I haven't bought from Europe in years. In fairness to the dealer our exchange rate isn't what it used to be, could be the issue or part of it.

I'll keep my nose to the ground for a used one or the Stihl bar mount but I don't really need it. I wanted to try the Granberg Newfiler but when I went to order straight from Granberg the shipping was more than the tool. It is a small tool, I think they need to get some priority mail boxes.

Sharpening isn't really that big of a deal but I never know when a named storm will pass through and I want saws running and able to be kept running when it happens. Been there with no support of any kind for weeks a few times, no real hope of getting chains sharpened at a shop when everybody in the area with a saw and every storm chaser needs one sharpened too. Being me, I'm rarely willing to settle for adequate so I started chasing best way to sharpen a chain without breaking the bank. Thinking about building a square grinder, doesn't look like it would be that hard to me. Could be famous last words though!

Hu

 

[Raganr]

As of last night there was one listed on ebay for 190 + 60 USD shipping. From Germany.

 

[Philbert]

I have used the Granberg type jigs mounted on scrap guide bars held in a vise. I have an .050 and a .063 bar for different gauge chains.

The current Granberg style jigs have a cutter positioning dog, and side plates, that hold the cutter while filing even when loosely placed on a bar. You can get very good, very consistent results.

Some of the other type of filing guides require the chain to be clamped or held under tension, such as: mounted on a saw; held in a compatible filing vise; or used with a tensioning device like the Chainmeister.

Lots of ways to go!

Philbert

 

[shootingarts]

As of last night there was one listed on ebay for 190 + 60 USD shipping. From Germany.

That is fresh, or my search didn't work last night. A closer look and the ad says he has ten of them. I suspect the same seller I found awhile back has modified his pricing a bit when he found they weren't too attractive at $358 total. Maybe not, I don't remember the other people's name.

Thanks, I think! That is a lot to pay for a file guide but you know what they say, Stihl is real! I had just persuaded myself I didn't really need one.

Hu