Who makes a good file ? after about 2 or 3 filling they all seem pretty much junk .or is this about as good as it gets.
good files
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Lawn Masters
Addicted to ArboristSite
I ususally get a good 5-8 sharpenings out of a file before its junk, but I dont file too often either, and I normally just to touchups to keep the chain cutting like it should. it also depends on how long the bar is, how many cutters I'm filing, and how dull the chain is.
SWE#Kipp
Addicted to ArboristSite
before you start to file, do you clean the chain from oil and sawdust ??
if not you can do so by making a cut on top of a stump, otherwise your files will end up with allot of oil and metal dust and then they wont work to well (useless).
i agree with 046 about Stihl files, they and Oregon (the ones swiss made) files are made by Vallorbe which i think make the best files
if not you can do so by making a cut on top of a stump, otherwise your files will end up with allot of oil and metal dust and then they wont work to well (useless).
i agree with 046 about Stihl files, they and Oregon (the ones swiss made) files are made by Vallorbe which i think make the best files
The best I have found so far are Stihl files, all others I had tried 2-3 filings were shot.
I have also learned from the members here however to first clean the chain (which I never use to do) and also clean out the file (purchased a special file brush) I have at least doubled the file life and pehaps a bit more.
Have a few spares with you if you can't clean then sharpen switch the chains, then clean and file at home at night.
I have also learned from the members here however to first clean the chain (which I never use to do) and also clean out the file (purchased a special file brush) I have at least doubled the file life and pehaps a bit more.
Have a few spares with you if you can't clean then sharpen switch the chains, then clean and file at home at night.
chainsawworld
ArboristSite Guru
is it safe to say we are talking round files here?
just like any thing else, you need to take care of your file and use it correctly.
try to sharpen before the chain before it gets to dull. use the correct angles. apply light pressure to the cut and give a slight twist to the file as you go. i tap the filings out of the file after every cutter. never drag a file backwards in the cutter. rocked out cutters will shorten the life of a file too.
don't let your files rub or bang together. for the 7/32 i use a drinking straw to cover them when they are in the field boxes. the smaller files need more effort to keep them covered(drinking straws fall off).
as far as which is the best, you need to start with the person using them. i have tested total,premium,agway,husky,stihl,pferd just to name a few and i have found that the file that carries the laser name last the longest and cuts the best. at times i can get a file to last most of the chain. of coarse that is under ideal conditions(no steel or rocks and minimal dirt). marty
just like any thing else, you need to take care of your file and use it correctly.
try to sharpen before the chain before it gets to dull. use the correct angles. apply light pressure to the cut and give a slight twist to the file as you go. i tap the filings out of the file after every cutter. never drag a file backwards in the cutter. rocked out cutters will shorten the life of a file too.
don't let your files rub or bang together. for the 7/32 i use a drinking straw to cover them when they are in the field boxes. the smaller files need more effort to keep them covered(drinking straws fall off).
as far as which is the best, you need to start with the person using them. i have tested total,premium,agway,husky,stihl,pferd just to name a few and i have found that the file that carries the laser name last the longest and cuts the best. at times i can get a file to last most of the chain. of coarse that is under ideal conditions(no steel or rocks and minimal dirt). marty
I use NICHOLSON files. They've been around for years, and In my opinion will outdo oregon files anyday, Hands down!
neverenough
ArboristSite Member
I use mostly Stihl files. I'm not at all impressed with low cost files sold at chain stores. Not too impressed with Oregon files either. I was in a pinch and needed a flat file for the rakers. I went to the local fleet supply and got an Oregon file. After three rakers, I threw it in the garbage. I should have known it wasn't going to work when I took it out of the package and noticed it wasn't a bastard cut file.
keith c raymond
ArboristSite Operative
Ive had good luck with Stihl files and Pferd also.When not in use I keep them in a 1/4inch fuel line so they dont bang around on stuff in the toolbox.
I like Stihls the best, but I only buy them when I can pick them up cheap. If I cant locate them for a decent price I buy el cheapo Oregons.
I have been using Stih;s for awhile now, because I picked up a ton for dirt cheap while I was in canada for the summer.
I have been using Stih;s for awhile now, because I picked up a ton for dirt cheap while I was in canada for the summer.
Fireaxman
ArboristSite Guru
SWE#Kipp said:
Waitaminute! Not supposed to get oil on the file? I've been cleaning my files with motor oil, and keeping oil on the file when I use it. Learned this from a local machinist, and it seems to help a lot. Floats the cuttings out of the file.
Machinist told me he does this with all his files and saws, and when I thought about it it seemed to make sense. I oil a stone before I sharpen my knife, same principle seems to apply.
Certainly I agree on getting the dirt and grit out of the blade before sharpening, and thanks for the tip on cutting the top of a stump.
neverenough
ArboristSite Member
Fireaxman said:
Yes, motor oil on the file is good. Bar oil, dirt, sawdust, ect... on the chain is not good for filing. I also clean my chains the best I can before I hand file. I lightly spray them with brake cleaner and blow them off well before and after grinding them.
Bar oil has additives to make the oil "cling" to the chain. This also makes dirt, sawdust, metal filings, ect... "cling" too. If you use motor oil or other type of non "clinging" oil as bar oil, you may not have to clean the chains before filing.
spraying your chain with carb cleaner is same as degreasing your chain. should clean up chain in a hurry.
does anyone else do this? before I try it.
prefer clamping saw in a vise and tighten up chain adj, before filing.
this is probably old hat to most, but lately I've discovered. If you press against top flat of tooth with flat part of file guide as you file.
And use proper sized file while watching you angle. one will end up with razor sharp defined edges.
does anyone else do this? before I try it.
prefer clamping saw in a vise and tighten up chain adj, before filing.
this is probably old hat to most, but lately I've discovered. If you press against top flat of tooth with flat part of file guide as you file.
And use proper sized file while watching you angle. one will end up with razor sharp defined edges.
Fireaxman said:
I agree. Oil will do no harm to your file. Remember also for machining equipment, cutting oil is used (mainly for cooling). Dirt or grit is of course a different story, and must be removed.
Also cleaning the files regularly to remove the filed particles is a lifetime extender.
bugfart
ArboristSite Operative
I blast the chain as a whole, and the file after every toothe with wd40. I use it when de-glazing cylinders as well.
SWE#Kipp
Addicted to ArboristSite
chainoil is not good to have on your file cause its very sticky and make the metal dust from the chain get stuck on to the file ,,,,, wd40 after cleaning the chain, i never tried that but now i have to ,,,
Sprig
Addicted to ArboristSite
Very informative gents, I usually don't clean the chain and bar but will from now on unless prohibative (like an in-field touch up). I prefer Stihl files myself and as mentioned by Chainsaworld, tap the filings out after every tooth or two, it definately extends file life and cuting ability. I use one of those cheapo file guides ( |_| )to keep my angles the same and it also helps stabilize the chain while working on it. Seen too many ruined chains done by eye-balling (and some exciting cuts done with said chains lol). They have a raker gauge too, I use a fine flat bastard on them. I like the stump idea too!
Kudos,
Serge
Kudos,
Serge
