Hand file vs grinding

[Jason Pitcher]

So which is better? I watched a YouTube video that stated grind is better than a hand file.

 

[grizz55chev]

So which is better? I watched a YouTube video that stated grind is better than a hand file.

Hand file , the grinder takes away too much material and can damage the hardened edge of the cutter. A hand filed chain will hold it's cutting edge much longer. YMMV

 

[Mad Professor]

I've never used or needed a grinder. Can freehand file in the woods if needed.

Take a big round, set on edge, and cut a grove on the top for a bar holder. Use another round for a seat.

Bo-obtube is way over rated and rife with fools.

 

[oldguy]

Hand file , the grinder takes away too much material and can damage the hardened edge of the cutter. A hand filed chain will hold it's cutting edge much longer. YMMV

Bullshot, bullshot, bullshot, the grinder can take off .001 or .030, it's the Indian not the arrow.

 

[grizz55chev]

Bullshot, bullshot, bullshot, the grinder can take off .001 or .030, it's the Indian not the arrow.

To each their own. That's why the YMMV. The grinder is for those that never learned to hand file.

 

[Mad Professor]

Bullshot, bullshot, bullshot, the grinder can take off .001 or .030, it's the Indian not the arrow.

With a file you can clean a cutter up until it's just sharp.

Try it by marking the filed area with a sharpie and observe as the blackened area is removed, and the corner gets proper.

With experience, you can tell by the feel of the file stroke when the cutter is cleaned up. A grinder won't do that.

 

[oldguy]

With a file you can clean a cutter up until it's just sharp.

Try it by marking the filed area with a sharpie and observe as the blackened area is removed, and the corner gets proper.

With experience, you can tell by the feel of the file stroke when the cutter is cleaned up. A grinder won't do that.

I filed for 60 years, I can see and feel a sharp edge, when I see the first shine on the cutting edge that chain is dull and I grab another saw.
Some of you do not know how to run a grinder.
The machine will do everything the same way every time, my hands will not.

 

[Mad Professor]

I filed for 60 years, I can see and feel a sharp edge, when I see the first shine on the cutting edge that chain is dull and I grab another saw.
Some of you do not know how to run a grinder.
The machine will do everything the same way every time, my hands will not.

I have a Tecomec grinder and can operate it properly.

You might have 10 years more experience filing, but with my 50 years I still prefer to file.

 

[Del_]

I both hand file and machine grind.

The reason I like to hand file is because I like to 'tickle' a chain on the saw every tank or two.

Back when I was running a true care crew of five I would machine grind and have a dozen or so sharp chains on site ready to go.

The reason being is payroll is a killer cost and it's not a time to be waiting on someone to hand file a chain when labor cost are ticking away at well over $100. per hour.

Now that I'm retired it is much more relaxing, I enjoy the break. Plus I like to 'tune' a chain to the powerhead and bar that it is on. The instant feedback from sharpening by hand in the field is awesome.

 

[SweetMK]

The machine will do everything the same way every time, my hands will not.

I am not a "PRO" chainsaw guy, but, I have been running and sharpening chainsaws since the 1960's,,

I too felt that I could never properly hand file a chain,,
THEN,, I bought the PFERD 2-in-1 chainsaw sharpener.
( I got the first one about 2 or 3 years ago )

It is basically a handle that holds 3 files,, and several (maybe four??) guide rails.
It even has the proper angle molded into the handle.

I bought mine for $25 on Amazon,, I honestly feel the chain cuts better than new,, or machine ground.

The only negative is that you need a different one for each size chain,,
so, I have three of them.

A BIG plus,, you can control what part of the file is used.
Rotate the file three times,, (about 9 sharpening's of a 3/8 pitch, 28 inch chain ) then toss the files.
( I don't think I ever tossed a chainsaw file before!! )

I use them with a MS660, a MS261 and a 029 Super (and an electric Milwaukee,, please don't curse me,,, LOL!! )

 

[Chainsaw Pete]

You never defined better. Hand filing is quick and easy. You can do it in the field. Downside is it takes some skill. Grinder is more accurate (assuming the set-up guy knows what he is doing) and it takes less skill. Downside is the heat can soften the cutting edges, it is too easy to remove a lot of good steel, grinders tend to cost a lot of money (cheap ones can ruin a chain very quickly).

 

[oldguy]

You never defined better. Hand filing is quick and easy. You can do it in the field. Downside is it takes some skill. Grinder is more accurate (assuming the set-up guy knows what he is doing) and it takes less skill. Downside is the heat can soften the cutting edges, it is too easy to remove a lot of good steel, grinders tend to cost a lot of money (cheap ones can ruin a chain very quickly).

Those who know how to grind don't have those problems.

 

[sean donato]

The answer to your question isn't straight forward. Someone skilled with either will get the same results regardless of which system you're using. Seen plenty of people screw up chains hand filing them, and just as many thay screwed them up on a grinder. I do both, though I prefer to hand file. Burning cutters, (which hardens the cutter, doesn't make it soft.) taking off too much material, wrong angle or whatever anyone thinks makes a grinder a bad idea just doesn't know how to run one. Set up properly with a competent operator they will turn out more consistent chains then a hand sharpened chain, with minimal metal removed, and no fuss. Biggest downside imo, is having to remove the chain. Outside of working with my logging buddy, or doing tree work for someone else, or hitting metal/rocking the chain (where ill just swap out a chain.) I'll just grab the file and run over the chain. It's much faster and allows you to tune the cutters/ depth gauges to the task at hand. Biggest down side is consistency/ keeping uniform angles from side to side. Everyone does it, non domant hand side tends to run off a bit, something you have to be aware of and keep after.