Chainsaw filing threads are much like oil threads, we all have our ways of doing things and as long as it gets done that's what's the focus. So what oil y'all running on those grinders? 
Hand file vs grinding
- Thread starter Jason Pitcher
- Start date
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Coolant gets kind of messy so I don't use it. But if I did:
https://www.amazon.com/Fusion-Chemi...pos=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Fusion-Chemi...pos=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&th=1
oldguy
ArboristSite Lurker
I don't recall making that comment but it is true.
I like using my grinder more than hand filing.
I tend to do a better job with the grinder, I think it's because my face is only a few inches from it so I can see the cutter better. Lots of people can do just as good or better with a file but im not one of them.
I have spare chains now so I swap them out when dull and grind them when I get home. I dont need to do this but it's how I like to do it.
I tend to do a better job with the grinder, I think it's because my face is only a few inches from it so I can see the cutter better. Lots of people can do just as good or better with a file but im not one of them.
I have spare chains now so I swap them out when dull and grind them when I get home. I dont need to do this but it's how I like to do it.
exactally, on all accounts. Takes a lot of screwing up to learn something well.
I usually take a few saws along with me, depending on what I'm planning on doing. Lately it's just been take the ms400 and 390xp and a spare bar for one of them. Figure if I get 3 bars between 2 saws pinched, I better stop and reevaluate wtf I'm doing before I kill myself. Always take plenty of chains with, never know when you're going to hit that nail, wire insulator, rock, basket ball mount.....
Ridgehiker
ArboristSite Lurker
Im a firewood hack, I cut 10-15 cord a year, been doing it for 25 years, never had a grinder, or used one, but damn sure wish I did a few times, I keep my chains as sharp as possible, a couple strokes with a file before I leave the house, and a few strokes with every tank of gas keeps my chains nice and sharp, unless I hit something, than that saw gets put in the truck until I get home to get it re sharpened, which can be time consuming filing by hand
Hermio
Addicted to ArboristSite
Not really. The 2 in 1 will not assure that all cutters are the same length but it will file to a consistent level of sharpness and raker height. That goes a long way towards productive sawing. And it is much faster than separately hand filing the cutters and the rakers. I get faster cutting speed with the 2 in 1 than with a new chain, and I use Stihl RS chain exclusively on my 500i.
Hermio
Addicted to ArboristSite
I go out with an extra bar and chain sometimes. No need for an extra saw in most cases.
The edge holds longer with a file and the gullet looks better.
I prefer synthetic oil
I prefer synthetic oil
First, it's not a raker, it's a depth gauge.
Second, the depth gauge does not need adjusted every time the chain gets hit with a file. To add to that, depth gauge(s) should be set for the type of wood being cut and the specific power head and bar/ chain being used.
Third, it doesn't take much to make a stihl chain cut faster then the factory grind, or just about any other factory grind for that matter. It's a universal ah ha moment when you've learned how to sharpen a chain by hand properly, and it cuts better then a new chain.
fourth, everything else I said previously still applies to it 100%.
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