How many sharpenings do you get per file?

[fields_mj]

Files wear out???? I've heard that the file will last about as long as the chain. I haven't paid much attention, but that probably holds true for me so long as the file is take care of. I only recently replaced my raker file. I've been using the old one for about 10 years. Should have replaced it 5 years ago...

 

[Mike Kunte]

Hey ERC!

There was a similar thread a week or 2 ago on the site. However, I happened to be thinking of this same thing a few days ago when replacing my used files.... For the 3/8 Stihl chains I can probably file 20 - 30 chains (depending on cutter count). As soon as they stop cutting freely, I pop them into a tin for recycling!
I look at it this way... my grinder wheels cost me about $140 (after shipping and import taxes). For that price I can buy more than 100 files... And I can use my files in the field! As stated in the other thread - each time I visit the chainsaw store, I buy one or 2 files....

I find myself only using my grinder for customers who bring in 20 or more chains at a time. I now prefer cutting only with hand-filed chains....

Hope this helps.

Mike

I'd like to change my answer....

I think I may get fewer chains out of a file... I used to only use the file for in-the-field touch-ups, but since changing to only hand-filing, I have been going through many more files... So 5 - 10 chains my be a more accurate answer. Apologies for the wrong info...

Mike

 

[Lightning Performance]

This last file has over fifty chains under it's belt. They all went on the grinder but one