Oregon files

[Philbert]

Pic of some old square files I had . . .

Funny - those look like some square files I have!

What do folks think about single cut versus double cut chain files?

How about spiral pattern chain files?

Philbert

 

[Little Al]

Some 20years ago I attended the Great Dorset Steam Fairin the UK & bought a box of dozen files each of 4/5.5 mm & a dozen pack of hacksaw blades from a dutch trader At the time he assured me they were the best quality I would get my hands on "Yeh right thought I" but he was correct they have been excellent quality unfortunately there's no name just a # stamped on them some 5yr's ago my friend attended & I asked if he could renew my stock but the trader was not there " If only I could find out the brand" I have a feeling they could be of German origin

 

[rngrchad]

I’m curious roughly how many chain filings guys are getting till they decide they need a new file? I’ve found, if time permits, wiping each cutter working face with a rag drastically improves file life, as well as using a file wire brush every 5 or so cutters.to me it seems the oil, and residual debris left on the cutter that gets into the file grooves is the main culprit for ruining files.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

Funny - those look like some square files I have!

What do folks think about single cut versus double cut chain files?

How about spiral pattern chain files?

Philbert

Yep you bought them.

Notice the stihl sq back then says Brazil.

 

[Philbert]

I’ve found, if time permits, wiping each cutter working face with a rag drastically improves file life, as well as using a file wire brush every 5 or so cutters.to me it seems the oil, and residual debris left on the cutter that gets into the file grooves is the main culprit for ruining files.

'File card' (wire brush on one side; fiber brush on the other) is a basic file cleaning tool. Oily debris can also be washed out with any degreaser and a toothbrush (blow off with compressed air and hit with WD-40 if using water based degreaser - files rust quickly).


I think that carelessness and damage are the biggest contributor to premature file loss. Files are cutting tools; their edges have to be harder than the steel that they are cutting, so they are also brittle. It they are tossed into a drawer or tool box, with a bunch of other files or metal tools, they bounce around and the sharp edges break off. Simply wrapping the file in a piece of cloth or paper, or storing it in a plastic drinking straw, will prolong it's life.

Philbert

 

[rngrchad]

'File card' (wire brush on one side; fiber brush on the other) is a basic file cleaning tool. Oily debris can also be washed out with any degreaser and a toothbrush (blow off with compressed air and hit with WD-40 if using water based degreaser - files rust quickly).

View attachment 662010
I think that carelessness and damage are the biggest contributor to premature file loss. Files are cutting tools; their edges have to be harder than the steel that they are cutting, so they are also brittle. It they are tossed into a drawer or tool box, with a bunch of other files or metal tools, they bounce around and the sharp edges break off. Simply wrapping the file in a piece of cloth or paper, or storing it in a plastic drinking straw, will prolong it's life.

Philbert

Drinking straw. Genius. Pure genius. The things I should have thought for years ago

 

[Philbert]

Drinking straw. Genius. Pure genius.

For rectangular files I fold sheaths out of cereal box cardboard, and wrap with tape.



Philbert

 

[kevin j]

Save edge files for me. Buy in pack of 12 and lasts me a long time. Great prices also. Kcj

 

[president]

If it says Swiss made. They’re usually pretty damn good. I’ve tried lots of different files. If it says Swiss I’ll grab a dozen.

Stihl chain is swiss manufactured.

 

[president]

Drinking straw. Genius. Pure genius. The things I should have thought for years ago

get em while you can,leaf lickers/tree huggers on a push to ban them

 

[Little Al]

I’m curious roughly how many chain filings guys are getting till they decide they need a new file? I’ve found, if time permits, wiping each cutter working face with a rag drastically improves file life, as well as using a file wire brush every 5 or so cutters.to me it seems the oil, and residual debris left on the cutter that gets into the file grooves is the main culprit for ruining files.

Cleaning the file with a BRASS wire brush every 3/4 cutters seems to have a good effect

 

[buzz sawyer]

Does anyone else "chalk" their files? Rub a piece of blackboard chalk on them to fill up the grooves to reduce metal build up. Seems to keep them clean longer.

 

[Philbert]

Does anyone else "chalk" their files?

It's been mentioned in other posts. I have never done it.

Philbert

 

[jakethesnake]

Funny - those look like some square files I have!

What do folks think about single cut versus double cut chain files?

How about spiral pattern chain files?

Philbert

I dislike double cut. The single and I think spiral if we’re on same page is what I like. Def not the double.

 

[Philbert]

Some geeky references on files for those who may be interested:

Simonds
http://www.simondssaw.com/handfiles/HAND FILES PUBLICATIONS/File Facts.pdf

Nicholson
http://www.nicholsontool.com/MagentoShare/media/documents/nicholson-guide-to-filing-2014.pdf

Pferd
http://www.pferdusa.com/info/PDF/_FIELD_GUIDE_2016.pdf
http://www.pferdusa.com/info/PDF/TM22_201.pdf

Philbert

 

[buzz sawyer]

It's been mentioned in other posts. I have never done it.

Philbert

Makes a difference, especially with soft metals.

 

[Husky Man]

It may be lowes but either way, was just an example. My understanding is that those stores contract to the manufacturers to make equipment at a certain price point which sacrifices quality for quantity.

It is Lowe's that sells Husky saws.

There is NO DIFFERENCE between a Lowe's saw and a Dealer saw, a Husky 440/450/460 Rancher is a Husky 440/450/460 Rancher, regardless of whether you got it at Lowe's or a Dealer.

Where you will see a difference is between the Home owner class saws and the Pro Class saws, you can get the 440/450/460 Ranchers at both Lowe's and the Dealers, but you CAN'T get the Pro Class saws like the 550XP, 372XP, 395XP, 3120XP, etc. from Lowe's.

The same model at Lowe's, is the same model at a dealer a 440 is a 440, but you can get different classes of saws at the dealer, that Lowe's can't get.

Doug

 

[Philbert]

Ordered a dozen 7/32" Vallorbe and 4.5mm Oregon files from a couple of different vendors (they did not have both sizes). Shipping matters, as one box arrived in very good condition, and the other with the files out of the torn box and thrown loosely in the padded bag (which also was torn open and taped. I guess that it is like shipping guide bars, where you have to tape and pad the ends to prevent punctures. Started a conversation with the seller.



Both marked as Swiss made, and they came in identical boxes (except for the printing and logos).
(EDIT: I 'uploaded' a file - 2 dozen files!)

Also stopped by Harbor Freight to remind myself why I don't buy files there!



Philbert