Pferd files, diamond media, and depth maintenance

[Bigsnowdog]

Where can you buy Pferd chainsaw files and related accessories? I found their site, but it offers no information about dealers. I left a message on their phone system, but no reply. Do any of you deal with vendors who handle the Pferd line?

Also, has anyone tried the DMT diamond media chainsaw sharpening tools? That media is superb on knives. If so, who are your vendors for those products?

I have read quite a bit about filing here, but not much about the maintenance of the depth gauge, as it is termed in some illustrations I have seen. Are you doing that, or is it your view that by the time that is a problem the chain needs to be discarded?

Thank you.....

 

[Grande Dog]

We don't carry the whole Pferd line but, we do carry some of their products. Take a look at www.baileys-online.com.

Grande Dog
Master Mechanic
Discount Arborist Equipment and Tree Care Supplies

 

[Crofter]

There are lots of posts regarding how high or low to keep the depth guages. Probably more often referred to as rakers. They definitely need attention.

 

[glens]

In terms of round files I can't think of a real preference lately.  Both the Oregon and Stihl files I've bought in the last couple of years appear to be made in the same Swiss factory and I can't envision needing anything better.

There are a lot of file guide designs out there with a high whiz-bang factor, but the Husky roller guides for the Oregon chain (and for the Stihl chain when the guides are properly modified) are real gems.  Other than that, the Oregon flat strap-on guides are quite sufficient and work well for the heavy "touch ups".

The combination tooth/depth-gauge files Pferd makes are a neat idea, but if you press too hard, the round file will flex, allowing the stiffer "raker" file to take too much material (I somewhat suspect that combination file caught your eye).

I've only used the Husky depth-gauge guides on Oregon and Stihl chains (on the latter, somewhat less aggressive results are found) and for them I can think of nothing to more highly recommend.  Get and use them!  Variability between tooth length becomes a non-factor when you use the per-tooth depth-gauge guide instead of the type which sets on top of more than one tooth for its reference.

Glen

 

[rumination]

I've also been curious about the combo tooth/raker files that Pferd makes. Any other feedback on those?

Or are those for newbies only?

 

[Crofter]

The diamond media saw sharpeners don't seem to hang onto the diamonds for very long and soon turn into a steel cylinder.

Glen, I question the real world value of this " Variability between tooth length becomes a non-factor when you use the per-tooth depth-gauge guide instead of the type which sets on top of more than one tooth for its reference."

If your teeth are of different lengths you should be addressing that problem before ever going on to adjusting raker height. The slight inequity induced by the averaging effect is going to be much less influential than the collection of things that must have caused the discrepancy in the first place.

I wonder how user friendly the Pferd all in one device really is. I like the dea of having the depth guide corrected every filing, but I do confess to sometimes giving mine a few licks too many freehand with the flat file after doing a heavy filing to the teeth. It sure makes the kickback more likely and strong. Not the condition a newer user should risk.

 

[glens]

So you've taken a few extra strokes on a cutter for whatever reason.  Then, when you use your drop-front depth gauge guide on it, the depth gauge gets too much removed.  If you're using a drop-center guide on it, the gauge gets not enough removed.  If you use the per-tooth gauge on it, well, it's like Goldilocks and whichever bowl of porridge was just right.

I'm not talking about race chains here, where everything should be perfect.  But my experience is when each cutter on a chain has its depth gauge optimally set, whatever the overall variations, the chain cuts the best.

Glen

 

[jokers]

My experience supports Glen on this one.

Russ

 

[Crofter]

Glen, I absolutely agree that the independant method of regulating the depth guides is superior. Otherwise any longer tooth is given relatively more bite and the shorter given less, which is worsening an undesireable condition. Being a quibbler of some note, I object to setting the impression that this regulating method would somehow alleviate any ill effects that might arise from having your cutters filed to different lengths.

"[when each cutter on a chain has its depth gauge optimally set, whatever the overall variations, the chain cuts the best]"

If you had said, " individual depth guide settings will lessen instead of accentuate the results of odd length teeth", I would have nothing to quibble about. One is permission, the other forgiveness; though you not being catholic might miss the subtlety involved. Lol!

 

[glens]

Frank, you complete me!

I was born a catholic, but got reformed early on.&nbsp; You have my permission to forgive me.&nbsp; <font face="fixed" size="+2">;</font><font face="fixed" size="+2">)</font>

Thanks, man.

Glen

 

[Crofter]

I thought that "To err is human; to forgive is divine!" Now I am not so sure. Lol!