Trouble cutting notches

[treemd]

Originally posted by mikecross23
Alright fellas, I tried the hand filing thing. I haven't cut w/ it yet but the edges feel sharper than the chains that have been put on a grinder. I just used a bare file w/ a handle, no guide tools or anything. It was slow but I'm sure the motion will come easier the more I do it. Any tips other than the obviouse of keeping the file straight? Should I twist the file as I pull/push?

-Mike-

I was told that twisting the file is an 'old school' necessity that has flowed down the line from teacher through student. Files used to be made with the 'teeth' in a straight line. If you look closely at the file, you will see that there is a spiral pattern on today's files.
I still put a turn on, 'cause that is how I learned to do it.
File your "off side" first, while you are fresh, then your easy side to finish up. This is one trick to keep your stroke consistent.
Another way is to experiment with more/less strokes for each side. I have not had much luck with this, because a properly maintained chain will not need too many strokes anyway. At least until you go stump grinding with the saw.
Codie