hastalloy, Inconel, 316, 304, 440 stainless, lots of various chrome molly steels, not just aluminum.
What's the most common MISTAKE newbies make while sharpening a chainsaw chain?
- Thread starter samuelanali
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Yes.
I use 2 hands to control the file.
With some file guides, it can help to pull, if that works for you.
Philbert
UPDATE: your video did not load the first time I viewed this post!
It looks like you are pulling the file backwards?
However you file, your goal should be to move it on a consistent path. Like a pool cue. Not to rock it through the cut.
One hand. Two hands. Whatever.
And move it in the direction that the file was meant to cut.
Philbert
Damn, you're right
Most common mistake is when one side of the chain is sharpened more than the other. So, the "sharpened" chain pulls left or tight and does not cut straight down. Sometimes this will happen on a brand new chain, and even the bar can cause it.
“You FILED the chain,
but, did you SHARPEN the chain?”
Philbert
but, did you SHARPEN the chain?”
Philbert
No sir, I did not. I'm doing it the correct way now.
Do you clean the teeth before filing?
I have the oil always on max, and sometimes the chain is oily after use.
Small wire brush and a drop of break cleaner or wd40. Big difference.
Another thing, i got good at grinding the depth limiters with a worn flap disc.
Fast and close to spec.
How many chains can you sharpen with one file? I mean until the teeth are at limit. I could do little over 2 15"64 dl ,325" with some machine sharpening.
Now i know what a PITA it is to run a dull file, i have a stash now.
I have the oil always on max, and sometimes the chain is oily after use.
Small wire brush and a drop of break cleaner or wd40. Big difference.
Another thing, i got good at grinding the depth limiters with a worn flap disc.
Fast and close to spec.
How many chains can you sharpen with one file? I mean until the teeth are at limit. I could do little over 2 15"64 dl ,325" with some machine sharpening.
Now i know what a PITA it is to run a dull file, i have a stash now.
One thing I must do is have the saw in a comfortable position so I can maintain consistent angles. If the saw sliding around, rocking, etc as you move through the stroke there no doubt the teeth will vary. Another is one side to the other. I am relatively ambidextrous so I can switch which hand is pushing the file but understandably a lot of people are not comfortable using the 'off' hand.
So get comfy and make sure the saw is not moving around.
So get comfy and make sure the saw is not moving around.
Husky77
ArboristSite Operative
sorry to say but you need a serious talking to. these days there are so many "experts" showing some good tutorial video's (also some bad) there is no excuses. If you use a saw you really should know how to maintain it for your own safety at least. your pulling that file backwards with no regard to a cutting edge and wondering if you were pushing how long would it be before the tang is into your wrist and your off to er. Sorry for the negative post, maybe its an early april fool post.
I shoulda just watched this video. I'm right at 55 . I know better. I've forgotten more than I remember., but I do forget a lot of these days. I can sharpen any knife, and a chain. I've set and watched the half moon form under the glint of the sunshine on my old Echo with the different bars and chains I had for it.. Honestly I had just gotten home from had a asthma attack while cutting up a fallen live oak 24" with a brand new MS250. (Recently switched over from the CS400 I did a muff mod on from what I learned here 10 yrs ago.) I dizzily made my way home and did this on the tailgate. I can't see neither. Lol. You're right, there's no excuse. I worked it the right direction and watched videos last night. Funny thing I couldn't for the life of me figure out what this groove is. Til I looked at it on a photo Shrug"
Husky77
ArboristSite Operative
We all been there man, these days I spend more time looking for something i put "safe" even gone and bought another only to find out I then have two. Its definitely an age thing so dont worry, every day we learn a little more. Have a look on YouTube for bucking billy ray he has some good sharpening advice.
Stay safe
Stay safe
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