Keeping your file at the correct height when filing chainsaw chain

[@steveriggenbach90]

Easier to be behind the saw, it helps to lift automatically.

[@adelarsen9776]

I've made every mistake - many times. Practice practice practice. I free hand file in the paddock.

[@ChainsawUsers]

We all made mistakes as long as we learn from them lol

[@keparti66]

I've used husqvarna roller guide it's pretty good.

[@ChainsawUsers]

Yes I have all of them also. I guess at the end of the day you use what you like best. The file gauge is used just to check that you are at the correct height. I hate using roller guides and file guides. I like free hand filing but you can get off track. I use the file guides or roller guides as a checking aid. That way I know I am on track.

[@SawChainTheories]

Holy crap, they changed the file holder. Mine all have a thumb screw at both ends. Do they still come with the piece of wax paper with the file sizes and angles on it in the little pouch?

[@ChainsawUsers]

No just the file guide

[@SawChainTheories]

@@ChainsawUsers Looking at the paper in one of mine and it lists 46RC and 46RCX, both 404 chipper chains as well as 45RSF - a 058 gauge full chisel, skip 404 chain. It might be older than I thought

[@ChainsawUsers]

@SawChainTheories yes I have that book from stihl 1991 chains and bars very interesting

[@elpolaco7654]

If file size were so critical, Tecomec/Oregon grinders with their only 2 sizes of grinding wheels would be very poor at getting the right geometry. The recommended file size can vary for the same chain pitch, because the pitch does not uniquely define the cutter size or geometry. It is always a good idea to check what is in the manufacturer's data for the type you are using. Note that the resulting side plate profile is quite different from the wittnes mark on it, which is supposed to help you get the one recommended by the manufacturer. This chain looks like those from Stihl except for the absence of the word 'Stihl'. Is this Hurricane?

[@ChainsawUsers]

Yes it's hurricane. I can't present 100% because of of the many variables. You can only give some guidance in the correct direction. Nothing is set in concrete here just an overall opinion. Then let's say file size is very important to get the right size. People do use smaller files and end up with huge hook. Or the opersite when using a file to big, will cause back slope

[@elpolaco7654]

@@ChainsawUsers Thank you. I agree, as far as the educational part of the video for new users and the fact that nothing is set in concrete. As for the file size, assuming that it is somehow not much smaller than recommended, if you hold it at the right height, then you will get the right angles, because only, as you know, only a small part of the side plate is involved in cutting wood. The main disadvantage of a smaller file will be that it will not clear the gullet at the same time. Of course, with a file that is too large, when you hold it at the desired height, you risk filing the tie straps. Have you perhaps tried holding the guide only on the surface of the top plate, without resting it on the raker, as some instructions (rather a minority) seem to suggest?

[@ChainsawUsers]

@elpolaco7654 Yes have seen people hold it on the raker. If raker is set .65mm that's just a slight tilt, so it's anecdotal

[@elpolaco7654]

@@ChainsawUsers This tilt caused by holding the guide on the raker does not matter, because the file is round. On the other hand, there is probably some difference in the protrusion of the file, which then arises compared to holding the guide flat on the top plate. The vast majority of instructions say to hold the guide on the raker.

[@ChainsawUsers]

@elpolaco7654 Yes as long as the C shape is maintained that's all that matters. One thing I have learned in this game everyone had a opinion and in the end it's up to the operator what he sees fit to do. If it's works then all is ok.