chain sharpening

[DavidT]

Does anyone use a idiot proof gizmo to sharpen their chains? I use a bench grinder and do a good job half the time. I also use a file system from sherril that files the depth gauge at the same time. Don't do so well with that.

 

[chep]

I mounted a vice on my tailgate and really like using the little roller guides every other filing or so. If you use that and the little raker guide plates you can get for different pitches then your chains will out perform and outlast a hand file job any day!

 

[DavidT]

Thanks for the input. You stated that you use th eroller guide every other filing. What else do you use?

 

[chep]

every other filing I use a roller guid with the round file. I have found that no matter how good you are at filing by eye you still add extra movements into your filing motions. The roller guide just eliminates human error. I also use a raker guide when I file my rakers.
I have been told by plenty of folks that you should just hit every raker with x # of strokes per x number of swipes with a round file. I think this a load of hooey... every tooth is different, the tooth and raker must be in cahoots in their cutting job. Again, I would be very impressed if someones eye is so tuned that they can identify just how many swipes to give their rakers.
So I use a raker guide, their are hardwood and softwood sides to the guides, I usually stick with a hardwood setting, so that I can cut any species I want without the chatter.
good luck

 

[Norm_Hall]

I wonder if lumberjacks use the guides for their competition cutting chains? I know 1 who didn't and won numerous times.

Instead of calling a depth gauge a "raker", call it a "depth gauge". It's really not a "raker". It determines the thickness (depth) of the chip.

 

[bearinatree]

It gets the name raker because it also cleans the tooth out in front of it. It serves two purposes. If your using a bench grinder it works well but you are unable to get the cutting tip of the tooth to angle up slightly. I use a "raker" depth guage or what ever you want to call it. My dad does not and he has won competitions but his chains don't cut as sharp for as long as mine. ???? Of course he is like a machine.

 

[DavidT]

Hope this is not a stupid question...Do you sharpen your chains when they get dull? or after you have used them a bit but are still cutting?

 

[PUClimber]

It all depends on what point into the job. If you're in the tree and the thing is a little dull but still cutting alright I keep going. If I'm cutting big wood with one of the bigger saws and it goes to crap then I will stop and sharpen the saw or put on a sharp chain that is on hand.