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what file?

Started by Maine logger88, January 16, 2014, 12:29:10 AM

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Maine logger88

What size round file do you guys use for 3/8 pitch Oregon LGX I have always used 7/32 and it has always worked great but a respectable logger in my area uses 1/4 for the first third of the chain or so and then switches back to 7/32 so I figured I'd give it a try and it actually seems to work pretty well it took a little getting used to though, my uncle (another long time logger) always uses a 7/32 till the chain is almost wore out then uses a 13/64 I don't know which way is right or if it even matters as long as it works but I'm just trying to get some info on what you all use and works for you
79 TJ 225 81 JD 540B Husky and Jonsered saws

Cedar Savage

I find that as the tooth gets smaller, use a smaller file, helps to maintain the hook.
"They fried the fish with bacon and were astonished, for no fish had ever seemed so delicious before."         Mark Twain

clww

We use a 13/64" file on all our Stihl chains.
Many Stihl Saws-16"-60"
"Go Ask The Other Master Chief"
18-Wheeler Driver

JohnG28

Stihl makes the 13/64 files, not sure if any others even make them. I use a 13/64 on all my 3/8" chain and it works fine. I would use that or 7/32".
Stihl MS361, 460 & 200T, Jonsered 490, Jonsereds 90, Husky 350 & 142, Homelite XL and Super XL

HolmenTree

What the OP said is all good.
When I cut oversized wood I have at times started a new 73LGX chain with a 1/4" file, then go down to 7/32 and 13/64" as the tooth gets smaller.

Now there is a good reason why Stihl switched from 7/32" spec to a 13/64" file for their 3/8" chain.  The smaller 13/64" files a little easier and we all have heard the common complaint how "tough " Stihl chain is to file.......good marketing strategy. ;)
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

Al_Smith

Well with 1/4" you'd have it right down on the tie strap,big gullet big chip .

My secret on Stihl chain is one of those files Baileys sells .Less aggressive than  a Pferd it does a better job for me.Maybe Stihl makes a good file.I have a few just never used them .

Maine logger88

79 TJ 225 81 JD 540B Husky and Jonsered saws

deerslayer

Quote from: JohnG28 on January 16, 2014, 08:58:07 AM
Stihl makes the 13/64 files, not sure if any others even make them. I use a 13/64 on all my 3/8" chain and it works fine. I would use that or 7/16".

I think you meant 7/32"?
Too many chainsaws, not enough wood.
Stihl, Husky, Craftsman, Mac, Homelite, Poulan. Some live here, some just passing through.

JohnG28

Quote from: deerslayer on January 16, 2014, 09:02:16 PM
Quote from: JohnG28 on January 16, 2014, 08:58:07 AM
Stihl makes the 13/64 files, not sure if any others even make them. I use a 13/64 on all my 3/8" chain and it works fine. I would use that or 7/16".

I think you meant 7/32"?

:D :D I do believe that is the second time I have done that too.
Stihl MS361, 460 & 200T, Jonsered 490, Jonsereds 90, Husky 350 & 142, Homelite XL and Super XL

lumberjack48

I found this out by accident, after using a 7/32 file for 20 yrs. When sharping a 3/8 full chisel chain, i got a smoother faster cutting chain using a 5/32 file. When i took a new chain out of the box or made one off the reel, the first thing i did is sharpen it. Using a 5/32 file, and then i put a 45 degree slope on the rakers, all making for smoother cutting chain.
Third generation logger, owner operator, 30 yrs felling experience with pole skidder. I got my neck broke back in 89, left me a quad. The wife kept the job going up to 96.

Maine logger88

Really I've never heard of using a 5/32 file for 3/8 full chisel  was it hard to get the depth right on the first fileing? I always file a new chain before running it aswell I never found that a chain straight out of the box cut very well
79 TJ 225 81 JD 540B Husky and Jonsered saws

Al_Smith

I've heard of some people going from 7/32 to 3/16 once a 3/8" chain gets about half worn out .I've never done so myself .

clww

Good to see you back, lumberjack48. :)
Many Stihl Saws-16"-60"
"Go Ask The Other Master Chief"
18-Wheeler Driver

lumberjack48

On your next new chain take a 7/32 and a 5/32 file, get down and look at the cutter. Now hold each file in the cutter, use the one that fits the best.

Running rakers 025 in hardwood and .030 in softwood with 45 degree slope and using a 5/32 file, 30 dg angle, 5 dg pitch, your pulling a smaller chip. Resulting in no chain speed lose, making a faster,  smoother cutting chain.

I'll tell you when its all done right, its unbelievable how fast it cuts. A 3/8 full chisel doesn't start cutting real good until the cutters are half gone. I ram-em until the cutters started breaking off. I've cut myself real good a few times when filing down this far, one slip of the file. I can still feel the feeling when the file slips, but its to late. OCH
Third generation logger, owner operator, 30 yrs felling experience with pole skidder. I got my neck broke back in 89, left me a quad. The wife kept the job going up to 96.

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