files

joe_indi · January 02, 2013, 11:05:53 PM

Pferd has a brush for cleaning the file grooves.Its very effective.
I also use an old tooth brush and soap to clean out the grooves, after which I use an hot air gun to dry the file.
This too extends the serviceable life of the files.
Pferd, Stihl (the Swiss ones), Oregon, Carlton. My preference in descending order.

Joe

Al_Smith · January 03, 2013, 06:52:03 AM

Normally if you just tap the filings out of the file it does pretty well .Some people might soak them in vinager to prolong the life .I don't myself .Once it gets so it won't cut worth a hoot I just get out a new one .

Now I've seen people push away on a dull file that cuts about as good as using a 20 penny nail to try and save a buck and a quarter .Makes sense to me .File away for 20 minutes on a 5 minute job and it then cuts about as good as putting the chain on backwards .---rocket science -

Peter Drouin · January 03, 2013, 08:34:03 AM

Now I've seen people push away on a dull file that cuts about as good as using a 20 penny nail to try and save a buck and a quarter .Makes sense to me .File away for 20 minutes on a 5 minute job and it then cuts about as good as putting the chain on backwards .---rocket science -

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D good one ;D Al-Smith

Al_Smith · January 03, 2013, 09:00:27 AM

:D I can't help myself ,it just slips out .

JuniperBoss · January 06, 2013, 05:25:02 PM

Maybe the "dragging back" of my file is ruining it quick. I get lazy and do that sometimes. It's a Stihl file and it doesn't file even close to the way it used to on the first chain. I've sharpened a chain about 5 times with it. Gone from a couple strokes to 15 strokes. All files wear out eventually but I think it's wearing pretty darn fast. That's ok though 'cause I've got an electric sharpener for Christmas!

beenthere · January 06, 2013, 06:43:17 PM

For sure dragging the file back through the tooth will not do it any good - for the file or the tooth.

It is like a hacksaw, that only cuts on the push (or pull if the blade is in backwards

)

CTL logger · January 06, 2013, 08:51:16 PM

I bought a dozen save edge files from them at the Richmond Expo a few years back sharpest file I've ever used. They are made in Xenia,Ohio you can send them back to them and get them resharpened I've never done it but was told it's half the cost of new files. The way I see it buy them from Bailey's their made in the USA seems like a win win to me.

Peter Drouin · January 06, 2013, 10:25:27 PM

thanks CTL logger I'll look for them

CTL logger · January 07, 2013, 05:00:52 PM

No problem hope it helps.

Tree Killer · January 07, 2013, 05:24:37 PM

Quote from: beenthere on January 02, 2013, 07:17:16 PM
Majorpayne

Welcome to the Forestry Forum.

With all due respect, Bailey's is one of our Forum sponsors, ;)

And to add, Bailey's will ship one dozen 7/32" files at $11.99 per dozen via USPS for $7.95

Thats where i get all my files, Always great to deal with. Thanks Bailey's

smalldog · January 07, 2013, 11:27:11 PM

I've never had a problem on my chains using stihl files, but I only file my chains. My neighbor pays some yahoo to sharpen his chains(if you could call it that), then wants me to fix them with a file. The problem is the cutters get hardened some from the yahoo. It sure is a good way to dull a file.....not using MY files, thankgoodness.

CTL logger · January 08, 2013, 01:17:09 PM

Quote from: smalldog on January 07, 2013, 11:27:11 PM
I've never had a problem on my chains using stihl files, but I only file my chains. My neighbor pays some yahoo to sharpen his chains(if you could call it that), then wants me to fix them with a file. The problem is the cutters get hardened some from the yahoo. It sure is a good way to dull a file.....not using MY files, thankgoodness.

The yahoo is pushing so hard on grinder he is hardening the tooth I'm surprised your file can do anything with the chain, I wouldn't waste my time or files fixing the Yahoo's mistakes.

bandmiller2 · January 09, 2013, 08:19:46 AM

I don't know about you guys but I can hardly bring myself to throw away[junk] a dull file.If your fileing a material that tends to gum a file rub it with a little chalk first. Frank C.

petefrom bearswamp · January 09, 2013, 10:06:54 AM

Bailey's has Pferd on sale for 12.99 right now.
Pete

lowpolyjoe · January 09, 2013, 02:14:13 PM

Great thread. I never realized there was such a difference between file brands until i matched my harbor freight specials against a Husquvarna file set.... don't know how the Husky file ranks on the overall file hierarchy, but it's worlds better than the HF garbage.

Also didnt realize till a few months ago that files wear out to the point of being useless. I had been cleaning my crappy file with a metal brush but it still wasn't doing much. Then i saw in a youtube video some guy say not to waste your time using an old file when you could buy a new one for a dollar

I finally ordered a dozen files the other day... Pferd i think. Can't wait to see how they compare to my previous (mostly frustrating) files.

Caloren · January 09, 2013, 03:54:20 PM

Another thing about files [that really doesn't pertain to this thread :

] is that once you use them on steel they will not work as well on brass again. I used to build muzzle loading rifles for a hobby and kept a separate set of files just for brass. :new_year:
Loren

Dave VH · January 09, 2013, 09:30:48 PM

I was once told that if you hit a dull / dirty file with a blow torch that that would liven it back up. Has anyone ever tried that, or heard of that? I haven't yet, I never remember at the right time

beenthere · January 09, 2013, 09:50:57 PM

Do you think that would work on a dull bandsaw blade too?

Or the dull chainsaw teeth?

Wonder what a blow torch could possibly do to bring a worn out file back to life?

thecfarm · January 09, 2013, 09:55:11 PM

When I go to the wood expo in Bangor I will be looking for those save edge files. Unless I can find a place that has free shipping. :D

gspren · January 10, 2013, 08:47:53 AM

Quote from: Dave VH on January 09, 2013, 09:30:48 PM
I was once told that if you hit a dull / dirty file with a blow torch that that would liven it back up. Has anyone ever tried that, or heard of that? I haven't yet, I never remember at the right time

The only way that I see that helping is if it is loaded with oily gunk you might burn it out although carburator cleaner would be better. If you get the file too hot you will ruin the temper.

blackfoot griz · January 10, 2013, 02:48:26 PM

Glad I saw this thread...

Just ordered a box of files and some .404 chains!

Holmes · January 10, 2013, 06:02:14 PM

I just ordered the Pferd files from Baileys along with a Rockman helmet system and an Echo360T. All on sale . I've not bought a new saw in 12 years. We'll see how the Echo works out. 8) 8) 8)

petefrom bearswamp · January 10, 2013, 06:27:55 PM

Holmes
I am thinking that you will be pleased with an Echo.
I have an cs600p which is a very good saw, 60 cc.
Is the360T 360 cc?
I am thinking if it is, it may be small for lots of firewood cutting but great for limbing trees etc.
Pete

Holmes · January 10, 2013, 06:44:59 PM

Yes it is 36.3cc. I've not had a top handle saw for 15 years and that was a 10 year old Poulan. It was a nice little saw. Looking forward to this saw, all the others are Stihls. I plan on doing a lot of forest cleaning in the next few years. I just started to gather logs to cut up to make a bridge over a stream. The abutment I found is only 7' wide about 4 ' above the stream , on a very old cart path. A bridge needs to be built, it's about 5000' into the woods. It will be a fun project.

JuniperBoss · January 10, 2013, 07:05:41 PM

I don't mean to mess up the topic here, but how long will one of the smallest Echo saws last? I need one purely for limbing, and nothing else. I'd like a super light saw that I can swing around all day. Will they last years doing full time, regular use?