I have a question regarding the correct file for my milling chains. I'm running the Oregon ripping chains 75RD115G on my Granberg mill. The chains call for a 7/32nd file. I have a Stihl 2 & 1 to sharpen my other chains but they do not offer a 7/32. Pferd offers the 7/32 but for the .404, my Oregon chains are 3/8 .063 gauge. Can I use the Pferd to sharpen the Oregon chains? Hope that makes sense?
Welcome!! The Stihl
7/32 file will work just fine on your 3/8 chain although many prefer 13//64. Brand is irrelevant, it is a matter of preference and availability.
A 7/32 file will not fit in my Stihl 2&1, only the 13/64. You may have to get another brand 2&1 for the 7/32 file.
Stihl does not make the 2 & 1 in the 7/32nd, just 1/4, 5/32,3/16,& 13/64. Pferd does have the 7/32nd but it's listed for .404 and not 3/8. I'll let you know as I just ordered it yesterday.
For about 35 years I sharpened my chains free hand and got along well doing it, they cut extremely well. Then Arthritis got to bothering both thumbs making it hard to sharpen by hand, I then bought a MAXX chain sharpener, wow, so easy to get a perfect job, the only issue is setting the grind for each chain. Unless you are ok with removing lots of tooth, you need to adjust for each chain you put on the sharpener to set it to grind the least possible to get a sharp chain.
When I sharpen chains I generally do 10-or more chains at once, I set to grind one side on all chains, then change over to do all on each on the opposite side. Thus, with each chain I take 30-60 seconds to fine tune the grind. The variation is basically related to the number of times each has been sharpened. Then about every 2nd or 3rd time I grind the rakers.
In about 35-40 minutes I can have 12 chains ready, for a 20" bar.
My exception is my long bar and my little bars. I have 3 chains for my 34" bar, skip chain, and an electric saw with a 12" bar, and a pole saw with a 12" too, I only have 2 chains for each of them (they use a different chain, but the grind is the same.
I've always hand sharpened as well. I purchased one of Stihl 2 & 1's after reading all the reviews. It does a nice job on both the cutter and raker, seems to cut the time in half. Just couldn't find one to fit the ripping chains I use on the Granberg. Hopefully the Pferd will fit the bill.
I was never good at hand sharpening chains, so I bought one of these babies (Stihl 2in1):
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/58892/stihl2n1~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1641659960)
Now I don't have to worry about it, as mentioned above, it does both the raker and the tooth simultaneously which seems to keep it consistent.
Somehow I got a square flat file in one of my Stihl 2in1's that doesn't file in both directions. Same length as the correct one, just doesn't have the bevel on one end. I've noticed it wasn't taking one side down like the other and just hit them when I rounded off the rakers. I have no idea how it got there or if it came with it. Possibly picked up the wrong replacement from Stihl last year but I don't think they even sell one like it.
Quote from: tawilson on February 08, 2022, 06:15:45 PM
Somehow I got a square flat file in one of my Stihl 2in1's that doesn't file in both directions. Same length as the correct one, just doesn't have the bevel on one end. I've noticed it wasn't taking one side down like the other and just hit them when I rounded off the rakers. I have no idea how it got there or if it came with it. Possibly picked up the wrong replacement from Stihl last year but I don't think they even sell one like it.
Don't think I am being snarky here, that is far from my intent as could be. I don't understand what you mean when you say "Doesn't file in both directions". Files only cut on the forward stroke, I'm sure you know that, so what are you trying to say here? when you say 'one side like the other' are you saying left teeth verses right teeth? Can you lay that out for a simple minded guy like me? I am just not following, sorry.
I may not have the vocabulary but I will try. Lol. When you flip the 2in1 over the flat file needs to have each side file in opposite directions to match the corresponding round file. I ended up with one that files in the same directory on both sides.
I apologize, I am not completely following because I don't have that Stihl/Pferd gizmo, but it sounds like you have a flat file with defective teeth on one side, is that correct?
If that's the case, which I find hard to comprehend because I have literally had thousands of files in my hands over the years and never seen such a defect, I think you just need to replace that file.
What am I missing here? Where are the legions of guys on the forum who use this device? C'mon guys, chime in here.
I did replace it with the correct one out of the Pferd version of the same sharpener that I have. I just can't figure out how I got this incorrect one or if it came in it. It's a square shaped file like the one that the sharpener uses. It has direction arrows stamped on the flat end before the teeth. The correct file has a angled end to match the sharpener so it is inserted correctly.
I'm sure I've confused the issue even more now but thanks for responding.
For the 2 in 1 file system (Stihl), this video shows how I see it working.
#45 Stihl 2 in 1 sharpener, Stihl MS170, sharpening a chainsaw. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZiAlPaeHM0)
Well I remain confused but it seems like you are 'up and running'. Some photos would probably help a lot here. Sounds like you have an oddball file, but I still find that hard to swallow until I actually see it. 50 years as a machinist make me wonder is all. Sorry I was no help.
Cordless Dremel with angle gauge/sharpening stone works beautifully
Tried the Dremel system, and went through three stones.. consistency was somewhat ok, but making a mess of the correct angle and depth was too easy. Then the stones didn't last so gave up on that system and went back to hand filing with good sharp files. Much better chain performance.
But each sort out what works for them, and go (or live with) the results.
I'm pretty lousy at sharpening chains. I get my best results by using a chain sharpener to even up the teeth and remove nicks and then using the hand file. I have also adopted the "sharpen after every tank of fuel" method.
It took me a while to catch onto. ::) And that was with a Father that could sharpen anything. I watched him do it for years and watched him drive it into my head too.
I have no idea why I could not do it. :( He didn't know either.
So I took a log and started at it. Took me just about a whole chain, but I am a stubborn one, when I know I can do it.
And I got it!!! Was not much of the log left either. :D
I can rock a chain and bring it back to life after 3-4 sharpings. Well I suppose I could get it back with one sharping, but would need to take a lot off the first time. :o
Have to watch those witness lines and get the correct angle, not just the left and right angle, but up and down too.
But whatever work for you, works.
I know I do some things that others on here would really wonder about me. But it works, so why think if it's not done my way, it's not done right.
I deal with a boss like that every day. dadgum you, Charlie!
I use the Stihl sharpener every three sharpenings or so just to get the rakers down.
Back to my flat file post, I'll try again to explain what I'm asking. The correct center flat file has teeth that are in opposite directions on either side to match the round files that go in the 2in1 in opposite directions. I somehow got one that has the teeth on both sides going in the same direction so one side was not filing the rakers, just rubbing them the wrong way.
Just wondering how I ended up with the wrong one, as these files look to be unique for this sharpener.
The Stihl 2in1 is the best chain sharpener there is. It's almost foolproof. It will sharpen your chain to cut like when new or better and you will be able to use the entire life of your chain. And you don't have to take the chain off the saw.
I saw the same problem with my chainsaw mill as the OP. I was in love with the 2in1 on my chainsaw, but sharpening the chain on the chainsaw mill with Granburgs powered sharpener guide is clunky, takes some set up and takes longer than the 2in1 would. But no one offers the 2in1 in the size needed for the milling chains.
I use a Husqvarna equivalent to the 2 in 1 but for cross cutting, I hope to never have to use my Grangerg mill again...
Knocking down the rakes at the same time as filing is worthwhile. I pretty much don't use my bench chain sharpener because I can file on the bar in less time than taking the chain off and on.