Im not very steady with a file so I found an easier way, The die grinder works really good and keeps things square. I use the sawblade itself as a guide by holding the grinder up against the blade. I can also controll the speed of the air grinder. It only takes minutes to get things square and sharp...BTW Im useing soft teeth right now
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/29162/GEDC0735.JPG)
Keep an eye on the way the stone wears - it won't take much to throw you off again.
Works pretty good huh? I use a die grinder on mine also, but with a slightly different technique. I sharpen from the back side of the blade, using the back side of the grinders wheel, resting my hand on the unsharpened teeth and "eyballing" the angle. When sawing unpeeled hardwoods I will touch the bits up every 5 to 10 logs. Also, try to never run the saw long enough that it "needs" sharpening. You should sharpen the bits to keep them sharp, and not to make them sharp.
Alan
Whatever keeps-em keen Lyle,the hook angle of the bit is important and everyone has a tendency to reduce the hook buy just hitting the front edge of the bit.I sharpened for years with just a file.Now I use the Dexter file guide that holds the file at the proper angle. Frank C.
How many sharpenings can be done on those inserted teeth before they need to be replaced?
Depends on what you hit and the species sawn. In dense hardwoods, I'm going about 50 Mbf on a set of teeth, and that includes hitting some metal. Without hitting metal, that usually gets stretched out to 70 Mbf. I sharpen 2-3 time/day and saw 12 Mbf+. I will change teeth about every 5-6 days, but I don't stretch my teeth. I've found that short teeth get dull quicker. My logs are debarked. Jeff once went something like 250 Mbf on a set of teeth sawing aspen.
I learned to hand file a long time ago, when I didn't have electric in the mill. Eventually we got a electric and a Jockey grinder. I've tried the Andrus machine with the file pads, but didn't like it. Now, I use the Jockey to keep my angle accurate, but still hand file. I find I have better control over the teeth. Dexter file guides are very good. Circle mills are very cost efficient when it comes to blade costs and upkeep.
Barring catsasstrofies headsaws live along time I have a Simons 44" thats as old as I am and the Diston I'am using now is much older than that. Some saws have the date stamped near the arbor hole if you can read it. Frank C.
How about a "how to" with running the Jockey for us newbies? I've got one sitting here and would love to see and hear from the experienced users all the tricks and tips for using it!
John
There's really not that much too it. You have to make some adjustments so the stone is contacting the tooth at the right angle. After that, you put it on the saw and pull back to allow the stone to hit the tooth. You don't want to hold it on too long to burn the tooth. There are several grits to use from a soft to a very hard stone. The harder the stone, the more aggressive, and the easier to burn. You may have to hit the tooth several times, especially if you just hit nails.
Quote from: hardtailjohn on July 29, 2012, 04:13:16 PM
How about a "how to" with running the Jockey for us newbies? I've got one sitting here and would love to see and hear from the experienced users all the tricks and tips for using it!
John
John,
I put new teeth on my blade and then 'tuned' my jockey grinder to the angle and depth of the new tooth so as to keep them at the same profile as they wore. Keep an eye on the stone on your grinder, they wear out too Mine is developing a ridge that will need to be replaced or dressed pretty soon. Mine came with a few extra stones and they seem to last quite a while so I'm good for a while. I agree with Ron in that you just touch the grinder to the tooth so as not to get it too hot.
Levi
Gday
Nice Idea Lyle ;) ;D 8) I have used all types of saws Spring setts which where the most common down here till everyone went TCT Our family was one of the first to Use Inserts In OZ and we have stuck with them as our saw of choice for nearly 40 years I like running the TCT inserts but im about to try Std & Long Steel bits for the first time just to se how they go and I like the fact I can hand file them freehand on the mill ;) ;D 8)
Regards Chris