The Best File

[woodburner]

I am looking to buy some new files. I have been using Husky files and they do not seem to last as long as I think they should. They last for about 4 sharpenings on a 18" chain. I clean the chain with a wire brush in my cordless drill. Any suggestions would be a help. Thanks.

[Dave Shepard]

Welcome to the Forum woodburner!

I use Pferd, or Stihl files, they both work great. I run Mostly Stihl chain, which some say has a reputation for being hard, but I get many sharpenings out of a file.

[Cadenhill]

I really like the save edge files

www.saveedge.com

[Reddog]

I clean the chain with a wire brush in my cordless drill.

Welcome to the FF.

I would try using one with out cleaning, other than wiping it off with your glove or a rag.
Wipe it the opposite way you push it to cut.

I am wondering if your cleaning method is a little to aggressive.

I use Stihl or Pferd myself.

[chevytaHOE5674]

I've found that save edge files last longer than anything else I've tried.

[Cut4fun]

I really like the save edge files

www.saveedge.com

I have them all on hand and I really like the http://www.saveedge.com/  best too hands down.
I even know guys that file race chains and the old olbergs are no longer available and save edge seems to be the choice of the hand filers.

[GASoline71]

There is no need to clean a chain with a wire brush thingy in your cordless drill... If you are worried about the filings on your chain after you sharpen it... it all gets flung off the first time you spin the chain to start cuttin' wood.

If you are usin't to get "burnt" lookin' stuff off the cutters... your chains are dull... still no need to wire wheel a chain.

Oh yeah... I use Stihl and Pferd... both good files.

Gary

[Rocky_J]

Why are you cleaning the chain? Is it covered with burnt, black crud?  ???

[Al_Smith]

I use Pferds ,buy a couple dozen a year from Baileys ,usually . I'm down to my last box so it looks like time to reorder . That danged hard as a rock Stihl chain is a little tough on them .

[rickk]

A quick way to clean the chain and drive sprocket area is to run the saw slowly with the tip stuck in a container of kerosene for about 10 seconds. All the sawdust and whatever will dissapear. Go slow or the kero will go places that you don't want it to go, like all over you.

If you rub the file with chalk before using it, it will stop some of the metal filings from plugging up the teeth. I don't know if that will really extend file life that much.

How much metal are you removing when you sharpen? If you are really letting it go untill significant amounts of tooth need to be removed then 4 sharpenings sounds about right. How many times do you sharpen a blade before there is so little tooth that it is time to toss it?

Rick

[woodburner]

When I clean the chain with the wire brush, I am just knocking off the sawdust to keep it from building up in the file. No heavy duty cleaning or anything like that, just very minimal cleaning. I can get about 15 or more sharpening's out of a chain before I toss it, but I haven't keep up with it. A chain will last me a while.

[GASoline71]

Sawdust will not dull your files.  The files are probably building up with filings or are just old and dull...  The best was to "clean" a chain is to run a sharp chain in green wood.

There is a lot of overengineering in the woodcutting world when it comes to something as simple as a saw chain.  Just remember to stay simple.  Heck if you're still worried about sawdust on your chain... use low pressure compressed air. 

Anyways... if there is saw"dust" on your chains, they are probably still to dull.  Saw chain shoul toss "chips" not dust. 

The best way to learn how to properly hand file chains it to just keep practicing.  Read one of the filing manuals provided by Sihl, Oregon, Carlton, or whoever that makes good saw chain. 

Gary

[Cut4fun]

I use Pferds ,buy a couple dozen a year from Baileys ,usually . I'm down to my last box so it looks like time to reorder . That danged hard as a rock Stihl chain is a little tough on them .

Al you need to give those Save Edge a spin. If you haven't already. Heck your so close you  can knock on their door and they could hand them to you.
See if you notice what me and others noticed over the Pfreds, Stihl, Valide, Vallrobe, Oregon, Woodsman, etc files (cant think of the rest off the top of my head and I aint walking to the barn to find out) . I think you might fall for the Save Edge's too after use. 

Plus you can call in your order and they ship them to your door step. Then in about a month you get a bill in the mail to pay for them.

[Dave Shepard]

How do you like the Save edge double bevels? I've got to get a few of those soon.

[beenthere]

Are the SaveEdge files only available from the company, and by phone?

Will give them a try.

Any FF sponsors carry them?

[Cut4fun]

How do you like the Save edge double bevels? I've got to get a few of those soon.

Sweet get some, try the goofy to they carry to compare.
Also the price increase took effect in Jan sometime. Like .10-20 cents a file I think was in the letter they send out.