Any square filers out there?

[OneWithWood]

I have just ordered a couple of semi-skip chains.  All the semi-skip I have found is square filed.  I bought a square file and I will soon be learning the 'art'.
Do any of you use square filed chain and sharpen them with a square file?
Some of the pro fallers say they just sharpen the chain with a round file becasue it is easier to do.  I would like to learn to square file and keep the chain at its maximum performance.

[jokers]

Learning to square file is very painstaking and near impossible if you aren`t an accomplished round filer.You need to have mastered coordination and control of your hands and arms. I can square file but not quickly or well enough for production. I bought a square grinder just like most other guys I know who are dabbling with square ground.

Russ

[OneWithWood]

I do a pretty good job of round filing.  Been doing it for many years.  The square filing thing presents a new challenge.  My eyesight may be the biggest hurdle

[Kevin]

Stihl RS is round or square ground and is made semi skip.

[Gus]

Long time ago I tried it for awhile. Gave it up for better health. Didn't really need another challenge at the time. ;D

[Larry]

I second everything Russ said.

I had a little coaching when I first started to square file, which helped a lot.  In the field I pinch the bar in a limb so I can use both hands.  At home I put the bar in the vise.  I do a better job with the flat square file than I do with the 3 corner file.  I also carry a brand new tooth so I can compare how I am filing with the new tooth.

Too cheap to buy a square grinder.  They're pretty pricey and I don't do enough logging to warrant one.  Sure wish one of the saw shops around here would buy one though. ;D

[Kevin]

Tim has some illustrations on it listed under chisel saw chain ...

http://www.forestapps.com/tips/tips.htm

[Stephen_Wiley]

Also look at Madsen's site

http://www.madsens1.com/chainmnt.htm

[OneWithWood]

Thanks for the url's.  I found the information to be very helpful. :P

[Stephen_Wiley]

For those of you who wish to get a little more information and controversial understanding.........Art Martin, former California All Around Logging Champion is giving very detailed information on filing and developing speed chains.  He also includes on this site the cutting of  Giant redwoods to which he had been involved with while younger. ( with misery whips and two blade axes),

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4932&perpage=15&pagenumber=11 :P  :P :P  8)

[Gus]

Thanks for the URL's guys,
Don't know that I'll be square filing again anytime soon but I read that post by Mr. Martin. He sounds like he's got the edge on it. Very good understanding of chain and cutting edge dynamics.
Gus

[Larry]

After running square chain for about 5 years I am completely convinced it is the only way to go for felling.

Art Martins thread was awesome.  Really liked his jig for holding the chain to file and he also had some different angles I'm going to try.

Thanks for the link Stephen.

To get to the next level I think I need a log to make some timed cuts on.  If I peeled the bark off an 18" RO would that work?