Getting better at Square Filing, latest attempt

I finally got my hands on some of the Vallorbe double bevel files and redid the full comp chain I was playing with on my 361. I found filling from the bottom up, to be easier for me then top down, with the double bevel file. I was really happy with how my teeth were looking, and elected to not get very aggressive with the rakers, and I left them maybe a few thousands too high. I then went out and cut on this old dead oak log and a little bit of red cedar. It cut, and not that bad but I was not that satisfied with it.

I decided that I needed to probably lower the rakers. But before I did that I decided to take a round file to the gullets and then I went over every tooth again, with just a couple of file strokes or so, and then I filed the rakers using a Carlton progressive raker gage, and I ended taking quite a bit off and then I rounded the leading edge of the rakers, to look somewhat like factory.

I took it out again, and cut this dead Black Locust up into firewood. This time it really cut good and probably faster then any chain I have used to date. At least that was my perception. This Locust top was suspended in the air and was solid but had been there a long time, and the bark was falling off of it. It seemed pretty well seasoned, and I am burning some of it right now.

Anyway, here's a few pictures taken, after I got done cutting wood, of a few teeth on the chain. I am getting a lot closer, I think to a decent square filing.

 

That looks a lot better. When square filing inside out, it’s harder for most guys to see how the file is lining up in the corner. But if you can learn how to do it like that and nail the corner, I bet your files will last a lot longer

 

I can see these few teeth do not hit right in the corner, but I did better on many of them. If anything I allowed a tiny bit of side beak, but not much.

 

That's lookin' real good in my humble opinion.

 

Yep, I was hanging my file pretty bad when trying top down. I believe bottom up is a lot easier on the files, and they don't give those things away.

 

Thank you, I am getting there. Actually, especially after once establishing the cuts on the first filing, I believe it can be about as fast as round filing.

 

Thank you Guys, for all of your help. I have learned a lot from you fellows and a couple more on the board here. Without being able to tap into the knowledge on this board, I don't think I would ever get past the novice stage on my chainsaw journey.

 

When you get it really good it’ll be about 20% faster than a really good round chain, but it will also last twice as long

 

Yes sir, that's the way I understand it. Makes me think it's well worth the effort to learn it.

Question: I know it's not that hard to do and it's very common to just convert to square file from round, but when buying a new chain, is it better to just go ahead and start out with a factory square filed chain if you know you are going to go square file, anyway?

 

Definitely. The cutter is a little bit different, although I’ve never been able to tell by eye. I don’t believe it costs much more, if any

 

Thank you, next time I buy a chain, that's the way I will go, probably.

 

All this talk of square filing has pushed me over the edge. What specific files do I need to get into the game? What would you guys recommend?

 

Vallorbe double bevel if you can find them. If you’re on OPE forum, dolkita freak had some, or may have a connection

 

Thanks!!

 

I agree, the Vallorbe files are the bee’s knee’s. They cut real good and stay sharp longer than I any other db I’ve had, which is Stihl, Bahco and one other I tried, I think it was a Save Edge.

 

Really, twice as long? Do you cut mostly clean wood or skidded, dirty wood?
Muff mods, port jobs, 500i's, square grind...you guys are killing me.
I cant sleep nights anymore between locust mania, CAD and now CMD...Chainsaw Modification Disorder!

 

About. But it has to be sharpened correctly. Those who say it doesn’t last as long have the leading edge too sharp.

Ported saws are just a fad that will never catch on.

plus chainsaws are scary

 

And burning pine will ignite your house.

 

Yes. Terrible lol

 

X2!