Getting better at Square Filing, latest attempt

I’ve been thinking about trying square filing myself. Maybe it’s time I take the leap too!

 

exactly!!!

 

"Rabbit Hole"

 

I may give it a try myself. I like sharp and if it will stay sharp a little longer that is a plus.

 

I was told by an overwhelming amount of members on another forum ( starts with an H )about 8 years ago ,that square will not work on hardwood . And too hard to sharpen . Challenge accepted ! Tried factory ground ,,, didn’t dull any faster than round . Bought an ATOP ,,, “Hey ! This stuff is pretty quick and smooth ! “ .
Bought a Simington , came up with a cutter profile that I like . Been really happy with square .It does take a bit of getting used to filing . But , that is true about round as well . I’d still file by hand a lot . But ,at 73 ,the hands get pretty painful from arthritis and neuropathy . I use it almost exclusively ,even in fairly dirty wood . Never went back to that forum ...
So, any of you tempted to try it .... jump on in there . It’s always great and rewarding to learn a new skill .

 

One thought that popped into my head after reading this thread was
"is there a guide for square filing?" Especially after watching The Wood Wolverine video

 

The ATOP will teach you . But, it’s expensive ,and limited in a lot of ways . If I were to do it again , I’d buy ,or make a good chain vice , buy ,or beg some factory square ground chain , maybe get a sample of hand filed/ground chain for reference , get some decent double bevel files . Then I’d start hacking on a chain to see what I could do . Do one cutter ,see if you like what you see . If not do another cutter to correct your mistake ,don’t try to fix the first cutter . You may ,or may not have to do this a lot . Patience is key .

 

ATOP? not familiar with the acronym

 

That’s actually the name . ATOP file guide . Sold by Bailey’s .

like I said , expensive ! So are the files .

 

buZZsaw BRAD ATOP is the only one I’m aware of. Some fellas have made the bar clamp style jigs work with a double bevel file.


$200+ is insane for that in my mind!

 

Hey ! Careful , I have sensitive feels !

 

That Timberline one was pricey too, but if i were to spend the money on one i think ill start doing SG if its that difficult free hand. The video was convincing.
Im not starting SG anytime soon nor am i modifying any saws. Although my 026 is being restored and a MM will be done. Im wondering about that and if its a start down the rabbit hole.

 

I meant you no disrespect. Can you imagine the margins on it though?

 

I know that . You’re a stand up guy , I shoulda put in one of those smiley thingies . Humor is hard to express in typed words . That thing is made in Sweden . I imagine that the government gets a good share of what it costs to make ,market, and ship .