Use a progressive depth plate? Check this one out

Disclaimer, I don’t work for WCS, not affiliated in any way. Just wanted to share their new design as I think it’s really good. The previous ones I’ve used are Husqvarna branded.

They have a hard and soft wood side, as does the ones connected to the roller guides.


This new WCS plate has 4 settings. Check it out.

Depth Plate
Code VIP15 at checkout for me 15% off as well.
I’ll follow up after I use it a couple times. Seems pretty straightforward though.

"EDIT: this tool should not be used on safety chain. If your chain as the little humps on the drive links, this isn't the guide you want."
Thank you!

 

Would you let us know if the steel is hard like the OLD carlton file O Plates were?

 

I haven’t had a chance to use one yet, They look to be made out of spring steel which is usually around 60-62 Rockwell (hardness) if I remember correctly , which makes it very hard material.



"EDIT: this tool should not be used on safety chain. If your chain as the little humps on the drive links, this isn't the guide you want."
Thank you!

 

Yep. The ones on the roller guides are much better that the stand alone Husky's. I’ve wore out a couple of those but not one on the roller. Of course I only use the roller for my 325 (one saw).

 

I think some are bootlegs made of softer metal. Some are hard and last while others are junk after 10 uses.

 

Hello, I use a grinder for the rakers instead of plates. Take Long Times to worn out a grinder wheel.

 

I remember using those years back. OPE dealer sold me Carlton chain from a loop. Cool little gadget.

 

I"ve had several, but I've had one for around 30 years, that I've misplaced on and off during that time.

 

I remember it being small so easy to lose/misplace. Does it still work in contemporary Carlton chain?

 

Just ordered one using Vip15 and no discount. Win some loose some. A bit pricey but I like fun new stuff!

 

I just received the new depth gage from West Coast Saws. It seems to be made of heat treated spring steel and easy to use. However, I've yet to get it fit on my chain. As simply as it's made, one would think a one eyed monkey could just slap it on and file. But I guess I'm not nearly as smart as a one eyed monkey because I can't make it work on any chain I have.

In the circular file cabinet with it and back to my old style. Like the man on T V. says: "Don't waist your money!" $20 lesson learned!

 

Just got mine too. I’ll try it out tomorrow.

 

Quick test fit out of curiosity. This is on EXL.


What kind of chain are you using?

 

All I used 30 years ago was A1 carlton I believe. I use to take my rakers down further than I do today, as the old saws were torque, and the new saws revs. The macs were like diesel tractors, just kept getting the job done.

 

3/8 x .50 Stihl full chisel. None of the deph gage slots line up with the depth gages. Maybe if I crank it sideways a bit it will work. However, the pizz poor directions that came with it show, with a drawing not a photo, the divice going onto the in a straight line, all the way up the slot in the gage and not at an angle. Maybe my old brain just ain't as sharp as it use to be.

 

That sounds familiar, but never has bothered me over the years. As long as the rakers are taken down the same per tooth it doesn't matter, unless it is too much or too little of. Years ago before there were so many gadgets, there still wasn't directions with the file O plates. They sat on the counter in the saw shops. You pretty much got them for free. Kinda like how you get hats or tshirts today.

 

How wood wolverine has it slapped down in the picture of his is all that matters. I'm going to order a couple now that i know they are stamped from hardened steel. Looks like you can thread one on the keychain on the W.

 

Progressives work off the angle from the cutting edge of the cutter down to the tie straps of the chain right behind the next cutter. So they sit angled, like this pic:


It fits on Stihl RS.


Make sure it’s resting on the cutting edge and the chain,

and pop the depth gauge/raker out of which ever slot you want. If you feel like the one side doesn’t work or line up as well, flip the plate over.
And, if you are used to this style


or this:


Progressives are totally different and work off of an angle instead of a clearance measurement (.025, .030 etc). I know they advertise as each slot being one of those measurements, but not accurate. To learn more on that, watch this:

 

Dang it. Those middle school math teachers are finally right. You might need math some day.

 

Been using the Carlton File-O-Plates for years. Once you understand how they work and how well these sharpening plates work you will really like em.
There is nothing out there that is much simpler.