Raker height

File lower into the straps when round filing. For square get more forward lean on the side plate. Get more towards 85° or 5° forward lean on the side plate. I can't tell you what angle for the underneath top plate since I don't have a grinder to check off of.

 

Filed stihl rsc full comp at 35° and rakers at .040. Sucked it right into the spikes!! Self fed nicely though.

 

That will do it.

 

.040 pulls too much for me. Is there a big difference between .030 and .040?

 

yeah .010"

I think you will like .03 better, you wont have to have such a light hand

 

Yeah they'll be a big difference in it.

 

Ill just cut with it at .040 for several sharpenings and work my way back. It has enough power to pull against the spikes no problem. I filed at 35°and dropped my hand down toward floor about 10° as that looked to be the upward angle the Stihl RSC came with? What does the 10° drop affect?

 

It makes the point thinner to cut a little bit faster but won't hold the point so long.

 

Ya I noticed the point getting close to square chisel. Do u like the 10° drop Mike?

 

Im likin round filed at 35° and a 10° drop and rakers probably at about .025

 

Sound like a good plan.

I'm glad you got it figured out

 

Ive been putting lots of effort in chain as I know it makes the biggest performance differences. Im seeing that one has to build chain around each saw and its performance

 

No I don't do the 10 degree drop when round filing. Square should have more support in the corner than round.

 

So how are you all measuring raker height? I file mostly by eye and the rakers just get a swipe or three every other filing. Very scientific, especially after several beers.

 

I will second the 10deg drop angle - the chain will cut faster, but loses the point quicker.
Using a file-n-joint type sharpener makes it easy to get a consistent angle in both planes. 3 swipes seems to do the trick
Use feeler gauges with a straight edge every 2-3 sharpening's how ever many passes to get .025

 

If you need .035 to make your chain work ,it is not sharp in my opinion


Hi Phil

 

I second this ............ .030 max for nice feeding and good speed without extra effort to keep off the spikes
.025 is a great height with a sharp chain for a steady - smoothe cut, although your Monkeyed 461 might want the .030