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Why is this chain not sharp?

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by NBourque, Jun 5, 2017.

  1. NBourque

    NBourque

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    .063
     
  2. NBourque

    NBourque

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    I read plenty of info online before I bought the husky roller that it would fit a stihl RS chain.
     
  3. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    It does. I use it and posted a pic of it on Stihl RS. The silver color denotes it's .325 so I'm fairly certain it's the right one. Gauge I don't think will matter.
    Taller side goes to the back, smaller front. Arrows point to the front.
    20170611_220736[1].jpg
    20170611_220804[1].jpg

    If it fits super tight, use a flat file in the slot and carefully remove a small amount till it fits better. Sneak up on it so as not to get a sloppy fit.
     
  4. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    I don't think you are sitting the whole way down on the chain. I think this is gap:
    upload_2017-6-11_22-18-33.jpeg
     
  5. NBourque

    NBourque

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    That pic sure looks like the guide is not sitting all the way down onto the chain but the slot on the other side of the roller is sitting all the way down on the chain.
     
  6. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    Got out my good cam
    DSC02237.JPG DSC02236.JPG DSC02235.JPG DSC02234.JPG DSC02233.JPG

    I am using Stihl RS in .050 so maybe that is the issue. I'd say clearance the guide a little with a flat file to allow it to fit a little easier. I'm guessing it is very tight for you to push down onto the chain (yes?). You could also tweek it to allow it to set deeper (tread lightly).
     
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  7. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    DSC02239.JPG

    And a small vid to show you I'm not wedging it in there just for pic purposes. And... that's the only time you will ever see me drag a file backwards (I had very little pressure on there) on a tooth.
     
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  8. NBourque

    NBourque

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    I think mine needs to be filed a bit so the roller can sit down further on the chain. What do the arrows mean?
     
  9. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    They must be pointing to the front of the cutter. It matters which way you mount the guide on the chain.
     
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  10. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    Got a picture of the back of the jig?
     
  11. NBourque

    NBourque

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    It's a .325
     
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  12. NBourque

    NBourque

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    I was able to file it down a bit so that the roller fits on the top of the chain like it should now. I was able to make 10 strokes on each tooth considering how bad this chain is. Did some test cuts with it and it cuts better than it did but it's still not as sharp outta the box...
     
  13. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    But is it pixel or standard kerf?
     
  14. NBourque

    NBourque

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    It's a standard/non narrow kerf.
     
  15. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they are ALL different colors.
     
  16. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    The only one I have is a. 325 pixel and it looks just like yours. Don't know if there's any difference in them.
     
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  17. NBourque

    NBourque

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    Here's mine
     

    Attached Files:

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  18. RCBS

    RCBS

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    How did you become proficient in all things you do? Practice!! It's not that bad really! I can file my 18" chains in under 10 minutes on the tailgate of my truck after years of practice. As good as a shop grinder? Nope. Good enough for my wood shenanigans? Absolutely!! :)
     
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  19. NBourque

    NBourque

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    Thanks. My biggest frustration tho is having 2 shops sharpen these chains with a grinder. They should be as sharp as they are outta the box after they were done with them. They cut just as bad if not worse before I brought them in. I've tried hand filing this RS chain twice now and it still doesn't cut all that great.
     
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  20. RCBS

    RCBS

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    I'll never be able to duplicate a machine, but for the most part I do pretty good. I sometimes get my angles off a bit. I do use a gauge to straighten it back up once in a while. I file often. Every fuel up usually. You can get away with 2-3 hand strokes per tooth using this method. Just like a knife...easier to *keep sharp, than to *make sharp.

    You can do it! I do recommend quality hand files. I use Pferd. I get them for cheap and they last longer than Nicholson or the branded Husky files. There are other good quality brands out there as well. I buy them by the box of 12. If one starts plugging up or getting dull, I toss it. I have the little plastic husky brand file handles. The handle has a built in angle gauge that helps me to keep them somewhat true.

    Also, those rakers look untouched...might be why it seems "dull".
     
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