I have learned that the key to hand filling is to touch up the chain often so the cutters stay sharp. A couple passes with the file every tank or two of fuel will keep things sharp and in proper geometry longer. I'll knock the rakers back very half dozen touch ups or so. When I've exhausted my abilities using this method I can usually tell because my cuts don't want to go straight any more. At that point I bring my chains to the saw shop and have them get everything cut down on a grinder. I have purchased a cheap grinder to try my hand, but haven't set it up yet. Maybe this winter when I'm itching to do something firewood related besides load the boiler.
I have found the Stihl 2 in 1 works well for me. It sharpens the cutter and lowers the raker at the same time.
I just had this problem last weekend. Got a brand new chain a little dirty. Hand filed and it was cutting C’s real bad. So I filed one side until it was cutting straight again. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here's the link you need to read. Chain sharpening tutorial. Also be sure to keep up on bar maintenance.
I can’t seem to get the knack either. Have the Pferd most recently, still can’t G.T. it right. I can make them last a bit with the round file, but my best success is to have two or three chains and have them sharpened at the shop. I can keep them going a while with the round file, so it’s not like I take them in all the time. When a big tree is down and I can get it cut into rounds in half the time, it’s worth the money. I save so much burning wood my ROI makes it a no-brainer to spent for good equipment.
Note to self . IDIOT YOU KILLED THE ANGLES . Angle file ,tight chain,vice and glasses . Only brought three teeth back in line so far
I’ll officially embarrass myself. 48 strokes to pull this one tooth to 30 degrees. Chains probably goosed and I’ll have to do the other side to bring it back to been equal Hopefully I’ll stop some other newbie making the same mitsske Ok you can laugh or cry now
That’s a lot of filing graham. At least you got it figured out. I’d clean the filings off the chain before using it with that many.