Some of the best advice I ever took right here. Exactly what I have been doing. Saved me a pile on chain expense. Took me awhile to get even remotely successful!
Grahamt you’re using the wrong sized file for your chain. 3/8 low profile is a much smaller cutter than “standard size” 3/8. The file you are using is much too large. You need a 5/32” aka 4mm file. Get this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0047A0RUC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525384610&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pferd+chainsaw+sharpener&dpPl=1&dpID=31uBnVuJjBL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
Here is a file size reference for anyone who might not be sure: Chain pitch - File size in/mm 1/4” - 5/32” / 4mm 3/8”LP (low profile) - 5/32” / 4mm .325 - 3/16” / 4.8mm 3/8 (Stihl) - 13/64” / 5.16mm 3/8 (Oregon) - 7/32” / 5.5mm .404 - 7/32” / 5.5mm
I hand file after every tankful of fuel just a stroke or two. Then use the Granberg when I want to make sure it is right. I would purchase a new chain or two look at the teeth then try to get the old chain look like the new one practice you will get it. I also have and use a cheap grinder it does a pretty good job if your in a hurry, also have a Electric Granberg but still prefer the manual one would like to try the Stihl or Perfrd 2in1 Oh yea get the right size file 5/32 or 4mm for that chain
Good job Graham, if in doubt on the chain and file take the saw and chain to a garden machinery shop and get them to clarify the what you need. Perhaps buy one from them as a courtesy and then go on eBay and look for Archer chains, new they'll be about 40% the cost of a Sthil or Husky chain and are perfectly adequate (all the forestry group I'm part of use them). Consider the chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting course (CS30 I think) as this will take you through all your saw maintenance and safety. As said by others, give the chain a touch up every tank or two of fuel. The chain that you have just sharpened, perhaps keep for cutting stumps or anything your chain may get damaged doing.. Have a great one.
Cheers , I’m in the uk but hoping I get time to visit the sthil shop my lads bought it from . At least I can hear it from the horses mouth then
Grahamt I can tell you’re using the wrong sized file because you’ve filed away a good bit of metal on your drive links. When you do find the right sized file (4mm) you’ll see it fits nicely in the round part of the cutter. For safety reasons I’d actually recommend throwing out that chain at this point. Having filed into the drive links that much there’s a good chance it could snap under a load and throw the chain at high speed. I posted the size reference chart because I know it can be confusing for a beginner. But that info is easily confirmed by searching “chainsaw file size” on the internet. That’s where I got it from. Good luck!
A buddy of mine had a chain that he did that to. He was using the right size file but he was pushing down on the file instead of holding pressure back into the cutter. He was completely missing the top of the cutter so no matter how much he filed, the chain was still dull. I whipped out my 2 in 1 and had him throwing chips again in no time. That's one of the best features of the 2 in 1, you can't file too deep because the guides hold the file up.
Graham, stay patient. I have been hand filing for 20 years. It took a good while to become proficient. My boss just asked for 'filing lessons' the other day and I wasn't sure how to respond except that I could give him some pointers, but it would take some practice to get it right. My chains are for sure not perfect when I'm done with them, but they cut well for the most part and I can do what I need to do. I don't race or anything, so absolute perfection is not required (I'm likely to dip the tip in dirt or find a rock or wire or something anyways). When you get the file stoke right, you will 'feel' it. It is difficult to hand sharpen a very dull chain. Few strokes every other tank of gas keeps it sharp, as mentioned above. I have bought and used various guides and sharpening aids through the years, but most often I can be found hand filing on the truck tailgate.
Not had a chance to get to sthil yet and my new file kits arrived. Might end up buying another file yet
Do yourself a favor and git you one of these. I know, I know another gimmick right? I thought the same thing but I dreaded sharpening my chains because well frankly I suck at it so I gave it a try. Even when you're good at it, it takes forever. If it's taking you more than 5 minutes to sharpen with one of these you're doing it wrong.
If you go with the Stihl 2 in 1, besure you get the right one for you chains. They make 3 different ones.
Shawn is right. What he posted is correct. And yes Grahamt you were/are useing the wrong size file. That's why I asked the saw so I could tell you the chain and the file size...I just never got around to the last part. And shawn is correct, filing the drive links is not good, a small amount Is not a big deal but once a good bit is done the chain is really compromised. You would hate a sharp chain to brake and be thrown into your leg or loop back up on your arms . Sharp cutters are razor sharp!!! You can get seriously hurt.
