Got my Pferd 2in1 today. I ordered the 7/32 file for my non stihl 3/8 chains. The package says it’s a 7/32 file intended for 404 pitch chain. So my question is, is this the right file? The concern I have is that seeing it’s suppose to file the rakers also that it may not hit the rakers correctly seeing its for 404 pitch. Maybe I should of ordered the 13/64 file size that is meant for stihl 3/8 chain. The size difference is so small it may still sharpen the chain well and hit the rakers properly. Gonna head out in the garage and check it out. Just thought I’d ask someone here who’s used these 2in1 sharpeners and has more knowledge than me. Guess I could also try and call or email them this question. Thanks
7/32 is what I’ve always used on 3/8. I use .25 on 404, but 7/32 works too. You could always double check the raker with a progressive depth gauge.
I use the 7/32 pferd 2-1 CSX for my 3/8 chain. My buddy uses that with his Stihl 3/8" saw too. What's funny is you'll see that different chain brands say to use different file sizes. Stihl being the outlier from the other brands of chain. Sharpen away and SEND IT!!!
7/32 is for most 3/8 and can work (IME) w/ Still chain until you get back on the tooth (ie almost wore out), then the 13/64 is needed to achieve the proper hook.
I'm using 13/64 for the 3/8 chain. Question. What about using 13/64 for .325 also? It's 0.3 mm(0.015 inch) larger than the 3/16 file. I used it by mistake on my .325 and it cut very good. My cutting buddie even commented on my good sharpening job because the saw was going through the wood so good. BTW, I'm using the Pferd 2 in 1.
So I got this straightened out and received a email from Pferd. They said their 13/64 file is intended for 3/8 chain, and the 7/32 is for .404. This info is also in their brochures but I must of glanced over it that day. Anyways, this thing works really well. I was alway ok with a freehand file but this is much better. I actually can’t believe how much sharper I’m able to get the chain. The only small issue is the chain seems to be a bit more “grabby” then when new. What would cause that? Gonna toss my crappy harbor freight grinder.
Yes, be very careful not to accidentally over file the rakers. I ruined a couple of nearly new chains this way.
I don’t know. I’m not a expert or even play one on TV. All I know is what Pferd said and I’d assume they have a decent idea of what they’re doing. https://www.pferd.com/media/PDF-US/brochures/products/cat1/CSX_2016.pdf Second page of their brochure gives the file sizes relative to chain pitch.
would that be filed too much or not enough? The chain is throwing chips like a champ. It falls through the wood quite easily with only the weight of the saw. When I try to leverage it in against the dogs is when I notice the grabbing. Maybe I just took too many strokes with the tool. I took 8 per tooth on the one chain I noticed it on the most. That chain needed more than normal though as it found some metal.
Interesting. The way this tool operates off adjacent teeth of the chain, the pitch would be the detail you would need to specify and order the right one not file size. File size appears to be fixed on what pferd specified. Ie you can't put a 7/32 in the 3/8 pitch tool. 1/64 isn't going to matter too much if you are relying on this tool to do it all.
If the rakers are filed down too much, the chain will be grabby. Some have mentioned when using a 2 in 1 to only use the flat file for the rakers on every 3rd sharpening of the chain to avoid a chain getting grabby.
