Had to Buy Diamond Files to Sharpen? WTH?

Went to sharpen a 25" chain earlier this week and the file just skated off some of the teeth whereas some of them it sharpened as usual. Tried a new file and same result. Used chain that ive previously sharpened by hand. Did the last cut overheat and harden the leading edge of the teeth? Ive had this happen before with fresh out of box chains, but dont recall this ever on used chain. Anyone else have this happen?
Just got them today and havent tried them out yet.

 

Yep, I've had it happen. When a friend ground some chain for me, a few must have over heated. File just skated. I used my dremel and a round stone to grind off some and then the file was able to bite in and teeth were back to normal.

 

I wonder how long those last compared to standard files.

 

For sharpening normal chains probably a long time. Now that i have them im tempted to try a loop of carbide chain. You ever run carbide chain?

 

I haven't.

 

I've read they aren't fast wood cutters. More for cutting structures with nails ect. Like fire fighters have to do.

 

I have a couple .63 gauge stihl chains that did this the first time I tried to file them. Had to use my buddies grinder to get them back in shape. I think this happens with all brands of chain though.

 

My guess is the diamond won't give you the results you desire. Do you have a dremel or do you have someone that can put those hardened cutters on a grinder? Just takes a little to grind off that super hard metal.

 

Ill give it a shot first with the file.

I have dremel bits ive put in a cordless drill. Had a harbor freight chain saw sharpening dremel that died (gift) and i never replaced.

 

I am glad I read this thread because I actually have a Stihl 20" carbide chain and would like to sharpen it and didn't know if I could. Hmmm... just sharpen the teeth like you normally would? That means I am in trouble, because I suck at sharpening, lol.

I bought the carbide to try bucking a shipload of oak logs that were dirty with sand. It cut fine when new, as it has dulled, it cuts worse, of course, but it's still usable. But I'd rather have it sharper.

 

Is it .375 pitch chain? Id be glad to send you the extra 7/32 file Bill.

I did sharpen with the diamond file this morning, but didnt go back with the "normal" file to see if it got rid of the hardened metal completely.

 

Hello buZZsaw I just got around to checking your post most diamond sharpening files and wheels work better with a little lube on them wd40, diesel fuel light oil I have the wheels to sharpen the fire co bullett chains they were @ 300.00 each . I also have noticed that some brands of files work better on certain hard chains Pferd files seem to be a little harder and deal with that problem better JB

 

The rescue chains are specific chains designed for that sometimes called bullet chain they do make Carbide logger chain it is not as fast cutting but for muddy logs it holds it's edge as with any carbide it does not like impact with steel it chips off I have used carbide chain at the chipper when I was land clearing the tops were skidded through the mud and a regular chain just would dull way to fast the biggest downside is the price they are very expensive JB

 

I can sharpen it for you I have the special wheels is it 3/8 JB

 

Yea there really for like demolition work or rescue stuff. As firefighters we may have to vent a roof to pull smoke away from a point. You have to cut the roof. Cutting through metal roof with a regular chain doesn't work too well neither does cutting through shingles and the decking and any nails that you might hit. We all know how two seconds in the dirt dull the chain so much so that you have to force the saw through a cut and overheat and smoke. Slow cuts are not something you want when trying to get the vent cut and outbid the way so the attack guys can move in and hit the fire before it blows up now that it's drafting well.

 

Makes sense to me.

 

I could see that. My diamond knife sharpeners requires frequent cleaning with soap and water to get rid of the buildup.

 

If only there was a guy here with some diamond files and regular chain that would let us know......

 

I know a guy.

Didnt seem to clog the file up that i could tell. Normally i tap the file on the vise to knock off any filings.