Chain ID ? (story with pics show why I started filing my own chains)

After reading all of these comments, it would seem that the speed of the grinder (with everything else being perfect) is the real problem. Any of the pro grinders have variable speed?

 

That's not a great way to look at it. My edge tool-grinding experience is all with chisels and plane irons, but it's got to be basically the same deal; heat builds up in the steel when you're asking the grinder to take off too much material too quickly. The size of the bite and the amount of pressure applied matter just as much as RPM's, if not more.

 

Makes sense too. But, wouldn't a slower grind speed help? I'm just thinking, that's the advantage of using a file? Doesn't create as much heat?

 

There's more to the difference between files and grinders than just speed. The surface of a file is an organized series of cutting edges whereas a grinding wheel is a matrix of abrasive particles. The file cuts more efficiently but it would be very difficult (i.e. expensive) to make a circular file perfect enough to be used on a grinder-like apparatus.

A much lower-speed grinder would make it harder to screw up, but it would be the equivalent of training wheels. The problem isn't the grinder, it's operator impatience, recklessness and/or ignorance.

 

To make softer =anealing= temp and time length varies with composition of steel. Steels like chainsaw teeth or saw blade bodies when slightly heated become glass hard very brittle right at the point of heat ( if not heated to the anealing temp), the edge just kind of chips away That is why and over heated chainsaw tooth will strip the teeth of a file off.

 

I have noticed the same thing with my usg ,i never have to dress the wheel hardly unless i have a super oily chain ,the oregon wheel i was constantly dressing and it still heated the cutters up

 

+1

Now I will admit, my cheap pocket knife, I run it a few passes across the bench grinder, (usually when some one I hunt with is in the shop visiting).
Never have anyone ask me to sharpen their knives.

Went thru the paying to have my chains sharpened & found it to be very inconsistent & end up
with a shorter life on the chains.

But I'm cutting maybe 10 cord of firewood/year,
Don't even use up 1 chain per year.
IMO, a file seems to me to be very cost effective & easy to learn to use,

For my situation, a file is much easier & cheaper, & faster than the grinding machines.
+ the chance of over heating the cutters is nil.
+ if needed, I can sharpen the chain in the field.
But again I'm cutting firewood, not making boards.