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What size files do I need for my chain?

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Kimberly, Jul 22, 2018.

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  1. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    I need to do some serious sharpening on my chains for the Stihl saw. On the cutter link I see 325. Also, are those small electric hand held sharpeners with the grinding stones good or should I steer clear of them? I have some serious cutting to do of some oaks that are blown down here and at my sister's house; they have been down for a couple of years so are not green green.
     
    Kimberly, Jul 22, 2018
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  2. XXL

    XXL

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    3/16" or 4.8mm file
     
    XXL, Jul 22, 2018
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  3. Ralphie Boy

    Ralphie Boy

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    Get a Timberline sharpner, they are great for beginners and experienced cutters as well.
     
    Ralphie Boy, Jul 22, 2018
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  4. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Never heard of anyone using this and not liking it.
     
    brenndatomu, Jul 22, 2018
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  5. Ralphie Boy

    Ralphie Boy

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    Cheaper than a Timberline too...
     
    Ralphie Boy, Jul 22, 2018
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  6. bocefus78

    bocefus78

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    The stihl 2 in one is available much cheaper. It's made by pferd. Google that chit ( pferd 2 in 1) and save $20.

    And yes.....they are worth every penny. Even painted orange instead of blue
     
    bocefus78, Jul 22, 2018
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  7. Scotty Overkill

    Scotty Overkill Administrator

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    I'd start off with a 3/16" file on .325 chain, and as the cutters get smaller and smaller change out to a size or two smaller.
     
    Scotty Overkill, Jul 22, 2018
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  8. Scotty Overkill

    Scotty Overkill Administrator

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    I still prefer my Dremel with Oregon stones, but I do all my chains by eye, including the rakers. I've literally sharpened hundreds and hundreds of chains over the years, so ive got it down to a science.....

    One thing you have to watch for when using the electric rotary sharpener is getting the cutters hot. Once that happens, the chain doesn't hold an edge very long.
     
    Scotty Overkill, Jul 22, 2018
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  9. Fifelaker

    Fifelaker

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    You left out the part where it is almost impossible to file after they have been hot.
     
    Fifelaker, Jul 23, 2018
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  10. Scotty Overkill

    Scotty Overkill Administrator

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    True dat!
     
    Scotty Overkill, Jul 23, 2018
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  11. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam null

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    I try to keep it under 512 megabytes. You can go a full gig if you use good compression.
     
    Grizzly Adam, Jul 24, 2018
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  12. TurboDiesel

    TurboDiesel

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    ??
    You ok, Grizzly Adam Adam?
     
    TurboDiesel, Jul 24, 2018
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  13. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam null

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    Just some of my trademark dry humour.
     
    Grizzly Adam, Jul 24, 2018
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  14. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    I’d double “like” that if you provided the option....:whistle::rofl: :lol:
    I myself prefer twice the heat than any O-ring can withstand. Chili-speak, of course....:wacky:
     
    Eric VW, Jul 24, 2018
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  15. Scotty Overkill

    Scotty Overkill Administrator

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    Good to see you, Grizzly Adam! I've missed your humour!
     
    Scotty Overkill, Jul 24, 2018
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  16. SAWMIKAZE

    SAWMIKAZE

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    I actually started to use a 13/64 file on my lpx chains in .325..works VERY well.
     
    SAWMIKAZE, Jul 25, 2018
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  17. trail twister

    trail twister

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    I was useing a 110 volt rotory tool to sharpen my chains for years, like this. But not this brand.
    [​IMG]
    Then some one bought me a 12volt model so I could take it to the woods with me. Have never used it in fact I don't even remember where I put it.

    3 years ago I was given a harbor freight chain sharpener $29.99 20% less if you have a coupon. Now that is all I use and love it.
    People popo those cheap things but for a non pro fire wood cutter they do a great job and save money as you don't over sharpen, and are not paying the guy at the saw dealer to do the job.
    I have mine mounted so I can clamp it in my vice when I want to use it.

    [​IMG]


    :D Al
     
    trail twister, Jul 25, 2018
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  18. Hammy

    Hammy

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    Pferd or the Stihl 2 in 1 is the way to go for me. Does the depth gauges while you sharpen the teeth. Even an extremely unskilled operator (me) can get a usable chain out of one.
     
    Hammy, Jul 27, 2018
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  19. stuckinthemuck

    stuckinthemuck

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    Seems to be something amiss here.... can’t quite put my finger on it.... something tells me that the above set up would not yield a very good chain for cutting... hopefully you don’t mount the chain on your saw the same way,,...:picard:
     
    stuckinthemuck, Jul 27, 2018
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  20. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    :rofl: :lol:
     
    wildwest, Jul 27, 2018
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