When to replace chainsaw file

[CobyRupert]

How many sharpenings does a chain saw file typically last?

When do you know it's time for a new? When it pushes too easy? When you've spun it many times and cleaned the burrs but it still seem to push "easy"?

Seems like the file wears more at the end of your back hand end where it probably is moving faster through the tooth than at the starting end? Maybe my imagination.

Do they usually last longer than the chain they're sharpening? 2 chains? 3?

 

[Coyote machine]

Hard to say- would depend on pressure used, how dull the chain was, how much material removed per pass, etc.

Buy a box of files at one time from your saw brand dealer or online, throw out dull ones when they no longer cut cleanly, and remember - how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

 

[CobyRupert]

......, and remember - how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Good question. I'm also curious on how much pine would a porcupine pork if a porcupine could pork pine?

(Maybe they do?)

 

[jaotguy]

if the "chain " was dull and work hardened, you might get 1-2 sharpenings from a file.

if you stop often and "touch up" the blade, the file should last a long time...

if the file slides easily and the chain isn't hardened , toss the file and get a new one....

 

[Bluegill2]

When they lose that new cut feel I throw em out. Also, pulling the file back making contact with the tooth will dull em very quick.

 

[Egon]

if the "chain " was dull and work hardened, you might get 1-2 sharpenings from a file.

if you stop often and "touch up" the blade, the file should last a long time...

if the file slides easily and the chain isn't hardened , toss the file and get a new one....

Agreed and time to chuck the chain. Once they are overheated they are basically good for junk cutting.

 

[Giles]

I very seldom use a file since purchasing an Oregon grinder some time ago. When using a chain file, you should constantly turn so as to have even wear the entire length of the cutters. I mark a new file on the handle end with a marking pen and this helps. I have many worn files and use them on objects other then chain filing--like elongating a small hole.

 

[turnkey4099]

Hard to describe but one gets used to recognizing when it is time. If the file "snagging" throw it out. I used to fight them, rotate, clean, etc. Nothing would clear the 'snag'.

It took me years to finally learn to throw dull files out instead of forcing them to cut. Turned a miserable job of sharpening saw chains into a quick rather pleasurable task. I use one of those clamp on guides that set all the angles. Time to do a 20" loop (5 strokes/tooth) is well under 10 minutes and that includes adjusting the chain tension, clamping saw in the vise, mounting the file guide.

Someone else said it "buy them by the dozen and throw away often'.

Harry K

 

[jaotguy]

Agreed and time to chuck the chain. Once they are overheated they are basically good for junk cutting.

I keep an cordless drill and a set of "stones" instead of files these days ... touch up is quicker, less effort and will tackle the work hardened cutters better ...

 

[Egon]

I've tried power grinders. It means I can turn a good chain into a piece of junk in just a few minutes. Just naturally clumsy.

 

[jpm1]

When dad was alive he would use a file and me a grinder. An old pro at saw sharpening told him, use a file one time on a chain, when your done, throw it out. That what he did and his chains cut really good. Almost as good as my machine ground chains. He use to say the file never felt right on the second chain. It just didn't cut even he said. After three or four filings he would give me his chains to even up on my grinder. They were always real close to perfect. He had a good eye for sharpening and angles. Wish i could say the same for my hand sharpened chains. Like Egon said, " I can turn a good chain into a piece of junk in minutes"
I sharpen a lot of chains a week and guys have told me that when i grind a chain, it cuts better than it did when it was new. For me, i threw the file away years ago . . . .John

 

[murphy1244]

I just bought a Oregon 510A last month and I absolutely love it. Never have my chains cut like they do now. I save the files for out in the woods.

 

[Redbug]

Good question...What I do is keep a new file nearby. I will occasionally use it after using an older one. You can easily compare and it gets easy to throw the worn out ones away, then. Like night vs day.

 

[luvmexfood]

For me I can feel when the file is not cutting. Little or no metal shavings when you tap your file on something to knock the shavings loose. I do a little logging small time. I do a lot of my supply purchases, sawchains etc. online. Wait till you see a sell and then stock up. Last month I bought German made Pferd files for right around a buck a piece if you buy a dozen. Try to order several things at one time to save on freight. Say if you need one chain now go ahead and buy two. You will need it sooner or later. Company I deal with usually has one rate for shipping. $9.99 no matter how much stuff you get.

 

[rswyan]

<sigh> ... the pitfalls of living in a "disposable" society ...

Fortunately, there is Old Sneelock and his Workshop ...

 

[Bluegill2]

My chains cut faster than 'out of the box' after a hand filling. 5 minutes tops on a 72 DL or less chain. Throw the file out when it dull, 4-6 sharpenings...

 

[Giles]

"My chains cut faster than 'out of the box' after a hand filling"

WOW!!!!

 

[CobyRupert]

My chains cut faster than 'out of the box' after a hand filling. 5 minutes tops on a 72 DL or less chain. Throw the file out when it dull, 4-6 sharpenings...

4-6 sharpenings?! I must have about 25-50 on mine. I guess I've got my money's worth out of it and can afford to splurge $1.45 on another. Heck, maybe even two!

Even when I'm "just going to touch it up", "2-3 strokes each", somehow I end up taking 5-7 on each tooth until it "feels" right. Don't know why I do this. :confused3:

 

[square1]

I don't know, you just know, you know?

 

[oldballs]

4-6 sharpenings?! I must have about 25-50 on mine. I guess I've got my money's worth out of it and can afford to splurge $1.45 on another. Heck, maybe even two!

Even when I'm "just going to touch it up", "2-3 strokes each", somehow I end up taking 5-7 on each tooth until it "feels" right. Don't know why I do this. :confused3:

Same here.