Do my cutters need more hook?

[wahoowad]

Here are a few photos of cutters from my Oregon S62/91VG safety chain. I sharpened it several times today while bucking up some standing dead oak. I was paying extra attention to my saw & chain performance as a function of how sharp I was keeping it.

I use this file guide and the right size file and give each cutter 4 or 5 passes to touch them up. After a touch it up it always pulls better, yet still does not last a tank of gas.

(broken image removed)

I'm using the file guide, keeping it perpendicular to the chain and keeping close to the 30 degree angle marked line. Why is the amount of hook so shallow if I'm using the file guide? Is the top plate cutting angle too shallow too? (depth gauges checked, touched up too)

 

[smokedragon]

keeping it perpendicular to the chain

I hope not.......perpendicular to the chain is taking all of the angle off of the tooth........

In all seriousness, are you sure the file size is correct? I ask only because the more I stare at your pictures, the more it looks like your file is too large in diameter. I would check that first.

 

[TreePointer]

Yeah, it does look like the file is too large. Note that 3/8 pitch and 3/8LP pitch are not the same.

3/8 takes a 7/32" (or 13/64" file) and matching guide.

3/8LP takes a 5/32" file and matching guide.

 

[wahoowad]

In all seriousness, are you sure the file size is correct? I ask only because the more I stare at your pictures, the more it looks like your file is too large in diameter. I would check that first.

Yes, just double-checked and both my file and file holder are marked 5/32. The Oregon specs for my chain confirm it needs 5/32. The file is several years old but still seems to be doing a decent job of removing material. I need to get a new one though.

My dealer said to rest the file holder on top of the leading edge of the cutter on one side and on top of the depth gauge on the other side. He was concerned I was letting the file holder rock back on the top of the angled cutter which lifts the file too high. It looks like I am doing this but I know I am holding the holding down on the depth gauge too.

I considered using the file free-hand but don't see how I will consistently keep 10 to 20% of it above the cutter the way the file guide does. Yet this seems to be part of my problem - file is too high?

 

[Woodfarmer1]

i file free hand, tried those guages once and didn't like them at all. i always say i will take my chains to a shop and have all the cutters set but never do, maybe this year.

 

[JustWood]

Your file guide is riding to high on the cutter. Try it fee hand and make your gullet lower on the chain which will make your cutter cut instead of slamming into the wood.

 

[smokinj]

Its because your filing right.

Your file guide is riding to high on the cutter. Try it fee hand and make your gullet lower on the chain which will make your cutter cut instead of slamming into the wood.

+1 And your getting really good. Just one small detail left.

 

[smokedragon]

Yet this seems to be part of my problem - file is too high?

I agree.

You may take it in and have the chain done by a pro (to get it right). It will AMAZE you how well it cuts after a good sharpening.

Or you could invest in something like this
http://www.timberlinesharpener.com/

or a grinder

 

[Clarkbug]

If you still want to use a guide, for touch-ups I really like the Husky roller guide. Keeps your file high, has the angle or chisel chain, and comes with a gauge to set your rakers.

I haven't ever used the fixed guide like yours, but it sounds like you have the right idea. One thought... the file might be the right size, but is the guide meant for low-pro chain?

 

[nwmo_aggie]

I found that exact guide in the driveway yesterday...I see no way that they could sharpen a chain low enough to create any sort of gullet. Your results are exactly what I'd expect from it.

 

[wahoowad]

Here's a cutter after using my new Granberg file-n-joint. Looks darn near the same. At least the Granberg will let me lower the file and try to get more belly in the cutter to produce more hook.

 

[smokedragon]

Forget how they look, do they "feel" sharp?? and do they throw big chips......if you can say yes to those two things, keep doing what you are doing.

If you say no, then something is wrong.