Files for Sharpening: Best value?

[zzr7ky]

Hi -

I'm finally hit a fence wire in a tree that I had to cut. Since it might well contain more wire I filed it back and finished cutting lower and higher... Saved the chain, but the file is gone...

This got me to thinking. What is the best value in files for sharpening chains?

We're talking only hand filing here.

Stihl?, Oregon?, Diamond hone?

Thanks in advance,
Mike P

 

[computeruser]

Stihl files have done me fine, but I only do touch-ups with the files since I have a grinder. No complaints from those folks I know using the WoodsmanPro or Pferd files from Bailey's. No hands-on experience with Oregon files.

 

[Eric Johnson]

I would go to a saw dealer and pick up a pack of a dozen files for the kind of chain you run. They're pretty cheap, and I think they're all good. Pick up a raker file and a raker gauge while you're at it.

 

[Sandor]

Any file made in Europe.

 

[suematteva]

Usually my Husky dealer is stocking Oregon files $1.00 a piece...One day was cutting and could not find any in the truck so swung by a Ace Hardware and the Oregon file there was like 3.00.

 

[zzr7ky]

Thanks guy1

Vintage - That's what brought me to the board with this. I hit a fence in a log and bought a pair of files from a local store; not a saw dealer...

I just got another 'tree call'... "Hey my Dad said you might cut a tree for me?" I hope it's in a safe place to lay it down!

Thanks,
Mike P

 

[jjbaer]

I use a Dremmel elec hand grinder with a 4.5 mm stone attachment........stones cost about a buck each and I can sharpen a chain with no jig in about 3 minutes........quick and easy ..........the 90% solution.....