Chain sharpening

[RandyBoBandy]

I use a Stihl FG2 for my precision sharpening. I also use a veneer caliper to keep all the cutters within 10 thou of each other. Flat file the rakers and clean up the gullets and the end result is a crazy sharp chain that eats and holds its edge for quite awhile. Much longer than I could ever achieve filing by hand. I will run a file through a chain in the field when fueling up but that’s like a swipe or two on each cutter. If I hand file to much the cutters come back all different lengths and it’s time consuming to get them back to a common length. May seem excessive but it gives me an excuse to hang out in the barn with the old Fisher. Plus the end result is a chain that’s better than out of the box.

 

[SpaceBus]

I seem to be messing up my chain with my 2-in-1, but I didn't realize it until I noticed it. I'm going to keep with it for now, and pay closer attention and compensate if need be, at least for the rest of this season, then see where I stand.

You could get an inexpensive pair of dial calipers or some kind of micrometer to make sure you are applying even pressure and keeping the cutters at the same length.

 

[SpaceBus]

I don't really even sharpen knives free hand anymore. The results when using some kind of fixed angle or guided sharpening system are far superior.

 

[firefighterjake]

I have to admit . . . I ended up buying a cheap electric grinder, but rarely use it. Instead I free hand file when needed, but mostly I bring it to the local Amish chainsaw shop as they are wicked cheap and do a much better job than I ever could do.

 

[D8Chumley]

curious if you use the file-n-joint to do your depth gauges, or if you only utilize it on the cutters? i know it can do the depth gauges, but i've never used it that way.

Like Spacebus said, I use a separate raker guide and flat file

 

[Sawset]

An interesting perspective on saw chain function and sharpening:
(broken link removed to http://www.azwoodturners.org/wood/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Carlton-Chain-sharpening-Complete-Book.pdf)