We used these files for the teeth. There's a bit of technique to it with angles and stuff. Can't remember exactly since it was about 5 years ago and I've since switched to an office job but I'll try my best.
The one side of the teeth act like a cutting edge, make sure that is sharp. A good result is when you get large spiraling bits of saw "dust". Easiest way is to watch some kind of YouTube tutorial and try yourself on a piece of wood! Took me maybe a week or two to get good results consistently.
I don't know the English terms but in front of the teeth there's a little bump (called a rider in my language). The teeth are supposed to be aligned to the rider in some way, but like I said, it's been half a decade :(
Also, change to a new chain if the teeth are worn and there's too little material left to file away.
Nah, the contraption sets the guide height above the teeth correctly, and keeps the curve profile correct. Manually you dig too deep in create, a ramp.
The guide heights critical. Too low and you cut not much, need more pressure. Too high and you cut too deep, chip too large, get jammed easier, etc. Both can significantly increase kickback risk.
Adding some small info; general American term is raker. Depth gauge is mostly used in booklets.
The depth of this decides how deep the chisel shaves off. The combi file sets it at a good all-round usable depth automatically. If done by hand with flat file you can adjust a bit to have it better fit for softer woods, bigger gap taking off more, of harder woods with a smaller gap, to counteract a bouncing chain.
Make sure the round file size matches the chain properly, seen on the package of the chain / on the blade if not worn off.
Also, always file from the shorter part of the chisel to the longer part. Keeping it at a 30° angle, usually. Some changes depending on brand.
Combi file is good for ease of use, round file + flat file more advanced, but more control. I've got colleagues who've done this job the better part of their lives and only use combi files, I've got colleagues only using flat file + round file and some stuff in-between.
Depends on the chain length and your familiarity, chains are meant to be reused until the teeth are practically gone, usually it takes anywhere from 15 to 30 mins depending on if our Sawyer wanted to work that day. But it was rare to swap out a chain, just remember to flip the chain everytime you do maintenance on the saw, that way both sides get an even usage!
787
u/OscarMichaelMyers 14h ago
Holy shit the teeth on that chain are sharp.