Problem sharpening a new chain

dodge man · Dec 22, 2021

I use this type of file guide for hand sharpening my chains although mine is Stihl brand. I don’t really want to buy a new system as this normally works fine.

The problem is on a new chain something on the guide hangs up and doesn’t allow me to sharpen the chain with the guide install. Not a big deal I just remove the guide. After I have run a few tanks of fuel on a new chain and sharpened it a few times I can reinstall the guide. What is happening with the guide catching on a new chain? I can’t really see what is hanging up. This is one of those questions I’m more curious of what’s going on than really needing to know.

Doughknob · Dec 22, 2021

Don't know. Have same sharpener but have never used the guide. Can't see what i am doing with it in the way. My chain has guide lines on the teeth so i just eyeball it with those marks.

kenmbz · Dec 22, 2021

Catching the tip of the chisel on the tooth?

dodge man · Dec 22, 2021

kenmbz said:
Catching the tip of the chisel on the tooth?

I don’t think so, it seems to catch off and on the length of the file.

ericm979 · Dec 22, 2021

I have a couple theories: Some new chains come with a profile under the cutting edge that does not match the curve of the file, at least not where the guide positions the file. So you're recurving the profile when you file which can be kind of grabby until you've filed a few times and made the teeth match the file. With hand filing you position the file in a slightly different way.

The other theory is that on a new chain the distance between the tip of the cutter and the back of the raker is pretty short. The guide may be keeping the file up a little more than when you hand file, and the file may be hitting the back of the rakers.

When I was young it was easy to see what was happening when I sharpened chains. Now I need reading glasses.

EddieWalker · Dec 22, 2021

Is it the correct sized file for the chain? I made this mistake once and didn't realize that you had to have different sized files for the different sized chains. I know have the Stihl version of this and it's night and day better.

https://www.amazon.com/Stihl-Chainsaw-Chain-Sharpener-Replacement/dp/B07JCC7G1J/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1T0TAKVWOUDKR&keywords=stihl+chain+saw+shaperener+tool&qid=1640185895&sprefix=stihl+chain+saw%2Caps%2C339&sr=8-5

dodge man · Dec 22, 2021

It’s the correct size file. I think Eric’s theories make sense.

s219 · Dec 22, 2021

Can't say I have ever noticed this and I sharpen a lot. Use the same style guide. It's likely based on how the original chain was ground, and the particular shape of the gullet and point. What brand chains are they?

oosik · Dec 22, 2021

I think it has to do with the chain companies trying to make their new chains easier for newbies to sharpen. I got a new Oregon chain for my Stihl. It was a purple ***** to sharpen the first few times. I have the sharpener that Dodge Man shows and an Oregon - clamp on the bar type. Both were a real PITA the first couple times. Then something got "ground out" and both work just fine now.