Chain sharpening difference?

[dodge man]

Here are a couple of pictures. I sharpened it a few days ago before I put it away.

 

[2manyrocks]

Those gullets don't look to have the right profile and rakers seem a bit tall to my eye.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I don't like these round edges tooth chain, I much rather the square tooth chain... round tooth are good when working in dirty stuff and are easier to sharpen but doesn't bite nearly as much.

 

[airbiscuit]

Buy a chisel chain and do a comparison test. Then you'll go out and buy a second chisel chain

 

[dodge man]

I see what you mean about the gullets, I’m letting the file ride to low. I can actually see things better in the photo than I can with my eyes.

I actually think if I took the saw out with the chain like it shows in the pictures it would cut well but that doesn’t make it right either.

 

[John_Mc]

I see what you mean about the gullets, I’m letting the file ride to low. I can actually see things better in the photo than I can with my eyes.

It looks to me as though you are letting the file ride too highand/or might not be using the correct file size. Your side plate should have a bit more of a "C" shape than is apparent in those pictures. It could just be the angle from which your picture was taken. I'd suggest comparing the profile of your chain to a new one.

What pitch chain are you using, and what size file? Are you using any sort of guide when sharpening or setting the depth gauges?

@dodge man - you mentioned that your normal practice is 2 passes per tooth. When sharpening, it's important to go until the tooth is actually sharp, not just a set number of strokes of the file.

One of the best videos I've seen on sharpening a chain is this one: The Art and Science of Chain Sharpening
Unfortunately, you have to pay to see it. (And no, I have no financial connection and don't get a piece of the cut.)

 

[JeepHead]

I really like the Stihl two in one files because the hit the tooth and the raker at the same time. They are a bit pricey but the files are replaceable.

Amazon.com

 

[dodge man]

I’m pretty sure I’m using the correct file size. I can check though. I’ve got a brand new chain I can look at. I get decent results after I sharpen but I suspect I’m not doing it a 100% correct, I can do better. A picture of what I use to sharpen with.

 

[2manyrocks]

I also wonder if you need a larger file to sharpen the full gullet? I like the two in one files.

 

[Skeans1]

Stock vs ground there’s a huge difference in speed and how much more wood is being removed if the saw can actually pull that chip load out. Yes a stock chain needs the rakers dropped to even be considered decent for falling timber. It’s not super common to see any round ground cutters for falling other then harvester application one reason is speed as well smoothness in the cut.