Where’s the best place or way to increase performance with a chainsaw.

[John_Mc]

I use this product from Stihl to field sharpen my chains. It works super well and is cheap. Not sure if it works on non Stihl chains, but others may.
2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener | STIHL USA

It does work on non-Stihl chains. It's actually made by Pferd as the Chainsharp CS-X The Stihl 2-in-1 sharpener is just the same thing in a different color, with the Stihl name on it.

One minor issue: Most 3/8" pitch chains recommend using a 7/32" round file. For whatever reason, Stihl recommends a 13/64" file. The Stihl 2-in-1 sharpener and the Pferd CS-X for 3/8" pitch chains have 13/64" files in them. It's not that big of a deal (there is only about 0.015" difference in diameter) - either size file will work on most 3/8" pitch chains, as long as the guide holds the file at the appropriate height in relation to the cutter tooth. The problem comes if you switch back and forth: once the gullet in the tooth is shaped for one file, it takes a bit more filing to get it reshaped if you switch to that slightly different size.

I'm not sure if the 2-in-1 / CS-X works on skip chain or on the safety chain that has an extra bumper link in it. It might, but since I don't use that style chain (and don't own a 2-in-1 / CS-X sharpener), I've never tried it.

 

[ArlyA]

Gee, I like the idea behind this filing system and following is a few silly questions concerning it. Are both files it takes, that is the square and round ones special for this tool? Seem the rake or flat one would need to be..... Thanks!

It does work on non-Stihl chains. It's actually made by Pferd as the Chainsharp CS-X The Stihl 2-in-1 sharpener is just the same thing in a different color, with the Stihl name on it.

One minor issue: Most 3/8" pitch chains recommend using a 7/32" round file. For whatever reason, Stihl recommends a 13/64" file. The Stihl 2-in-1 sharpener and the Pferd CS-X for 3/8" pitch chains have 13/64" files in them. It's not that big of a deal (there is only about 0.015" difference in diameter) - either size file will work on most 3/8" pitch chains, as long as the guide holds the file at the appropriate height in relation to the cutter tooth. The problem comes if you switch back and forth: once the gullet in the tooth is shaped for one file, it takes a bit more filing to get it reshaped if you switch to that slightly different size.

I'm not sure if the 2-in-1 / CS-X works on skip chain or on the safety chain that has an extra bumper link in it. It might, but since I don't use that style chain (and don't own a 2-in-1 / CS-X sharpener), I've never tried it.

 

[ericm979]

I wonder if it files the depth gauges progressively? Due to the way the tooth tilts when engaging wood the depth gauge needs to be lower as the tooth is filed and the cutting surface moves farther and farther from the depth gauge.

I've been using the depth gauge setting tool on a Husquvarna roller type guide. I tried it for filing and it's yet another filing aid that does not work as well as hand filing for me. But the depth gauge part is good. Husky makes stand alone depth gauge tools, I need to buy them for all my sizes of chain next time I order from Baileys.

 

[John_Mc]

I wonder if it files the depth gauges progressively? Due to the way the tooth tilts when engaging wood the depth gauge needs to be lower as the tooth is filed and the cutting surface moves farther and farther from the depth gauge.

I've been using the depth gauge setting tool on a Husquvarna roller type guide. I tried it for filing and it's yet another filing aid that does not work as well as hand filing for me. But the depth gauge part is good. Husky makes stand alone depth gauge tools, I need to buy them for all my sizes of chain next time I order from Baileys.

No, it does not file the depth gauges progressively, which is one of the reasons I don't use it. It also does not tune the depth gauge specifically to the associated tooth. It averages the depth gauge between two adjacent teeth. This is fine if you keep all of your teeth the same length, but you lose a bit of efficiency if you don't. I prefer the depth gauge tool that works like the one on Husky's "Swedish Roller Guide" or their stand-alone depth gauge tool. (Using it makes the chain much more tolerant of different sized cutters.)

 

[4570Man]

I’m prone to cutting myself or filing the teeth if I file the rakers by hand. When I notice the chain isn’t taking a good bite i take it off and give each raker a light touch on the bench grinder. Maybe it’s not the only best way but it works.

 

[ArlyA]

Bench grinder method is what I do as well.

I’m prone to cutting myself or filing the teeth if I file the rackers by hand. When I notice the chain isn’t taking a good bite i take it off and give each raker a light touch on the bench grinder. Maybe it’s not the only best way but it works.

 

[kthompson]

I watched the video on the guys who I suppose are to be pros with their saws telling how they are breaking them in.

A tru pro does not run such without eye and hearing protection for they want to hear and see. Chain saws are dangerous to both. Not too impressed with two people running chain saws basically one on top of the other one. It only takes a stumble to land on the other saw. But I like to see and hear my grands and also have two arms to play with them.

 

[John_Mc]

Re: Where痴 the best place or way to increase performance with a chainsaw.

Gee, I like the idea behind this filing system and following is a few silly questions concerning it. Are both files it takes, that is the square and round ones special for this tool? Seem the rake or flat one would need to be..... Thanks!

I'm not sure, since I don't own one. I did use the "contact us" link on the PferdUSA website (scroll to bottom of page and look in the fine print) for a question about one of their products recently. I posted early in the morning, and got a knowledgeable answer back the same day.

If it is only their files which work, they do happen to make very good files.

 

[newbury]

I've looked but it seems the Stihl 2n1 only comes in 1 size. The Pferd, PFERD Chain Saw Files & Accessories - CHAIN SHARP® CS-X - CHAIN SHARP CS-X, lists 4 sizes, for chain from 3/8th LP to .404.

Bailey's (Pferd Filing Guides | Chain Filing Guides | Husqvarna Chainsaws, Outdoor Power Equipment and Tree Care Supplies from Bailey's) carries them all for $30@.

 

[ArlyA]

I couldn't get your link to work but the flat files are sold at Baileys for $10.


>>Pferd Replacement Depth Gauge File for 5/32" Chain Sharp Only: $9.99<<

I've looked but it seems the Stihl 2n1 only comes in 1 size. The Pferd, PFERD Chain Saw Files & Accessories - CHAIN SHARP® CS-X - CHAIN SHARP CS-X, lists 4 sizes, for chain from 3/8th LP to .404.

Bailey's (Pferd Filing Guides | Chain Filing Guides | Husqvarna Chainsaws, Outdoor Power Equipment and Tree Care Supplies from Bailey's) carries them all for $30@.