It likely makes hand filing easier and may prolong the life of the file to remove the gullet with a round file prior to square filing. However, I don't think it's required to remove gullet prior to hand filing. I like to leave at least 1/8th inch for chip flow on square ground chain or enough that it acts as a paddle to push chips to the bottom of the kerf. I think this helps push chips down to the bottom of the kerf so the rakers can do their job raking out the chips. If the gullet is completely removed chip flow may go toward the rivets and create more drag on the sides of the chain. However, if the gullets are never cut back they could become wider than the kerf and create more drag. This is why I think a happy medium is good. At least 1/8th and not too much that it is wider than the kerf.
Never seen that method before. I'll have to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi Todd. Right on, happy to share this one.
I like what I’m seeing here! 👍🏻. Good stuff & I’ll definitely be trying this out!
Great video! Thank you!
Right on Kirk! Much appreciated thank you.
Just now seeing this. I’m one of those that file single cutters by hand, but from the top. I’ll try this technique👍🏻
Right on IndianaDoug! I'm always looking for new and better ways to sharpen chain. You have a pretty cool channel. I'm checking it out right now.
Square cutting is quick af!
It's definitely smooth and fast cutting.
Gonna be trying this for sure
Thanks for sharing
Would be interesting to see a video on square filing on the saw.
Freakin brilliant method. Well done.
Thanks!
Cool setup, probably have everything to make this in my shop.
Definitely an easy setup! Thanks for checking it out.
Nice
Embarrassed to say I have trouble round filing with a guide. I'm old and half blind so I don't feel so bad. 👍👍
Hey Joe, Thanks for checking out the video!
How can you correct the side plate angle, maybe from 90 to 80 degrees? Thanks
Hi Tobias, sorry I missed this comment. I twist the file a bit and watch the side plate change as I file. Once it's there it's there.
does the gullet material need to be removed?
It likely makes hand filing easier and may prolong the life of the file to remove the gullet with a round file prior to square filing. However, I don't think it's required to remove gullet prior to hand filing. I like to leave at least 1/8th inch for chip flow on square ground chain or enough that it acts as a paddle to push chips to the bottom of the kerf. I think this helps push chips down to the bottom of the kerf so the rakers can do their job raking out the chips. If the gullet is completely removed chip flow may go toward the rivets and create more drag on the sides of the chain. However, if the gullets are never cut back they could become wider than the kerf and create more drag. This is why I think a happy medium is good. At least 1/8th and not too much that it is wider than the kerf.
Where do you get your files? Are they double bevel?
I get them from Madsen's.
Quite a few options on eBay as well - I prefer Vallorbe - seem to be the smoothest cutting. Models 2279, 2276 or 2270.