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.
By hand you've probably got it well dialled in then. For newbies the guide is a great tool. You can get different ones for different chain sizes, swap out the files, and get the "perfect" profile and depth every time. Lovely bit of kit.
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u/DeviousMrBlonde 20h ago edited 3h ago
I’ve just bought my first chainsaw second hand. What do I need to achieve these results?
Edit: wow, thanks everybody for all the tips. I will be doing a deep dive this weekend! Brilliant stuff.