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#Post#: 87996--------------------------------------------------
Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
By: Philbert Date: May 25, 2021, 9:48 pm
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When sharpening chain, the position of the file, relative to
each tooth, determines the cutting angles. Many fixtures, jigs,
and guides have been designed to help position the file
accurately and consistently. The Vert-i-File takes a different
approach: it positions the chain, relative to the person doing
the sharpening, allowing them to guide the file horizontally,
and to see the cutting surfaces as they are being filed.
This simple change improves the ergonomics of sharpening, by
presenting the chain at a comfortable height, and eliminating
the need to reach across, or around, the powerhead or the bar.
It also eliminates common angle variations between Right and
Left side cutters, since they are both filed in the same
position.
The Vert-i-File positions the chain for filing, either mounted
on the saw, or on the guide bar with an optional
chain-tensioning accessory. It works with any pitch, gauge,
brand, or sequence of chain, as long as a suitable guide bar is
provided.
Once the chain is presented at the fixed, 30* angle, it’s still
up to the user to position the file relative to the cutter top
plate, create any ‘down angle’, define any ‘hook’, etc.,
allowing significant flexibility, and user preference. But,
because the filed surface is on top, they can see the effect of
each file stroke: it’s not hidden in the underside of the tooth.
The clean, simple design of the Vert-i-File is also appealing.
Constructed of welded aluminum, it is compact (about 11-1/4"
tall, and 4-1/2" front-to-back), light weight (about 12 ounces),
and appears pretty durable.
For more info www.vert-i-file.de
r.lehmann@superscharfekette.de
Philbert
#Post#: 87997--------------------------------------------------
Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
By: Philbert Date: May 25, 2021, 9:49 pm
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Photo of the fixture / jig:
Philbert
#Post#: 87998--------------------------------------------------
Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
By: Philbert Date: May 25, 2021, 9:52 pm
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The saw is secured to the angled surface with a single bolt
through the alignment hole that is common in many laminated
guide bars. If the bar does not have this hole, one has to be
drilled, or another bar used for sharpening. The company also
recommends drilling a mounting hole more towards the midpoint of
the bar, for longer guide bars, or with heavier saws, to better
balance these on the fixture.
The Vert-i-File is normally mounted in a bench vise. I like to
file outside, so I mounted mine in a 'Jawhorse', portable work
holder, and also mortised out a simple block of wood that I can
clamp to any work surface.
Philbert
#Post#: 87999--------------------------------------------------
Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
By: Philbert Date: May 25, 2021, 9:54 pm
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The chains I filed mostly needed 'touch-up sharpening': a few to
several strokes on each tooth, but no real reshaping of the
cutters. Holding the file horizontal is pretty intuitive, and
has a very short learning curve: it probably took me more time
to think about it than to do it. File the teeth on one side;
flip the bar and saw; file the other side. Being able to see the
progress of each file stroke is also a bonus: easy to see when
the edges are restored and you are done.
Use with guides? A lot of people are accustomed to using some
type of filing guide when sharpening. In theory, some of these
guides could still be used with the Vert-i-File, such as those
that attach to the file to control depth. But they would
interfere with the clear view of the sharpening process, which
is a key advantage of the device. File guides that normally
rest on the chain, or on the guide bar, could be problematic due
to the bar's orientation when fixed to the Vert-i-File. The
positioning, and stabilization of the cutters, are likely most
suited to using just a file and a handle.
Philbert
#Post#: 88000--------------------------------------------------
Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
By: Chainsawrepair Date: May 26, 2021, 6:29 am
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Thats really different. :o
Most folks that hand file wont be going that route IMHO
8)
#Post#: 88006--------------------------------------------------
Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
By: Philbert Date: May 26, 2021, 2:51 pm
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[quote author=Cut4fun . link=topic=7653.msg88000#msg88000
date=1622028559]
Thats really different. :o
Most folks that hand file wont be going that route IMHO
8)
[/quote]
Is IS different, which is what makes it interesting, among the
dozens (hundreds?, thousands?) of other chain filing /
sharpening aids!
Working in ergonomics, the basic concept of 'bringing the work
to the worker' is key. But another key feature, easy to
overlook, is being able to see the cutter edges as you file
them: something that not possible when filing 'blind' from
underneath the cutter.
As I have said many times: 'Lots of ways to sharpen; everyone
has to find something that works for them.' Not for everyone,
and probably not for advanced filers. But a lot of folks still
struggle with getting the basic 30° angle right, and buy lots of
file holders, fixtures, jigs, etc., to do that. But most people
can guide a file horizontally: this fixture positions the
cutters to be filed in that position, with the resulting angle
achieved.
So I think it will appeal to a number of newer filers, and
people not satisfied with their current methods, or who
appreciate being able to see the work as it progresses.
And a fun thing to think aboout!
Philbert
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