Author Topic: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture  (Read 464 times)

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Offline Philbert

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Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
« on: May 25, 2021, 10:48:03 pm »
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

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Offline Philbert

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Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2021, 10:49:18 pm »
Photo of the fixture / jig:

Philbert

Offline Philbert

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Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2021, 10:52:49 pm »
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

Offline Philbert

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Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2021, 10:54:28 pm »
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
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Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2021, 07:29:19 am »
Thats really different.   :o

Most folks that hand file wont be going that route IMHO

 8)

Offline Philbert

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Re: Vert-i-File Chain Sharpening Fixture
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2021, 03:51:02 pm »
Thats really different.   :o

Most folks that hand file wont be going that route IMHO

 8)
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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