I should be sharpening my chains, but it is a PIA with a file and the jig. Yeah I know there are guys that can do it in their sleep. I aint one of them, and 12 bucks to sharpen a chain, (thats the cost around here, someplace Im sure its cheaper and this is what i have to deal with), well I need to figure something else out. So tell me boys and girls what are you doing to sharpen your chains?
Chain saw chain sharpeners
- Thread starter skeets
- Start date
I have a large stock of chains for my numerous saws and just change out the chains several times a day, like you I was not great with a file and agree it is a PIA. I purchased a very cheap electric chain saw sharpener to see if this method is better, my intent was to eventually invest in a much more robust chain saw sharpener but I'm still using my $24 (on special) unit.
The results are very good, yes it has a plastic body and lots of plastic parts but it meets all of the requirements to sharpen saw chains quickly and with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
www.harborfreight.com
The results are very good, yes it has a plastic body and lots of plastic parts but it meets all of the requirements to sharpen saw chains quickly and with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Electric Chain Saw Sharpener
Amazing deals on this Electric Chain Saw Sharpener at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
I like the Husqvarna guides. Can be found at Tractor Supply or online. All of my saws are chisel 3/8 .050 or 3/8p .050. I have both guides and files. A few licks between tanks is all it needs, unless you hit something.... I had .325 on a few saws and couldn't for the life of me sharpen them with the guides, so everything got switched to 3/8's.
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I just use the proper sized round file. For my occasional homeowner trimming of downed trees it cuts just fine.
Along this same discussion - My son worked for a tree-cutting company for many years. (Clearing under miles of powerlines and storm response) He headed up a team of guys that run many saws all day long every day for a living.
I once asked him how often do you guys sharpen their chains?
I expected him to say something like "We sharpen the chains twice a day"
I was VERY surprised when his answer was "As long as you do not touch the ground or have muddy wood, a chain stays sharp for a WEEK!!"
To be fair, these guys were using professional chains (more teeth per foot) on 4+ HP saws sharpened to chisel-point with FLAT file.... but still.... A whole week of daily cutting is impressive.
Along this same discussion - My son worked for a tree-cutting company for many years. (Clearing under miles of powerlines and storm response) He headed up a team of guys that run many saws all day long every day for a living.
I once asked him how often do you guys sharpen their chains?
I expected him to say something like "We sharpen the chains twice a day"
I was VERY surprised when his answer was "As long as you do not touch the ground or have muddy wood, a chain stays sharp for a WEEK!!"
To be fair, these guys were using professional chains (more teeth per foot) on 4+ HP saws sharpened to chisel-point with FLAT file.... but still.... A whole week of daily cutting is impressive.
This is worth every penny: https://m.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/filing-tools/2in1file/ Makes sharpening a no brainer.
My second favorite sharpening system is https://www.timberlinesharpener.com/
And the only reason they are my second pick is cost.
My second favorite sharpening system is https://www.timberlinesharpener.com/
And the only reason they are my second pick is cost.
torch
Well-known member
Equipment
B7100HSD, B2789, B2550, B4672, 48" cultivator, homemade FEL and Cab
I have the Princess Auto version of the Oregon 410 type saw chain grinders. It is one of many Chinese knock-offs and like all the others, required a bit of tuning and polishing out of the box. But once it is "race prepped" it produces wicked sharp chains on par with the original factory grind, even after a loop has had an unfortunate encounter with an embedded stone or nail.
+1. I have one too but I prefer the Stihl, Husky, Pferd file giude for a tpuch up. Bad chipped teeth, I use the grinder.I have a large stock of chains for my numerous saws and just change out the chains several times a day, like you I was not great with a file and agree it is a PIA. I purchased a very cheap electric chain saw sharpener to see if this method is better, my intent was to eventually invest in a much more robust chain saw sharpener but I'm still using my $24 (on special) unit.
The results are very good, yes it has a plastic body and lots of plastic parts but it meets all of the requirements to sharpen saw chains quickly and with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Electric Chain Saw Sharpener
Amazing deals on this Electric Chain Saw Sharpener at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
Don't like store ground loops. They charge you a bundle and remove way too much tooth because they want you to buy more loops.
I also have a Timberline and use a stump vise in the woods. Still prefer the stump vise and the Stihl File guide. Timberline is ok.
armylifer
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX1860, FEL, RCK54P MMM, BB1548 Box Scraper, Quick Hitch, Piranha Bar, BX6315
I just use a file with a guide. I have been using that for 40 years. I tried an Oregon Brand chain sharpener a few times but I could not get the hang of it. I have been using a file for so long it is like second nature for me.
dirtydeed
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B2650 BH77, U27-4R2, BX23TLBM, box blade, rear blade, flail mower, Stump Grinder
I'll second the Stihl 2 in one. I have one for each saw (two different pitches). They are well worth it and easy to use.
Try it Skeets.
Try it Skeets.
I use the Demel attachment. For years I used files and clamp on jigs with not a lot of success. 'Ureka' was realizing what part of the hook needed touchng, which is the lip at the tip. I still use the Dremel but a file would work too, the Dremel also reminds me of the correct angle (and I am lazy).
I used to keep a dozen chains on hand, swapping rather than sharpening (and sharpening poorly to boot!) I also used to cut until the chain would not cut anymore. Now, I sharpen after each use or if I am cutting a lot, during the job. Still on the same chain on each of the saws I bought over the last eight years. One is getting close to worn out but it still cuts like new. I had a 'pro' do a bunch of chains once, his job was no better than mine at the time (which was not very good).
Slowly I learned to know when a chain was dulling, when the bar was worn. It is so nice to have a well maintaned saw that you can just set on a log and have it rip through.
I used to keep a dozen chains on hand, swapping rather than sharpening (and sharpening poorly to boot!) I also used to cut until the chain would not cut anymore. Now, I sharpen after each use or if I am cutting a lot, during the job. Still on the same chain on each of the saws I bought over the last eight years. One is getting close to worn out but it still cuts like new. I had a 'pro' do a bunch of chains once, his job was no better than mine at the time (which was not very good).
Slowly I learned to know when a chain was dulling, when the bar was worn. It is so nice to have a well maintaned saw that you can just set on a log and have it rip through.
All my saws are Stihl, I just ordered a 3/8P Stihl 2 in one sharpener and will give it a try, I've only used the old style files before. Thanks for all the input and recommendations from everyone on this.
dirtydeed
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B2650 BH77, U27-4R2, BX23TLBM, box blade, rear blade, flail mower, Stump Grinder
Just an FYI to all...The stihl 2 in one can be used on any saw that has the correct pitch chain. I have one in 3/8" and one in .325"....they are both Husqvarna saws. You can get the Stihl 2 in 1 on amazon or many ACE hardware stores carry them. Well worth the $.
I cured a lot of my dull issues switching to plastic wedges a few years back.
That harbor freight electric sure looks tempting , I'm currently using dremel as like other posting local sharpening isn't worth it.
Amazon Oregon chain is $17.00 for echo timber wolf.
That harbor freight electric sure looks tempting , I'm currently using dremel as like other posting local sharpening isn't worth it.
Amazon Oregon chain is $17.00 for echo timber wolf.
I've been using the cheapo Harbor Freight electric sharpener I bought with a coupon for $19.95. I have been using it for a few years. No problems with it. I have a stock of chains for all my chain saws and when they dull up, I change them and hang the dull ones on a nail in the barn. When I get a stock of them, I set up in my nice warm wood stove basement and grind away. My neighbor spent $350.00 on a "Professional" quality sharpener and asked me to show him how to sharpen his chains and I couldn't believe it wasn't much better than my cheapo version.
I've been using one like this for 30 years. I have a fancy Oregon sharpener that cost over $200 years ago, and I haven't used it 2 hours total.
With the saw clamped securely in a vice, a good file and some practice is as fast and almost as good as any jig. it's taken me a while to figure it out but if i can, trust me, you can too.
As soon as the file feels like it's not cutting metal, chuck it and get a new one.
A guide on the file is a good help to start. As is the depth gauge for the rakers. A good flat file is needed for them. I believe hitting those rakers every couple of sharpens is as important as a good edge on the tooth itself.
I have not tried a 2n1 Sthil file but i'd like to. it looks handy.
'Buckin' Billy' on youtube has some good sharpening videos, (as do others).
Or, make friends with guys who make a living in the woods.
As soon as the file feels like it's not cutting metal, chuck it and get a new one.
A guide on the file is a good help to start. As is the depth gauge for the rakers. A good flat file is needed for them. I believe hitting those rakers every couple of sharpens is as important as a good edge on the tooth itself.
I have not tried a 2n1 Sthil file but i'd like to. it looks handy.
'Buckin' Billy' on youtube has some good sharpening videos, (as do others).
Or, make friends with guys who make a living in the woods.