Chain sharpening service?

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

Devin86

New Member
May 14, 2013
24
Shinnston, WV
Anyone on here offer chain sharpening need 5 chains sharpened/ straightened out and rakers taken down till I get my grinder ordered and setup. I saw on e-bay someone offered a service only one local guy and he will not touch rakers and wants $12 a chain. If someone could lead me in the right direction it would be appreciated.
 
PM sent
 
you probably already know about round file and guide and flat file for the rakers....I find it works great and finally brought rakers down with good results, just took it easy on them...
 
  • Like
Reactions: TreePointer
$12......that's 2.5 times what I charge. In WV there nearly has to be a saw shop nearby that would grind them for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: smokinj
If you have a Dremel you can get the kit off amazon for like $15 shipped and grind your own... I had zero experience and was able to figure it out pretty easily.
 
I charge 5.00 for anything 20inch and under. For some reason the guys with bigger bars don't show up. ;) Unless its an Ice storm and the line guys have drop off over 20 chains at a clip.
 
$12/chain is robbery for anything under a 36" loop of full comp chain.
 
  • Like
Reactions: smokinj
I agree. My local saw shop charges 10.00. 12.00 for my carbide .
 
$10 is high!! I'm pretty good with my grinder and a flat file. I would charge $5 as well. A shop in my opinion should not be more than $7.
 
  • Like
Reactions: smokinj
I just gave up and went to $5/chain. I grind a small logging operation exclusively and a tree service when they get behind grinding themselves. I cut the logger a deal to keep his business & the tree service always brings enough short pole saw chains to balance out. IIRC, the saw shops are at $7 under 20" and $8 over 20". They don't grind themselves anymore, rather they have a guy like me pick up dull/drop off sharp once weekly. The fact they keep chains a week does bring me business. I assume the guy is getting around $4-6 and the shop is keeping the rest so I'm pretty much in line with my area.

ETA: I never touch a raker. Neither customer wants to pay the extra $1 I'd charge to fool with it.
 
ETA: I never touch a raker. Neither customer wants to pay the extra $1 I'd charge to fool with it.
I'm curious to know how often the rakers you see actually need lowered...I sharpened my own chains for a while before I realized even a little off when they need it makes a difference....
 
Hey Devin you ever get your grinder up and running?
 
Look at the pferd files and sharpening system at Bailys. I used one the other day and its amazingly easy It takes down the rakers and files cutters at the same time. If your going to be using a saw at all you need to learn how to file chain. Just practice
 
Every 3 sharpenings or so hit the rakers.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.