Need a chain sharpener for a beginner

There is a very good clamp system that is fast and accurate ( yes its hand powered ) However it relies on the bar clamp for accuracy not you.
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-23736A-Professional-Bar-Mount-Filing/dp/B000B8JCRI

The other good one that I have used is bench top mine is from harbor freight it takes patience but works very very well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-chain-saw-sharpener-93213.html

There are numerous others out there but for the home consumer these seem to be the best I have found besides a hand file. I have found that if I hit the teeth once every tank of gas with a hand file the chain stays sharp for a very long time. Keep in mind that you won't always be able to use a bench top sharpener when you need to if your in the field all day this is where a hand powered file will save you lots of agony it is indispensable at times. This is where the Oregon bar clamp would come in handy for your needs.

Good luck
Pete

I bought an electric sharpener from Northern Tools for $130 last year. Like you, I knew that hand filing was not something that I would learn to do well. It took some practice but I am very pleased with the results. I have four chains and never need to drop off and pick up chains from my local shop. If you are buying additional chains, most members of this site will recommend full chisel rather than the green label chains. I didn't know the difference until after I bought two chains. Search this site for chain sharpening. You will find many good tips and some links to YouTube videos. Once I understood the process, I was able to get better results. Here is a link with a photo and reviews of the Northern Tools sharpener:

http://reviews.northerntool.com/039...ount-chain-grinder-reviews/reviews.htm?page=2

This sharpener is similar to the orange one from Harbor Freight. Two main differences are more metal/less plastic and a lever to tighten/release the chain rather than screwing and unscrewing a plastic fastener.

I just ordered a Timberline Sharpening tool. Waiting on delivery. Will comment after that
http://www.timberlinesharpener.com/

I have a timberline. It takes a bit to get used to.. but it's near foolproof for the angles. It's also nice and slow turning it by hand, and you can see everything you are doing. Hardest part is just setting it on. Takes just a few minutes to realize that it's gotta be level, and low enough to get under the chisel, but high enough to let you pull chain thru.

Sometimes I can set it on in 5 seconds.. others it takes me a minute of tweaking. once you've got it set.. just a few minutes to get all the cutters.

JP

http://www.amazon.com/Granberg-Bar-...4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1326030216&sr=1-4

I have never used this but it gets great reviews on this site

JP11 said:

I have a timberline. It takes a bit to get used to.. but it's near foolproof for the angles. It's also nice and slow turning it by hand, and you can see everything you are doing. Hardest part is just setting it on. Takes just a few minutes to realize that it's gotta be level, and low enough to get under the chisel, but high enough to let you pull chain thru.

Sometimes I can set it on in 5 seconds.. others it takes me a minute of tweaking. once you've got it set.. just a few minutes to get all the cutters.

JP

Click to expand...

That's a very interesting device. I'd be very interested in seeing how a chain sharpened with one performs in the cut. Price is very reasonable as well, considering the obvious quality of the machining.

Our local Ace Hardware will sharpen them. Before I got my chainsaw this year I used my brother in laws and he asked me to get 2 chains done. It was @ 7 Bucks per chain!

Jim

blel said:

http://www.amazon.com/Granberg-Bar-Mount-Chain-Sharpener-G-106B/dp/B0002ZY1WG/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1326030216&sr=1-4

I have never used this but it gets great reviews on this site

Click to expand...

Essentially all I've ever used (the one copy of an earlier version) for 35+ yrs sharpening chains & setting depth gauges. Still using the original.

Tried most of the other file guides- pee-poor for consistency.

Showed it recently to a friend. He got one, and loves the simplicity of use and consistency of results. Enjoys sharpening now.

Garret wade sells a nice one,

http://www.garrettwade.com/standard-chain-sharpener/p/45T01.01/
I use it with no problem.
Sean

Stihl has some very good video's on their website on how to hand file a chain. Watch the videos and you'll realize its not to hard to do.

Anyone used the Oregon powersharp system?
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-541221-PowerSharp-Starter-16-Inch/dp/B003VS0YAE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_6

My local Home Depot has them on clearance for $22 right now.
Should I consider it, or are they junk?

??? How does the power sharp sharpen the cutting edge??
It looks like it just grinds down the top of the teeth/chain.
Ya has anyone used one with good results?
Sean

smcgill said:

??? How does the power sharp sharpen the cutting edge??
It looks like it just grinds down the top of the teeth/chain.
Ya has anyone used one with good results?
Sean

Click to expand...

The chain it comes with has the filed ("ground") edge on the outside of the chain.
You can't use just any chain in the system.

I have one like this:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_21794_21794

It works a lot better for me than working a file freehand.

I think I'll get one of those that clamps onto the bar though.

if my chain goes dull while sawing, I will hand file but that takes time. Some portabile and bench sharpeners require you to remove the chain from the bar to sharpen. Then you have to re-install and re-tension the chain. I would be interested in a portable chain sharpener that connects to your battery and mounts on the bar. I know that amazon has one for $75 and Northern Tool has one for $69 with decent reviews...