Timberline Chain Sharpener - "Group buy"

Sounds more like a debate than a simple answer. Do I have to post it in the Ash Can or can I start here and see what happens?

Thanks Brian I just placed my order and got the 15 off ! Man I can't wait woot

Pete

I ordered mine Tuesday and received it yesterday. Very fast service. I will try it out tomorrow.

mine is on the way also, can't wait to see it in action.

Ok I used the new Timberline sharpener on my Stihl MS 250 and MS290 Farm Boss today. In the past I've had my chains sharpened at the local Stihl dealer which is just a block from my house so i have not hand sharpened a chain in the past except a few times as a teen.

I only used my MS250 around the house for trimming etc. in the past and dropping a couple small trees. I just bought the Farm Boss last month. It's not even broken in yet but the new chain was dull after cutting up some cherry recently.

The directions were simple and relatively straightforward but do not mention anything about the rakers. It took several tries to get it set up properly on each saw but once set up it was simple and straightforward and relatively quick. Both saws cut very well after sharpening. Probably on par with a new chain.

Again I have nothing to compare this to but I am certainly pleased with the quality (superb) and ease of use (after i got it figured out) as well as the effectiveness of this sharpener.

I am sure others with far more experience with saws and sharpening methods can provide more helpful reviews.

On the other hand if you're a noob looking for a simple reliable effective sharpening method I don't think you can go wrong with this device.

So the Timberline can or cannot be used on the rakers? Doesn't appear so to me and flat filing the rakers with the appropriate depth guide is a no-brainer.

Yeah. Has to be done separately. But still an invaluable tool for a Sorry hand sharpener like myself

I usually file the rakers by hand anyway so no biggy. My main concern is a perfect edge without taking too much off the tooth which is why I want the timberline.

Pete

did you have to refer to the 'tips and tricks' on timberlines site? my 025 did wonderful on 3/16, but my ms362 does not seem to like the 7/32. i cant find even cutting on both sides. tonite i read on their site the 'tips n tricks'

Carbides experience most wear the first time a chain is sharpened. This is due to the carbide not seating properly and binding in the hook of the chain. To avoid this, seat the carbide into the chain by leaving the side knobs loose on the sharpener. Sharpen each tooth of the chain very slightly. You will hear/feel a chatter as the carbide spins which will smooth out as the hook of the chain shapes to the contour of the carbide. This is only necessary the first time a chain is sharpened.

the 3/16 chain is low kickback, and the 362 is full chisel.

Stihl's recomended file size for their 3/8" chain is 13/64". 7/32" will work but the file/cutter will be very tight in the hook the first time around. I believe some Stihl chain specs a 10 degree down angle as well but IIRC it was all Rapid Micro (semi-chisel) stuff.

thank you. before i ordered, i looked at my file the stihl dealer gave me with my new ms362 and they are 7/32. so that is why i ordered that size. so now i have the 13/64 on the way.

Anyone else having issues with that site? None of the pics load up and the words are scattered all over the page.

What file do I need for 3/8" Rapid Super chain?

Its looks okay to me, maybe try again and see how it looks today.

I have had the Timberline for a while and really like it alot. I came from using the Husky roller and Save Edges. A marked improvement for me.

One of the best things for me is that if you space out for a second and keep turning and turning, you still only take x amount off. Unlike the hand filing..woops.

I had one issue with the sharpener which I then had modified. I wanted to be able to see where the cutter was riding on BOTH teeth, not where it was on the tooth closest to the pawl.






So I took it to my Machinist buddy.



The other side is already cut for the pawl and all that was needed was the slot for the adjustment screw.

Wal-la. Swap the pawl around and flip the sharpener and I'm good to go.




I cant say enough good things about my dealings with Timberline and Phil. Excellent Excellent

Super fast shipping, very prompt customer service when emailing questions, and just going above and beyond.

Very happy with the sharpener.

Ordered mine based on the rave reviews posted here. Also wanted to give this thread a bump so that everyone here knows about this offer. Thanks again Brian.

*edit* Also, only $12.79 shipping to Canada. Usually you get dinged hard on shipping but this is a pleasant exception.

I asked for the Timberline for a Father's Day gift. Right off, I was impressed with the quality of the product.

I have used used it 5 times and like the precision and ease of operation. I am a pretty fair hand filer, but I tend to favor one side of the chain. The Timberline remedies that.

It takes a bit longer and I still touch up with a file in the field, but I can get a near new edge back on the chain when I get it to my shop.

I ended up buying one of these at the local shop for $230
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=oregon chain sharpener&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17683309684810318433&sa=X&ei=BXHmT6PwHaHq2QXogYXbCQ&ved=0CKoBEPMCMAU

Works fine out in the field. I just plug it into the inverter in my truck and I have it screwed to a plank I put on the tailgate.

My original pawl/stop was beginning to look like some red squirrels got after it.



I had contacted Phil earlier about the pawl and he gave me instructions on how to get a new one.

I installed the new pawl yesterday. I just used a small drill bit as the punch and then repressed the pin back in with a vise.

I also put in the 13/64 cutter that I had ordered at the time of the new pawl and tried that out for sharpening.

Oh man, I tell you what. It was like cutting butter.

So, I dont know if that was from a new cutter or the 13/64 size.

I seemed to knock out an 84dl chain rather quick.

Again, a good product and a good company with really good customer service.

Is the pawl aluminum? How long/how many chains have you done with the original?

Its aluminum. The entire thing is aluminum. All except for the carbide cutter (the handle for the cutter is aluminum).

Got me curious now. I haven't looked at mine. Although I have only used mine a dozen times.

The harder the chain is pushed backwards into the pawl, the worse its gonna be. Gonna have a gander at mine this evening.

MM,

Yes the pawl is aluminum.

I have maybe 40 sharpenings on the old pawl, all with the 7/32 cutter.

One thing I did notice using the 13/64 is that there was less tooth wiggle during initial contact of the cutter and tooth. I believe that's where the pawl wear came from. The tooth would torque backwards a bit at first.

In the one picture I have in my first post post you can see how the tooth rides offset to the pawl and then from flipping the stop around to do both sides is why its wore on the other side also.

ETA - Beat by a few minutes.....

If you're sharpening Stihl chain, 13/64 is the recommended size for all of their 3/8" chain.

Oregon chain.

Does anione know if this offer is still available?Sept 18,2012...
Thanks,
Tony

It was still available this summer, I bet it is still active now.