Chain Sharpeners

[Pennsyltucky Chris]

I'm looking into buying a chain sharpener. I'm sick of filing my chains all the time. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Prof]

Do a quick search for the timberline sharpener--a bunch of us on here really like it. I haven't had to go to a pro for over 2 yrs now to get any chains sharpened.

 

[claydogg84]

I recently purchased the Timberline, but haven't had many chances to use it. After using it the once or twice so far, I would say it's way overpriced for what it is.

 

[jaoneill]

I bought a reasonably good wheel grinder a few years ago and only used it a few times before going back to the file. I like to touch up the chain with each tank of gas and the grinder wheel leaves a flat vertical on the tooth, not the curved undercut you get with a file, for all practical purposes eliminating the quick field file touchup. My brother uses one of these wheel grinders and solves the problem by carrying a half dozen sharp chains in his tool box and swapping chains every couple of tankfuls. I keep a spare chain in each size in my toolbox but generally once I put a chain on, it stays on the saw until it's worn out. I just bought a Timberline and, while it is pricey, it does a great job and is an effortless pleasure to use.

Jim

 

[DodgyNomad]

I'd look into the new stihl 2 in 1 file guide/sharpener if you're not comfortable with hand filing. My buddy uses one, likes it a lot. I've touched mine up with it, and it's a well made and thought out piece.

Here's the Pferd version: https://www.baileysonline.com/Chain...ferd-CS-X-Chain-Sharp-Filing-Guide---7-32.axd

Lot of the guys like them, and so far, I've only heard good things.

 

[D8Chumley]

I bought the Pferd also, used it several times and like it

 

[Fifelaker]

I use the Timberline when a chain gets bunged up bad. In the woods I use the Husqvarna file guide as the Timberline is too slow. The more I use the Husky guide the less I have to use the Timberline because my angles are off. For the rakers I use a Dremel with a round sanding disc at home, in the field I use a file.

 

[jeffesonm]

For a while I used the Dremel attachment... it was quick and easy and did an okay job. In retrospect I would say it brought a chain from dull to functionally sharp.

When I started milling I wanted something more accurate, so I bought the Granberg File-N-Joint. I am really pleased with this. It took a few times to get the hang of it, but now my chain has never been sharper.... I would say it's better than a brand new chain. The cutters are cut-your-hand sharp and the saw just slices through hardwood like butter. Over the weekend I was cutting some large ash trees with my 660 but I had removed spikes because of the mill. I would just rest the saw bar on the log and it would glide right through with hardly any pressure. Really no comparison to the results from the Dremel, I didn't realize what I was missing.

Cost me $35 plus $18 for a box of 12 files... gone through 4 so far in about 30 sharpenings but that includes fixing a few seriously wacky chains and regrinding a 32" chain to 0 degrees for milling. Now that my chains are generally sharp and evenly filed, it just takes a few strokes to touch them up and I expect the remaining 8 files to last a long time. One day I will do a full write-up on this sharpener but overall very satisfied with the tool.

For the rakers I have the hand file/guide and use a Dremel grinding stone to adjust them.

 

[blades]

fill the gullets of your file with chalk or bar soap, they will last longer that way because chips will not become jammed up in the gullets.

 

[mark cline]

I bought a cheap electric sharpener from Northern tool a few years ago. It works great and fast too. It sharpens with a few touches of the wheel. But then again , I don't cut with a chain that starts to throw dust. I change it out and don't have time to touch up in the field. I usually sharpen about 10 to 15 chains at a time , so I'll always have a few sharp ready to change when needed. If you don't hammer on the chains, then change out when they get iffy, your chains will sharpen faster and with less effort.

 

[smokinj]

Check ebay for a use 511a Oregon.