Looking for a electric chain sharpener

[reaperman]

Does anyone use a electric grinder for keeping their chains sharp? I just cant seem to get a hand filed chain sharp enough, and now I must have about 10 chains laying around that need sharpening, I'd rather get a grinder. I've looked for some on the net, and I dont need a multi-hundred dollar unit for my purposes. Any decent grinders out there that aren't way too expensive? Thanks

 

[Lignums]

I purchased the Harbor Freight one last year. I have used it often on 3 chains, in rotation, on my 455over the course of 2 years, and over 30 cords of wood. It does the job a $40.00 grinder is designed to do. I now hand file all my chains, and have had better success on initial sharpening, and holding an edge. There has been a number of times that grinder has saved me from buying a new chain, or taking it to a shop, just to have them grind half the cutter out. If you get all the cutter heads goofed up, i.e. hitting a rock, or nails, the grinder is the silver lining. The only complaint I have us that it seems to heat the cutter head up a bit, untempering the metal, making it loose the edge faster. A good file and allot of patience will reward better that a cheap-o grinder. But hey, I have one, so...

Another helping point in helping the novice sharpening experience is to get a round chisel, or even a chipper chain. The full chisel is sweet, but only on clean wood. The round chisel will hold an edge for allot longer before needing a freshening up. I have seen a bid difference between the 2 kinds, and will lean towards the round chisel on my 028 when there is any question of what the wood has been laying in or the condition the wood is in.

 

[ozarkjeep]

lignums,

is that round chisel referred to as "RC" chain?

Ive been sharping mine by hand, hit a nail last week and trashed on of my chains, so I need another.

I need to do more research on hand sharpening I guess, my dad, and grandad have both shown me how to sharpen or touch up a chain with a round file, but I am afraid Im not as good as it as they are.

I purchased the Harbor Freight one last year. I have used it often on 3 chains, in rotation, on my 455over the course of 2 years, and over 30 cords of wood. It does the job a $40.00 grinder is designed to do. I now hand file all my chains, and have had better success on initial sharpening, and holding an edge. There has been a number of times that grinder has saved me from buying a new chain, or taking it to a shop, just to have them grind half the cutter out. If you get all the cutter heads goofed up, i.e. hitting a rock, or nails, the grinder is the silver lining. The only complaint I have us that it seems to heat the cutter head up a bit, untempering the metal, making it loose the edge faster. A good file and allot of patience will reward better that a cheap-o grinder. But hey, I have one, so...

Another helping point in helping the novice sharpening experience is to get a round chisel, or even a chipper chain. The full chisel is sweet, but only on clean wood. The round chisel will hold an edge for allot longer before needing a freshening up. I have seen a bid difference between the 2 kinds, and will lean towards the round chisel on my 028 when there is any question of what the wood has been laying in or the condition the wood is in.

 

[Lignums]

Not exactly. According to the Oregon Website the grinds of the chain come in 3 varieties. Square Chisel/Full Chisel, Semi-Chisel, and Chipper.

Here is a like that is helpful,

(broken link removed)

The Stihl chain is a little bit more confusing, and I don't really but that much chain for my 028's, I use the Husqy's mostly. But I can tell you this, I don't have to touch the chain on my 028's hardly ever compared to the Husqy's Square Chisel chain. When I use the 028's, I can go through 4-5 tanks of fuel before I have to touch is up.

The Stihl Chain Identification page is Here.

http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/identify.html

I am a novice when it comes to sharpening and the best sharpening tool I have used is this. It has a degree line to keep your angles true.