Number of sharpenings on a grinding wheel

[NH_Wood]

Hi everyone - been thinking about picking up a decent electric sharpener - perhaps this one:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_351196_351196

Any idea of the number of 'typical' sharpenings you would get before you need to replace the grinding wheel?

Cheers!

 

[Nixon]

Hi everyone - been thinking about picking up a decent electric sharpener - perhaps this one:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_351196_351196

Any idea of the number of 'typical' sharpenings you would get before you need to replace the grinding wheel?

Cheers!

Don't really know . But , I'd suspect that it would depend on the damage done to a chain ,and how much an individual likes to make sparks .

 

[amateur cutter]

A lot if you get a dressing stone with it. I've got over a hundred on mine, & it's still got life in it. When they get small enough I switch them to the Oregon mini grinder. A C

 

[NH_Wood]

Cool - thanks guys! Any thoughts on the sharpener - is there a better make/model for similar? Cheers!

 

[MasterMech]

Pretty good bang for the buck with that one. Cheaper is Harbor Freight and better is Oregon. ($$)

 

[NH_Wood]

Yes - I think I'd like to offer a chains sharpening service for fun (and then hoping to get some basic saw servicing business, again, for fun), so I'm thinking a higher quality model, but nothing too crazy - I'm sure I wouldn't get too many chains per year. Cheers!

 

[Jags]

If you think you might line yourself up for some business, get a good one that the frame will not flex (unlike the HF one).

 

[blades]

A lot depends on the condition of the chains as far as the stone wheels are concerned, those that are badly rocked or been digging in the dirt are going to wear your radius off the wheel requiring frequent dressing to restore the proper shape. A little bit has to do whith the wheel itself as depending on the brand some are a bit harder than others. Harder ones hold shape better but tend to easily burn the cutters softer ones reverse.

 

[lukem]

I have the harbor freight grinder (newer red one). Normally I wouldn't have bought it, but it was a Christmas gift. I'm pleasantly surprised with it...but I have no previous experience with other grinders...so ignorance is bliss for me right now.

I've sharpened about 10 chains so far and they cut great...maybe not as good as a fresh out of the box chain...but really good.

Not necessarily recommending it...just saying it isn't a waste of time.

 

[Highbeam]

I use the HF one and it should last forever. I also don't dress the wheel and see no reason to do that. The shape will always be pretty close to ideal, certainly close enough to cut well.

 

[lukem]

The HF wheels are about $5 on sale. Mine too is still holding its shape very well...so useful life isn't super important. It's not like it is a diamond blade for a concrete saw.

 

[Jags]

The HF wheels are about $5 on sale. Mine too is still holding its shape very well...so useful life isn't super important. It's not like it is a diamond blade for a concrete saw.

Keep in mind the thickness of the wheel. It changes depending on chain size.

 

[lukem]

Keep in mind the thickness of the wheel. It changes depending on chain size.

Yup...but i only have one size to worry about.

 

[Jags]

Yup...but i only have one size to worry about.

That was more for the OP and in reference to picking up a little side work.

 

[lukem]

That was more for the OP and in reference to picking up a little side work.

Gotcha. I think two wheels is about all a man needs for most chains.

 

[amateur cutter]

Even if the stone retains it's shape, it gets filled with metal filings over time & doesn't cut as efficiently, thus more heat. A C

 

[smokinj]

I have had the same wheels since 2007 and they we used whenI got those. I always use kool grind and feel like it helps with wear and tear on the wheel as well.

 

[fabsroman]

I just bought the Northern Tool grinder. Had to send the first one back because one of the screw holes was not tapped. Have not used it yet other than to turn it on, but it looks solid and feels solid. Need to find someplace to mount it to. Don't know if the Oregon one at $200 more is really worth it unless you are grinding a ton of chains.

 

[MasterMech]

I've sharpened about 10 chains so far and they cut great...maybe not as good as a fresh out of the box chain...but really good.​

Funny, after running a file over my chains, they cut better than a NIB chain....