timberline chain sharpener reviews

[ditchrider]

briank posted a thread about this sharpener and a special buy from the company several months ago. Now that my cutting season will begin soon, and the tool has been on the market for awhile, I am asking for comments to review the tool. Anyone with experience, feel free to post.

Thank you,
DR

 

[jeff_t]

I have had one for a few months, but I have only cut once with chains sharpened with it. They cut really well. I ran two tanks thru two saws, and they were still going good. They were both getting to the point of needing touched up. I usually file after every tank, but didn't think I needed to. I was cutting standing dead ash, too, which is pretty hard on chains for me.

I guess I haven't cut enough to have a strong feeling on it, but so far I'm going to recommend it. It is well made, and puts a really nice looking edge on a chain. I can set it up on the bar in a snap, but it takes a little longer to sharpen than a few strokes with a file. I don't know if I'll use it in the field or not. By the time I dull up three saws, it will probably be time to go home.

 

[swagler85]

I'm sure Scotty will chime in here, he likes his a lot

 

[BrianK]

I'm really pleased with mine. The device is not fool proof. You have to learn how to position it properly, so that the carbide rests inside the curvature of the cutter, and I have to use a set of pliers to tighten down the thumb screws on the bar so the carbide doesn't ride up out of/off the cutter during use.

I've been using it regularly. A week ago, I sharpened 4 chains, two each for my MS250 and MS290, in about 45 minutes. I'm not fast at it, and it might not be the fastest manual sharpener out there either, but others have reported they can sharpen each chain in less than 5 minutes.

It does a great job sharpening, its easy to use, its portable, doesn't require electricity, I can take it into the woods, the angles are always 100% correct. Worth every penny of the initial investment to me.

 

[ditchrider]

I'm on the edge of rock and dirt too much. Zing, @#$! AAaaaannnd I just hate using a file and the rolling guide - still too much variability and I'm more on the side of OCD when it comes to using that tool, not the artist that it really needs to operate.

MasterMech made a good comment about the Timberline
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/finally-did-a-good-job-sharpening-chain.92518/#post-1213486, briank still likes his. I ordered mine just a couple hours ago.
Thanks, guys!

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

$124 for this?! It looks like it does a wonderful job of sharpening chains, but for $124 how many new chains could you buy? I use the Pferd Chainsharp and love it. It's really easy to use and to keep the proper angle, even for a total klutz like me. And it really gets those teeth razor-like.

 

[jeff_t]

$124 for this?! It looks like it does a wonderful job of sharpening chains, but for $124 how many new chains could you buy? I use the Pferd Chainsharp and love it. It's really easy to use and to keep the proper angle, even for a total klutz like me. And it really gets those teeth razor-like.

Prolly shouldn't knock it it you haven't tried it. It cut a couole more days last week, and I can honestly say I have never had a better cutting chain, not even new.

I'm glad you like the Pferd, but I need to sharpen skip and full comp chains.

 

[chipsoflyin]

Great tool, easy to use, don't leave home without it.

 

[ditchrider]

Great tool, easy to use, don't leave home without it.

ditto
Got mine last week. Sharpened four chains today in about 30 minutes, including first time setup and a chain swap and bar swap on my big saw. One 20 inch chain, one 24 for the big saw and two 36's. When my two full skip chains are gone on the 36, I'm going back to the standard chain. I went to full skip last year after a couple of chains to reduce sharpening time.

I really like the consistency. No more playing around or judgement calls, or tenacity. Just a sound, well sharpened chain. I intend to use it in the field. In my opinion, it isn't just the precise angle and grind, every tooth is THE SAME. Sometimes I've gotten in a hurry or worn out and had to re-sharpen because my saw cut on the diagonal. That's the shitz

$124 for this?! It looks like it does a wonderful job of sharpening chains, but for $124 how many new chains could you buy?

On one job, I wear out 2-3 chains. We run saws cutting in odd positions and often my toes are curled into the ditchbanks. Rocks and dirt are everywhere. Zing your chain once on those and tack on another one -I'll eat up at least 1/2 a chisel removing the chip-out off the chisel if I don't end up just tossing it all together. Reduced sharpening time keeps the saw running.
I never considered a power sharpener for some reason, MasterMech made a comment somewhere about heating up the chain and realized that must be my reason. Yes, 140 bucks with shipping and an additional carbide is a toll. I waited a long time to make the plunge. $75 would be a no-brainer for me. I got a birthday check from someone special and ponied up of the rest of the money myself.

If Timberline is listening... drop that price well into the double digit range and I bet you'll have a few more customers. Still limping from the hole in my wallet, but I'm nearly a satisfied customer.

 

[Nixon]

$124 for this?! It looks like it does a wonderful job of sharpening chains, but for $124 how many new chains could you buy? I use the Pferd Chainsharp and love it. It's really easy to use and to keep the proper angle, even for a total klutz like me. And it really gets those teeth razor-like.

Got the Pferd ,Stihl ,Husky roller guide ,....... This thing is worth the bucks . As to how many new chains ..... less than 4 if You buy Stihl . I've got 40 + chains that I care for ,and the Timberline works very well for Me . And ,It does a better job than the Pferd You love !
I have to edit this .... what saws do You run there ,Mass Wine Guy ?

 

[Ralphie Boy]

Dang!! You people and your positive waves talked me into buying one of these little ditties. Just ordered it a few minutes ago; when it comes in I'll give you my 2 cents worth about it.

 

[jeff_t]

Dang!! You people and your positive waves talked me into buying one of these little ditties. Just ordered it a few minutes ago; when it comes in I'll give you my 2 cents worth about it.

Pay attention to the directions and watch the video if you need to. Make sure you set it up right, or you'll cut into the pawl and it might not work right. I got mine secondhand, and the pawl was damaged but not enough to need replacement. With proper setup, which isn't difficult, you'll be impressed.

If you have had your chain sharpened on a grinder, I would recommend you spring for a new chain and start fresh. After you get the hang of it on a new chain, you can go back and work with the old one. A grinding wheel makes a much different hook than the carbide cutter of the Timberline, which is more like a new chain or a good file sharpening.

 

[ditchrider]

which is more like a new chain or a good file sharpening.

I've never had that finesse. Hence, the Timberline (TM).
.

 

[JoeyD]

I am about to order one of these, can anyone confirm that the 11/64 cutter is the one to get for a Stihl 3/8 chain?

 

[ditchrider]

I am about to order one of these, can anyone confirm that the 11/64 cutter is the one to get for a Stihl 3/8 chain?

MasterMech? Scotty? A little help here.

 

[Nixon]

13/64ths is for 3/8 Stihl chain . You can get by on a 7/32 if need be .

 

[JoeyD]

Thanks Nixon,(and Ditchrider for the bump). I can't wait to get it.

 

[ditchrider]

Thanks Nixon,(and Ditchrider for the bump). I can't wait to get it.

You bet

 

[Nixon]

Thanks Nixon,(and Ditchrider for the bump). I can't wait to get it.

Like has been mentioned , before You use it ,read the instructions ,and watch the video . It makes the initial set up a breeze . If You have any questions after that , pick up the phone and call Timberline . There's a real good chance that You'll be talking to the owner ,and inventor . Great Guy !

 

[Ralphie Boy]

Pay attention to the directions and watch the video if you need to. Make sure you set it up right, or you'll cut into the pawl and it might not work right. I got mine secondhand, and the pawl was damaged but not enough to need replacement. With proper setup, which isn't difficult, you'll be impressed

Good advice, thanks. I've watched the video from their website twice now and I've downloaded the printed instructions and I don't have the device yet! I hope to have a handle on it by the time it arrives. I think I'll start with a chain that has not been put to the grinder yet, looks to be the best way to learn.

 

[moody]

i got mine for christmas last year. and it works very well for me , puts a nice edge that last a lot longer .

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Got the Pferd ,Stihl ,Husky roller guide ,....... This thing is worth the bucks . As to how many new chains ..... less than 4 if You buy Stihl . I've got 40 + chains that I care for ,and the Timberline works very well for Me . And ,It does a better job than the Pferd You love !
I have to edit this .... what saws do You run there ,Mass Wine Guy ?

Well, I need to try this new contraption. That is, if I can find someone near me who owns one. I'm still using my Jonsered 535. It's never failed me yet, but given its age, it might do so soon enough.

 

[Dakotas Dad]

Come on Christmas

 

[Nixon]

Well, I need to try this new contraption. That is, if I can find someone near me who owns one. I'm still using my Jonsered 535. It's never failed me yet, but given its age, it might do so soon enough.

If you were nearby I'd lend you mine . I still hand file , but the timberline is a great tool ,so I use it a lot .