Posted: 10/2/2014 7:50:02 AM EDT
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Ok I m looking to see whats everyone is using to sharpen their saw chains. In the past Ive always hand filed and then when they get all funky I'd send them out to be sharpened. Well recently I sent some chains out for their first sharpening and they came back looking like they were on their last use. The guy ground the crap out of them and one of the chains was new.
Ive done some research on Oregon, Northern tool and Tractor Supply models. They all look effective in doing what I want though each seem to have their differences in price and reliability. So what say the hive, whats everyone using to grind sharpen their saw chains? |
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I'm cheap.
I use a Harbor Freight sharpener. I have it set up so it just kisses the chain to put a new edge on it. Takes about 5 minutes and I'm back cutting. |
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http://www.baileysonline.com/Chainsaw-Parts/Grinders-Sharpening/Chain-Grinders/Speed-Sharp-Star-Chain-Grinder.axd
Works pretty well, a little cheaper than my Dad's Oregon grinder. |
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Quoted:
I'm cheap. I use a Harbor Freight sharpener. I have it set up so it just kisses the chain to put a new edge on it. Takes about 5 minutes and I'm back cutting. I've had one of the HF sharpeners for a few years now.....and to tell you the truth, it does a pretty damn good job. |
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Quoted: I'm cheap. I use a Harbor Freight sharpener. I have it set up so it just kisses the chain to put a new edge on it. Takes about 5 minutes and I'm back cutting. I have 5 extra chains. Chain gets dull, swap to a new chain. At the end of the day I clean the saw and sharpen any dull chains.
It depends what, where and how your are cutting. I need power to sharpen my chains. Hand files just don't cut it. |
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I bought a used Oregon 511 grinder from the local Stihl dealer for $100. It came with a fairly new diamond wheel so it was a pretty good deal and it should last forever for my use.
I have two chains for every saw (Husky 350/18", MS 362 CM/20" and a MS 440/25"), so I sharpen them as needed. |
| While I agree that hand filing is the preferred method of sharpening, many do not know how to do it properly. Also if you are doing multiple chains a grinder is a big time saver. On average I sharpen about 6-10 chains a week doing tree service/ firewood and I also sharpen chains for a few people for money. The grinder is my friend. I do however sharpen chains in the field with a file when necessary. For the newcomers I would recommend the timberline sharpener as I have heard nothing but good things about it. |