I haven't for 76 years, so it's probably not a good idea to hold your breath waiting.
Chain sharpening
- Thread starter CMV
- Start date
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I haven't for 76 years, so it's probably not a good idea to hold your breath waiting.
Greenland South
Silver Member
This is my take on this. Can I sharpen a chain free hand? Absolutely I can, but why? Ive got an electric sharpener, I think it's an Oregon branded thing. Bought a 25' roll of chain, chain breaker and riveter years ago. I think I have 10 chains. When a chain gets dull, and that could be one log or ten, depending on a bunch of variables, I switch it out and throw it into the dull pile. Take em home and sharpen, they take about 5-7 minutes depending on what happened to the chain. Rocked? Dirt? Dull from use? A few months ago a buddy gave me a harbour freight grinder because he wasn't using it. I've since set that up to grind the rakers, now I don't ever have to bother fiddling with angles and such on the main grinder. One thing I would suggest though is to get rid of that crappy pink grinding wheel and find yourself a good aftermarket diamond wheel. They're about a hundred bucks but well worth it. You'll not burn a tooth unless you're really not paying attention.
Norm W
Gold Member
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You have to go to Horrible Fright regularly just for the smell of Chinese cosmoline and half vulcanized rubber.
OP
CMV
Platinum Member
I got the Dremel kit at Lowe's yesterday. For $15 it was the cheapest solution - even the HF one with coupon was a little more.
Setting it up was a little bit of a hassle as I didn't find the instructions real easy to follow. Plan a was to attach it my smaller cordless Dremel so I could just sharpen wherever, whenever. That didn't work however because the smaller cordless doesn't have the threaded end where the sharpener guide threads on to attach. It has small LED lights instead. So I had to use a larger corded one. Excuse to go buy a larger cordless Dremel maybe
Overall, once set up, I found it to be very easy to use and quick. Not removing the chain is a huge timesaver in itself. And now that the sharpener guide is all set up, it will be much faster in the future. Running my finger over the newly sharpened teeth, they were ok, but not quite as good as a brand new chain I compared to. So the Dremel seemed to get them back to serviceable, but not 'outstanding'. I had some small stuff around the house and cut that very well with the newly sharpened chain. But largest was about 5" diameter branches so I didn't get a real good feel for how it's cutting on big stuff.
For the small amount I use a chainsaw, I think this is best solution so big thanks for that recommendation
Setting it up was a little bit of a hassle as I didn't find the instructions real easy to follow. Plan a was to attach it my smaller cordless Dremel so I could just sharpen wherever, whenever. That didn't work however because the smaller cordless doesn't have the threaded end where the sharpener guide threads on to attach. It has small LED lights instead. So I had to use a larger corded one. Excuse to go buy a larger cordless Dremel maybe
Overall, once set up, I found it to be very easy to use and quick. Not removing the chain is a huge timesaver in itself. And now that the sharpener guide is all set up, it will be much faster in the future. Running my finger over the newly sharpened teeth, they were ok, but not quite as good as a brand new chain I compared to. So the Dremel seemed to get them back to serviceable, but not 'outstanding'. I had some small stuff around the house and cut that very well with the newly sharpened chain. But largest was about 5" diameter branches so I didn't get a real good feel for how it's cutting on big stuff.
For the small amount I use a chainsaw, I think this is best solution so big thanks for that recommendation
Todd727
Gold Member
It's been mentioned before:
2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener | STIHL USA
Simple and cheap. Much easier and quicker than anything I've tried. They are usually cheaper from a Stihl dealer than you can get from Amazon. Beauty of this is you file the depth gauges (often incorrectly refereed to as rakers) too. Can do a 36" chain in less than ten minutes.
Sharpen Your Saw Chain with the 2 in 1 Filing Guide - YouTube
2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener | STIHL USA
Simple and cheap. Much easier and quicker than anything I've tried. They are usually cheaper from a Stihl dealer than you can get from Amazon. Beauty of this is you file the depth gauges (often incorrectly refereed to as rakers) too. Can do a 36" chain in less than ten minutes.
Sharpen Your Saw Chain with the 2 in 1 Filing Guide - YouTube
goeduck
Super Member
I think chain sharpening is the new best oil thread. Or HST vs Gear thread.
Ken Mac
Bronze Member
I'm no pro but do cut fairly regularly and have a Stihl pro model saw MS162, I think. I have found that Stihl pro chains are by far the best I've ever seen. They just seem to keep cutting without dulling. If you can find one for your Ryobi, I bet it will seem like a different saw and your issues will go away.
OP
CMV
Platinum Member
Might try that. I have an Oregon spare new in package that I picked up at Lowe's. Between the two, I expect they will last years and years unless I decide to clear a different section on my land or get into some project I'm not expecting to now. The Dremel sharpening didn't remove much material at all so I'm assuming teeth can be touched up with it many times.
ericm979
Super Member
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A $2 file and $5 handle is even cheaper than a dremel attachment. And you don't really need the handle. I didn't use one for years.
I've used Stihl, Woodland Pro and Oregon chain. I rate them for durability in that order. Woodland Pro's the best value but does not come in low kickback, which I like for brush and limbing.
I've used Stihl, Woodland Pro and Oregon chain. I rate them for durability in that order. Woodland Pro's the best value but does not come in low kickback, which I like for brush and limbing.
crazyal
Super Member
Here's my advice. Go to a store that sells Stihl and ask for a Stihl brand pro chain. They just last. I use a cordless Dremel that has it's own plastic case. I don't use the "kit" just do it freehand. I also use spray thread cutting oil used for cutting threads into a pipe. Buy the smallest can, lol. I thought "look the super large can is not much more than the small can" and it's lasted me more than 5 years now and I suspect the propellant will leak out long before I use up the oil. Get yourself spare stones. Sooner or later it'll wear down or you'll drop your Dremel and break it. I always have 2 or 3 spares. Since you have the Dremel kit get use to it and then try touching up the chain freehand that way you can take your cordless Dremel with you. One of the worst things you can do is dull your chain then keep pushing on thinking "I'm almost done". Chances are you'll over heat the chain and loose the temper. Stopping and giving it a quick touch up will save you time and help extend the life of your chain. Also don't forget to grease your bar tip.
