Chain sharpening woes.

[gstrom99]

I have been getting my saw chains sharpened (for me for the last 20 years), since it has been been cheap, well done and easy(er). I have the proper round file, with guide, that I've used for touch ups.

Since moving to rural Iowa, I had to find/choose a new hardware store for this (normally painless) task. I took five chains in, and two weeks(!) later, they were done - after I called 'em they got done that day. Tried one, then the second "sharpened" chains and got sawdust. Arrrrg. I checked the chains and they indeed were sharp, but the rakers were not addressed. They are flush with the cutters. I have now bought a depth gauge and will need to re-do the chains, by hand. Since the closest chain sharpener is 30 minutes now, I will start doing these myself.

 

[tradosaurus]

I have been getting my saw chains sharpened (for me for the last 20 years), since it has been been cheap, well done and easy(er). I have the proper round file, with guide, that I've used for touch ups.

Since moving to rural Iowa, I had to find/choose a new hardware store for this (normally painless) task. I took five chains in, and two weeks(!) later, they were done - after I called 'em they got done that day. Tried one, then the second "sharpened" chains and got sawdust. Arrrrg. I checked the chains and they indeed were sharp, but the rakers were not addressed. They are flush with the cutters. I have now bought a depth gauge and will need to re-do the chains, by hand. Since the closest chain sharpener is 30 minutes now, I will start doing these myself.

I had to watch a few videos to learn how to properly sharpen a chain. It's good practice and the more you do the better you get.

 

[Thomas]

Nor I'm I when it comes to sharping chains,but this device

https://www.affaigt.com/products/%F0%9F%94%A5winter-sale-50-offchainsaw-chain-sharpening-jig?spm=..collection.collection_detail_1.41&spm_prev=..index.header_1.1&fbclid=IwAR1-ksiSjopY6kp77kFPQ5j4iuNxORdjpH-cnzEhoMnpqhr7uBMexStnuJo

 

[gstrom99]

Nor I'm I when it comes to sharping chains,but this device

https://www.affaigt.com/products/%F0%9F%94%A5winter-sale-50-offchainsaw-chain-sharpening-jig?spm=..collection.collection_detail_1.41&spm_prev=..index.header_1.1&fbclid=IwAR1-ksiSjopY6kp77kFPQ5j4iuNxORdjpH-cnzEhoMnpqhr7uBMexStnuJo

Interesting device. Do you have to position it and tighten the little thumbscrews for each tooth? If so, it seems tedious.

 

[repete]

From my local saw shop:

Guide Bar & Saw Chain Menu

A menu of topics on guide bars and saw chain for pro saw users.

www.madsens1.com

 

[Jchonline]

I use these on mine. They aren't perfect but do get a sharp chain.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/filing-tools/2in1file/

Now if you want to learn the real way to do it.. check out Buckin.

 

[Oaktree]

I use something similar to this:

Amazon.com : Oregon 23820 Sure Sharp Chainsaw Manual Filing/Sharpening Guide , grey : Saw Sharpening Kit : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Oregon 23820 Sure Sharp Chainsaw Manual Filing/Sharpening Guide , grey : Saw Sharpening Kit : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

Had mine since the 80s, think I got it at Sears. It does an OK job, but not as good as a professional sharpening (provided you can find someone who still does it).

Getting hard to find anyone who sharpens chains these days. Used to be having a sharpening business was a common side hustle, but no one seems to be doing it anymore. Maybe with blades, chains, etc. coming down in price there just wasn't the demand anymore. I guess people figure why pay $10 to sharpen a chain when you can get a new one for $18.
Dropped off a chain at a hardware store a couple years ago, got a call saying that the chain had to be on the saw for their guy to sharpen it. Uhh, I don't think so.

 

[seville009]

Had to cut up a large pressure treated deck years ago; used my chain saw. Tried sharpening the chain when it got dull, but the sharpened chain would get dull again pretty quickly. Found it to be much quicker and more efficient to just throw a new chain on. Wasn't that expensive ; was worth the cost to get the job over and done with.

 

[ericm979]

When you wear a chain down often the hard chrome on the top of the teeth will be worn away from the cutting edge. When you sharpen you have to remove enough material to get the chrome all way way to the edge. Otherwise it may feel sharp but it will dull fast.

 

[3Ts]

I took my chain to the hardware store for sharpening. It cut better before they sharpened it, turns out they changed the cutter profile. Since then I've always sharpened my own chains by hand. When I get to needing to file more than the cutting edge, I replace the chain.

I took planer blades to a saw sharpening shop. They came back with a ragged cutting edge and the edge was blue! They destroyed the knives! I bought my own machine to sharpen the cutting edges and do all my own blades now.