Chain(Saw) Sharpener, where and what kind?

[shaley]

Here is a good web page for sharpening specs. I'm pretty sure the Oregon chains have different angles as compared to the Stihls but I cant find and online guide for the Stihls. If you have alot of trees to cut and have at least a 5hp saw (Stihl 044 or eq.) you might want to use a full chisel tooth profile vs a semi chisel. Oregon 72LG 72JG are full chisel.

 

[CJ4]

Well thanks for all the pointers.......I may go to HFand look at that one. I'm kinda wanting the Oregon I think but I hate to order stuff and wait......may change my mind by the time it gets here....lol I'm like a kid, i want it now!!!

I've watched my local guy use the Oregon one and he can do a chain in 5 minutes but I wondered if it's alot of guesswork adjusting and setting those up or is it an easier more precise setting?

 

[montanaman]

For work in the field, a file and file guide is a good way to go. You can get a simple guide or the more complicated ones that clamp to the bar to keep the angles more accurate. The trick to filing is to do it often so it doesn't take so long. If you wait till the chain is really bad, it will take a lot of strokes to get it back in shape and you will be wishing for a grinder.

Some guys don't like the idea of using a file because it is manual labor but a good file job on a chain produces a nicer finish and a better cutting chain than grinding and needs no power to do it!

Ken

 

[Timber]

I am pretty good with a cold File, not just a chain either. I can even put a killer edge on a Knife with one. I use to do wedges and sickles as a boy Then later in the construction trades. It is a skill thats for sure

 

[dayrunr2]

Here are some Harbor Freight coupons that gilmo1938 posted in another thread. They don't have an expiration date. Just print them out or save them to your computer until you need them

Might save you a few bucks.

Mike

 

[Bedlam]

Thanks for the coupons, It looks like they are for the retail store, and not mail order.
I wish there was a store close to me.I know Id spend alot of time there.
Allan

 

[wushaw]

I have the Oregon 511a model that is easy to use and it sure is nice to always have a sharp chain, it is much easier on the saw and my body.

 

[slowrev]

For work in the field, a file and file guide is a good way to go. You can get a simple guide or the more complicated ones that clamp to the bar to keep the angles more accurate. The trick to filing is to do it often so it doesn't take so long. If you wait till the chain is really bad, it will take a lot of strokes to get it back in shape and you will be wishing for a grinder.

Some guys don't like the idea of using a file because it is manual labor but a good file job on a chain produces a nicer finish and a better cutting chain than grinding and needs no power to do it!

Ken

Yep I just use the elcheapo Oregon file with the guide on top. About $7 or so about 15 min to sharpen while sitting and resting. Works anywhere. About once a year I put a new $.50 file in it.
I just take the same amount of strokes on each tooth. 4-7 depending on how dull I let the chain get.
I also get about twice as many sharpenings on a chain as my friend who has a power sharpener does. So I buy 1/2 as many chains as he does

Ben

 

[DieselPower]

I guess I'm on the high speed end of the sharpening scale. I purchased a entire Foley Belsaw saw sharpening equipment setup from a friend when he retired a couple of years ago. Got planer sharpeners, circular saw sharpeners, hand saw sharpeners, drill bit sharpeners and the pictured model 308 chainsaw chain sharpener. It has a foot operated vice and makes quick work of sharpening chains. Needless to say I sharpen more friends chains than my own.

You can often find the Foley Belsaw model 308 chainsaw chain sharpeners on ebay at a good price.

 

[BTDT]

I bought this from a lawnmower repair shop in Irving several years ago, gave about $20 for it as I recall. You get stones in whatever size you need for your chain, it hooks to 12volt battery, and your in business. It has a metal bit in it now, but it comes in handy for touching up blade in field. It is an Oregon brand.