chainsaw chain sharpening

[cj7]

well I am wondering what are the best tools to buy to do this with. I have been taking mine in to get sharped at a local place. They only charge 5 bucks and it is usually worth the time for me... since I lead a hectic schedule..

but I would not mind doing this myself at times.

I was looking at two tools today...

one was a clamp on gouide for the files

the other was a rotary file systrm that was 12 volt..

both were Oeregon products..



and how long do you usually spend doing a chain?



let the opinions fly...........

 

[mla2ofus]

The 12 v rotary files are OK. I was taught yrs ago by a logger friend how to sharpen "freehand" w/ a file. I can sharpen a chain in about 10 to 15 min so long as it hasn't hit a rock or something metal.
With rotary file or freehand file you'll do OK so long as you keep the cutter angles equal on both sides.Also the length of cutters need to be kept equal.This is what usually gets wannabe saw filers frustrated.
Mike

 

[BigAl]

I agree . 12v sharpeners made me think I knew it all . What a mistake !!! I ruined a few chains before I learned . Don't get over agressive like I did . A good friend helpped show me what I was doing wrong . There is more to sharpening a chain than just grinding away on it . I sharpen mine a few times and then take it in a have a pro redo it right and make sure my angle and rakes are correct . Don't forget to flip the bar each time you sharpen too . It is so easy to get off the cut angle with a 12 volt sharpener .

 

[bczoom]

I'll throw out another vote for doing it by hand.

One thing not yet mentioned is that much of the electric options (including what's used when you go to the local place) generate a lot of heat if/when not used properly. This quickly takes the temper out of the steel and makes the chain wear faster and get dull quicker. If you take your chains to that orange tractor dealership on 19, I've found they've almost always used too much heat. Look at the teeth... are they blueish when you get it back? That's the give-away that they got it too hot.

BTW - If you do take your chains to that dealer, they charge $5 per chain unless you take 5 or more chains. Then the price drops to $3 per chain. At least that's the way it was before I stopped using them...

 

[cj7]

nah I do not use them.. T&M has been doing fine with them for me...


Do you guys use the other tool that clamps onto the bar to guide the files?

Or do you just free hand the work?

 

[bczoom]

I normally use the one that clamps on the bar.

 

[XeVfTEUtaAqJHTqq]

I'll use the Dremel tool if I have to but if I have time I take them to the local shop.

PB