gsganzer
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2003
- Messages
- 3,035
- Location
- Denton, TX
- Tractor
- L3800 w/FEL and BH77, BX 2200 w/FEL and MMM
I've spent a bunch of time sharpening my chainsaws over the years. Back when I was a certified arborist going through college, it used to be a breeze to whip out a round file and touch up a saw freehand during gas-ups or breaks. I'm real particular on having a sharp saw and as I've gotten older, I don't use a chainsaw frequently enough to stay proficient with a file and get the edge and symmetry I prefer. So I went on a quest for a better alternative.
I ruled out the bench sharpening models, because I want to be able to touch a saw up in the field and I couldn't justify spending $200+ for an Oregon bench model and figured the cheaper knock-offs are probably junk. I looked at some of the various jigs and file fixtures and couldn't see where I'd get much improvement over my free-hand method or they looked like a convoluted contraption that would just lead to frustration.
One sharpener that kept popping up in my research was the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener. So on a whim and crossed fingers, I splurged and bought one the other week. I had a chance to use it over the weekend and man am I impressed!:cool2: Rarely do you find a tool that actually works as simply and as well as this one does. At about $140 it's not cheap, but it gives you the portability to sharpen in the field with precision that would be unmatched with a hand file. And because it actually machines the tooth with a carbide cutter, you don't risk overheating teeth like can happen with the abrasive wheel grinders.
Look at some of the reviews on-line and you'll get some great feedback and info on how this sharpener works. I would recommend you start with a new chain, I don't think you'd want to waste your time trying to true up an old chain. Also, take your time to "bed" or "seat" the chain/cutter the first time you use it on a new chain. After the first "seating", using the sharpener is a breeze for all the subsequent sharpening's. Replacement carbide cutters are a little pricey at around $25, but they're supposed to last for 40+ sharpening's. I think you'd probably go through at least 3- 5 round files with that same number of sharpening's (I like a sharp file), so the replacement cutter price isn't too out of line. I haven't had to use it on a damaged chain (hitting metal nails or rocks). In that instance, you might still need to "dress" the damage with a round file, to save some wear and tear on the carbide cutter. Like I said, I haven't had to find out yet, but the carbide cutter could certainly repair a damaged tooth.
I thought I'd let some others know about a great product that actually works as simply as it's touted and gives results beyond expectations.
I ruled out the bench sharpening models, because I want to be able to touch a saw up in the field and I couldn't justify spending $200+ for an Oregon bench model and figured the cheaper knock-offs are probably junk. I looked at some of the various jigs and file fixtures and couldn't see where I'd get much improvement over my free-hand method or they looked like a convoluted contraption that would just lead to frustration.
One sharpener that kept popping up in my research was the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener. So on a whim and crossed fingers, I splurged and bought one the other week. I had a chance to use it over the weekend and man am I impressed!:cool2: Rarely do you find a tool that actually works as simply and as well as this one does. At about $140 it's not cheap, but it gives you the portability to sharpen in the field with precision that would be unmatched with a hand file. And because it actually machines the tooth with a carbide cutter, you don't risk overheating teeth like can happen with the abrasive wheel grinders.
Look at some of the reviews on-line and you'll get some great feedback and info on how this sharpener works. I would recommend you start with a new chain, I don't think you'd want to waste your time trying to true up an old chain. Also, take your time to "bed" or "seat" the chain/cutter the first time you use it on a new chain. After the first "seating", using the sharpener is a breeze for all the subsequent sharpening's. Replacement carbide cutters are a little pricey at around $25, but they're supposed to last for 40+ sharpening's. I think you'd probably go through at least 3- 5 round files with that same number of sharpening's (I like a sharp file), so the replacement cutter price isn't too out of line. I haven't had to use it on a damaged chain (hitting metal nails or rocks). In that instance, you might still need to "dress" the damage with a round file, to save some wear and tear on the carbide cutter. Like I said, I haven't had to find out yet, but the carbide cutter could certainly repair a damaged tooth.
I thought I'd let some others know about a great product that actually works as simply as it's touted and gives results beyond expectations.
