After years of hand filing, went and bought myself an Oregon chain grinder

[5030]

At this rate, the sharpener starts to close in on the price of the $350 arborist saw.

That is true but I have more than just the Echo. I own a Stihl 028AV, a Stihl MS, a Stihl 075 and an 090 as well. I should sell the MS, don't really like it and buy another, larger Echo and I have feeling that I'll be running loops for my friends as well. No one I know likes hand filing.

 

[5030]

This is how to grind square tooth chains:
View attachment 787444

I hand file the skip tooth 404 square tooth chipper with a flat file. Don't need that though it looks neat, I bet it's not a cheap date either. I don't use the square tooth chain much anyway and I have 2 loops.

 

[2manyrocks]

IDK, I just wonder why something as mechanically complex as the arborist saw sells for $350 but then an electric grinder is $200 plus another $100 for a sharpening wheel?

 

[scootr]

IDK, I just wonder why something as mechanically complex as the arborist saw sells for $350 but then an electric grinder is $200 plus another $100 for a sharpening wheel?

I have a trusty used Echo 16" that does all the pruning needed around here. I figure I could buy a lifetime supply of chains for much less than the cost of a sharpener and accessories. Especially if I hand file each one once or twice.

 

[WranglerX]

IDK, I just wonder why something as mechanically complex as the arborist saw sells for $350 but then an electric grinder is $200 plus another $100 for a sharpening wheel?

Because you are buying a precision grinding tool and with proper care it will last a lifetime ... And sharpen many chains (that are consumables) over its lifetime..

 

[5030]

The chain grinder is all about consistency, consistency that hand filing cannot ever produce. With each and every tooth exactly the same sharpened length and tooth angle consistent, cutting will be straight and true. It's all about consistency that by hand filing cannot obtain. Besides, I like to keep all my loops sharp. Less effort expended on my part when cutting. Need to start buying saw chain in bulk and buy a spinner, riveter at some point.

 

[5030]

Because you are buying a precision grinding tool and with proper care it will last a lifetime ... And sharpen many chains (that are consumables) over its lifetime..

Just because I bought the Echo top handle to replace the 700 buck Stihl arborist saw that got smashed, I have other saws and they are expensive compared to the Echo. The MS I own (and don't really like) was 600 bucks when I purchased it for instance.

 

[scootr]

I had a new Stihl - stolen. After that I bought used saws. Of course nobody stole those. But they worked just fine like my used tractor and wife I guess

 

[5030]

Only thing 'used' here besides my tractors is my wife and my off lease car.. She was married previously but it's said you cannot wear it out anyway. I agree with that and I've tried....lol

 

[Cycledude]

I mostly sharpen by hand but occasionally take chain to dealer and pay $8 to have it sharpened. New chain is only $20 from local dealer so I have 3 Spare chains on hand. I also have a power sharpener but seldom use it because I’m willing to pay the $8 to have It sharpened by a pro occasionally, I also have a friend that can hand file a chain better than new It’s pretty amazing to watch it’s almost effortless for him.

 

[oldtimer 66]

Att'n 5030, Amazon



Super Abrasive CBN 5-3/4” Chainsaw Wheels for 3/8 and .404 Pitch Steel Chains
Sold by: Diamond Wheel, Inc.
Return window closed on May 6, 2022
$112.00
Condition: New

 

[oldtimer 66]

Att'n, 5030, sorry I missed your post on the CBN wheel. I was on a cruise when you posted. Later

 

[Jrasband]

4n1 Stihl hand filing tool is the only way to go. Once you get the hang of it you'll never look back.

 

[scootr]

I've filed by hand for 50 yrs. Figured I could buy a lifetime of new chains for the cost of one those fancy sharpeners now that I'm nearing 70 yrs Amazon baby

 

[Cycledude]

The chain grinder is all about consistency, consistency that hand filing cannot ever produce. With each and every tooth exactly the same sharpened length and tooth angle consistent, cutting will be straight and true. It's all about consistency that by hand filing cannot obtain. Besides, I like to keep all my loops sharp. Less effort expended on my part when cutting. Need to start buying saw chain in bulk and buy a spinner, riveter at some point.

If you are unable to cut straight after hand filing your chain then the power grinder is definitely the tool for you ! Or maybe some manual chain filing lessons from a good teacher Would would help.

 

[oldtimer 66]

Here is my thought. If you are going to hand file a chain you should be able to hand grind a drill. I started grinding tools in 1968. I know all of you remember the carbide grades 13A and 44B, aka 370 and 883.

 

[5030]

I offhand grind twist drills all the time but chainsaw loops are different and a chain grinder eliminates the inconsistencies in angles. The addition of a CBN wheel from Diamond Wheels makes it even better. With a Cubic Boron Nitride wheel, you never need to radius dress the wheel ever and lifetime is claimed to be 1000 chain loops.

 

[5030]

Att'n 5030, Amazon



Super Abrasive CBN 5-3/4” Chainsaw Wheels for 3/8 and .404 Pitch Steel Chains
Sold by: Diamond Wheel, Inc.
Return window closed on May 6, 2022
$112.00
Condition: New

$107.00 direct and free shipping. Bought 2 already, one for me, one for my buddy. 3 day delivery too. Nice folks.

 

[5030]

4n1 Stihl hand filing tool is the only way to go. Once you get the hang of it you'll never look back.

The issue with that as well as all the hand filing jigs is, holding a consistent angle tooth to tooth. The Oregon (Tecome) grinder does that for you. They make all the Oregon chain grinders btw.

No getting the 'hang of it' with the Oregon. You set the angles and grind the profile, first time, every time and with the CBN wheel, it will outlast you unlike files that wear out rapidly and have to be replaced.

 

[Jrasband]

The issue with that as well as all the hand filing jigs is, holding a consistent angle tooth to tooth. The Oregon (Tecome) grinder does that for you. They make all the Oregon chain grinders btw.

No getting the 'hang of it' with the Oregon. You set the angles and grind the profile, first time, every time and with the CBN wheel, it will outlast you unlike files that wear out rapidly and have to be replaced.

I do not think a perfectly consistent grind makes much of a difference, I can use a brand new chain and it doesn't cut any better. With the 4n1 tool it is pretty easy to get the angle right. Also the grinders take off a excessive amount of material and you end up not getting as much life out of the chain. Also you have to remove the chain from the saw.