Best Chainsaw Sharpener under $300

[ArlyA]

You folks have convinced me to not get any sharpening system. Will stick with on the saw, and filing by hand. Will still send some chains to a sharpening service shop.

 

[xyz123]

Think I will go with the Tecomec. More than I wanted to pay but great reviews. Buy once, cry once.

https://www.amazon.com/Tecomec-Super-Mounted-Grinder-Hydraulic/dp/B00BWSWXQ8/ref=asc_df_B00BWSWXQ8?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470587765562&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070142286347&psc=1

Dads dont have that hydraulic vise set up or cost that much. Was close to 200 new years ago. Tecomec TL136 is what I think his was.

USG has a option for foot pedal operated vise but I just do it the manual way. Hope it all works out for ya. GL

 

[SARG]

Best bang for the buck - Harbor Freight

Electric Chain Saw Sharpener

Amazing deals on this Electric Chain Saw Sharpener at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[ArlyA]

I used a HF version and gave up. It's not worth the shipping even if it's free. Get a good one.

 

[5030]

I agree, it ain't much.

 

[xyz123]

Dad tried that HF pos. I checked it out.

Why he owns the Tecomec now.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I just use a Stihl 2 in 1. Never saw a need for anything more. I guess since I only need to cut about 15 cords a year I don’t go thru more than a chain every other or 3rd year. maybe I am missing something a power tool would do? Can someone educate me on what an expensive tool would do that a stihl 2 in 1 isn’t doing? I hit the chain after each cord or so to keep the edge and knock down the guides. just finished my 3rd year on the same chain. Glad to be done!

 

[Buggs67]

I usually touch up the chain on the saw with a file and guide. I got a HF sharpeer at a garage sale for $5 and it works OK. I've also used rotary stones ad that's fast.

I like that Timberline setup and also the diamond file w/guide and 12v motor.

 

[5030]

My issue with ALL chain grinders is. they remove too much of the tooth which is ok if the tooth is really dull or chipped but for touching up a chain that isn't buggered up, filing is the only way to go.

Being inherently cheap, I don't need to grind away excessive amounts of tooth if not needed. Besides, learning how to file a chain properly is a good skill to learn. Kind of similar to off hand sharpening twist drills or TIG welding.

 

[RandyT]

My issue with ALL chain grinders is. they remove too much of the tooth which is ok if the tooth is really dull or chipped but for touching up a chain that isn't buggered up, filing is the only way to go.

Being inherently cheap, I don't need to grind away excessive amounts of tooth if not needed. Besides, learning how to file a chain properly is a good skill to learn. Kind of similar to off hand sharpening twist drills or TIG welding.

If you are removing too much metal with the grinder then the grinder isn't adjusted correctly. Absolute no reason that the grinder should be removing more metal than a file on the same chain.

 

[5030]

If you are removing too much metal with the grinder then the grinder isn't adjusted correctly. Absolute no reason that the grinder should be removing more metal than a file on the same chain.

Fair statement but still easier to hand file and with any 'grinder' you still have to hand file the rakers, something that a lot of owners overlook. Don't care for them simply because it's easier and quicker to dress a chain on the bar versus removing it and grinding., not that, that is all bad because it gives you a chance to inspect the rails for galling and clean the oil groove and flip the bar if necessary. My rule of thumb is I flip the bar every time I renew the loop and I inspect the drive sprocket at the same time.

Been using chainsaws forever. Still own and use a Stihl 028WB I bought in the early 60's Stihl only made the saw for 2 years. It's an RPM saw and it's loud. Has the heated stirrup on it and no chain brake either. Back then, Stihl had not succumbed to the 'noise police' like today and the saw is all alloy except for the top shroud instead of the plastic of today (like my MS saw). I own an 075 from that era as well but hardly ever use it. Has a 5 foot bar on it with 404 square tooth skip tooth chain. No grinding on that chain, hand setting only and you better use the CR or you'll leave your fingers on the recoil. Tend to run Carleton roller nose bars with replaceable noses and greaseable bearings too. I'm decidedly old school because I AM OLD.

 

[ArlyA]

I use a dremel on the rakes.

 

[Egon]

Cheapest and best is a hand file used properly and often.

 

[RandyT]

Fair statement but still easier to hand file and with any 'grinder' you still have to hand file the rakers, something that a lot of owners overlook. Don't care for them simply because it's easier and quicker to dress a chain on the bar versus removing it and grinding., not that, that is all bad because it gives you a chance to inspect the rails for galling and clean the oil groove and flip the bar if necessary. My rule of thumb is I flip the bar every time I renew the loop and I inspect the drive sprocket at the same time.

Been using chainsaws forever. Still own and use a Stihl 028WB I bought in the early 60's Stihl only made the saw for 2 years. It's an RPM saw and it's loud. Has the heated stirrup on it and no chain brake either. Back then, Stihl had not succumbed to the 'noise police' like today and the saw is all alloy except for the top shroud instead of the plastic of today (like my MS saw). I own an 075 from that era as well but hardly ever use it. Has a 5 foot bar on it with 404 square tooth skip tooth chain. No grinding on that chain, hand setting only and you better use the CR or you'll leave your fingers on the recoil. Tend to run Carleton roller nose bars with replaceable noses and greaseable bearings too. I'm decidedly old school because I AM OLD.

Fair enough. I can set my electric sharpener to also due the rakers.

 

[5030]

I use a dremel on the rakes.

I don't a dremel has it's place but not on a chainsaw loop.

 

[RandyT]

I don't a dremel has it's place but not on a chainsaw loop.

I can agree to that Just too hard to prevent excessive metal removal.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Fair statement but still easier to hand file and with any 'grinder' you still have to hand file the rakers, something that a lot of owners overlook. Don't care for them simply because it's easier and quicker to dress a chain on the bar versus removing it and grinding., not that, that is all bad because it gives you a chance to inspect the rails for galling and clean the oil groove and flip the bar if necessary. My rule of thumb is I flip the bar every time I renew the loop and I inspect the drive sprocket at the same time.

Been using chainsaws forever. Still own and use a Stihl 028WB I bought in the early 60's Stihl only made the saw for 2 years. It's an RPM saw and it's loud. Has the heated stirrup on it and no chain brake either. Back then, Stihl had not succumbed to the 'noise police' like today and the saw is all alloy except for the top shroud instead of the plastic of today (like my MS saw). I own an 075 from that era as well but hardly ever use it. Has a 5 foot bar on it with 404 square tooth skip tooth chain. No grinding on that chain, hand setting only and you better use the CR or you'll leave your fingers on the recoil. Tend to run Carleton roller nose bars with replaceable noses and greaseable bearings too. I'm decidedly old school because I AM OLD.

I modified the muffler and adjusted the carb on my Stihl. It's loud now too. I wear ear plugs when chainsawing.

 

[5030]

Lot of folks use a dremel and a stone to sharpen teeth as well. I won't do that simply because once a stone gets loaded, it will overheat and take the temper out of the cutting edge of the tooth, whereas a chain grinder won't because it's using a large grinding wheel not a tiny round stone spinning at high rpm. The other issue with using a dremel is holding the correct angle tooth to tooth so the saw cuts straight.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Lot of folks use a dremel and a stone to sharpen teeth as well. I won't do that simply because once a stone gets loaded, it will overheat and take the temper out of the cutting edge of the tooth, whereas a chain grinder won't because it's using a large grinding wheel not a tiny round stone spinning at high rpm. The other issue with using a dremel is holding the correct angle tooth to tooth so the saw cuts straight.

Both operator errors.

What happens if you aren't holding the "file" to the correct angle tooth to tooth, so the saw cuts straight?

BTW, having the cutters shorter on one side of the bar than the other, is more of the problem of the saw not cutting straight. Also having one side of the bar lower, than the other will cause the same.

SR

 

[Raul-02]

Looking to sharpen 5-6 chains at a time off the saw.

What would you recommend?

You said "best" and "off the saw" and "Under $300."
There is only one tool that fits these demands.

Use a spare blade and a file.
Mount the blade it in a vice and use chunks of wood between the bottom of the blade and the chain with a wedge for tension.
If you don't have a vice use large C clamps or fab up a wood mount to get it mounted in a fixed position.

ALL and I mean Every stinking chain grinding machine that I've had an opportunity to lay hands on over the years has been pure trash.
I own one and I hate it. It flexes and bends and is never consistent. It burns the chain because it is inconsistent. To stop it from burning I gotta have a squirt bottle of water in one hand and operate it with the other.
I also bought that gold anodized aluminum jig with the little diamond round sharpening bits for use on the chain as well and it's also trash. Did I mention that they are also so agonizingly slow? I mean dead rotting turtle slow.

I had plans to make one - a really solid one from heavy half-inch thick steel but may not realize them as I have discovered a much faster, better, and easier way - - - but it is done with the chain mounted on the saw or a on a spare bar. A Spare Bar works well.

Watching Bucking Billy Ray Smith do his chains I was inspired to use a file. Such a simple skill, and yet so many of us find it intimidating. It's not at all difficult but one does have to do at least three saw teeth on a chain before one realizes how easy it is. Hence the proliferation of pointless jigs and trash machines and videos by countless idiots extolling the virtues of these worthless gizmoes.

I just hand-file them all now. I don't do square grind (that's for green wood) I use a 7/32 Oregon brand fille and get good gullet and my angle is every as consistent as it would be on a good chain grinder, and I Never Burn the chain with grinder heat.