Purchasing the proper chain sharpener

[Wakey]

I have a few saws I'd like to get the Pferd or Stihl sharpeners. For my Stihl MS-291 Chainsaw that uses the https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ZK5KS/ref=sxts_kp_lp_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=8778bc68-27e7-403f-8460-de48b6e788fb&pd_rd_wg=F5pWY&pf_rd_r=CHXZ50081DTJKPVNFKH5&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B0007ZK5KS&pd_rd_w=rwkNT&pf_rd_i=stihl+26rm3+74&pd_rd_r=960c7cd3-0588-493d-81dc-d983e126e339&ie=UTF8&qid=1541167079&sr=2 I purchased the https://www.amazon.com/Pferd-17301Pferd-Chain-Sharp-Filing/dp/B003M4LGPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540385922&sr=8-1&keywords=pferd++17301 It seems to be the correct one, perhaps someone can confirm? :laughing:

I've got a couple pole saws I'd ALSO like to get a sharpener for. These chains don't cost much but it is nice to touch up a chain while taking a break. The battery saw, Black and Decker 20 Volt LPP120 Oregon 90PX034X Chain 8 bar .043 ⅜ pitch 34 links and the TrimmerPlus head https://www.amazon.com/TrimmerPlus-PS720-8-Inch-Pole-Chain/dp/B0007MGCSU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 on my gas trimmer uses the https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-R34-AdvanceCut-Chainsaw-Remington/dp/B000BOAG0O/ref=asc_df_B000BOAG0O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167146984279&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14329922419374651716&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1015254&hvtargid=pla-305921216083&psc=1 R34 which might be the same chain.

When selecting the sharpener is it the pitch that matters? The R34 is 3/8 and the L74 for the Stihl is .325 (3/16?)

This is likely more difficult than it needs to be!

 

[Wakey]

I called Pferd and got the correct sharpener model 17300 for the 3/8 low profile chain. I would have deleted the thread but.. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047A0RUC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[Industrial Toys]

I had one friend give me a cheapie bench mounted sharpener. I never knew you need different stones for different chains and one for the depth gauges.

So another friend in the small engine business clued me in. I got another sharpener at Princess Auto (Basically HF) and this guy, with his Oregon sharpener, tried it and actually gave it his endorsement. He said, for the price difference, the PRO sharpeners aren't worth it.

 

[TnAndy]

Tried a bunch of different ones over the years, I go back to this one (the guide with the round file in it) every time.

 

[oldballs]

What TnAndy said...........
Cheers,
Mike

 

[oosik]

I have two sharpeners - one is Oregon and the other is ??. Both clamp on the bar and have adjustment for pitch and angle. These are the only two I've ever used out here for 37+ years now. I go thru the round files like a kid goes thru candy canes.

When its really sharp - either saw - both are Stihl - can cut a long curley-Q in green pine.

 

[Egon]

Just get a few proper sized files for your chain & sharpen often. That makes maintaining/ keeping the set angles much easier.

 

[John_Mc]

When its really sharp - either saw - both are Stihl - can cut a long curley-Q in green pine.

i think I've said this before somewhere on TBN, But if you are cross-cutting, a chain is not supposed to cut a long curly-Q. Chains are designed so the cutter "porpoises" through the wood, taking chips, not ribbons. It is possible to cut a long curly-Q if you are cutting parallel to the grain (often referred to as "noodling"), but even a poorly sharpened chain will do that.

 

[crazyal]

I use a Dremel tool with the correct bit. I don't need to remove the chain and I can easily fix teeth that are damaged. I have a bench grinder but it takes much longer and I don't think it does a better job.

 

[CalG]

Really?

Just fit a new chain when the previous one dulls, or call your man servant to make things better...

Best is to pick up a good saw file and learn to use it! It's not hard!