Purchasing the proper chain sharpener

[John_Mc]

I've been following this thread because though I've got 3 chains for each of my saws to stay sharp - and it works for the most part because I don't usually do a ton of sawing - I wouldn't mind being able to sharpen up on my own for those times that I'm dulling chain fast.

Local saw shop here sharpens chains for $5 each, a day or two turnaround (I'm almost never in town two days in a row so I'm not quite sure).

Ning -

There are a lot of Youtube videos on sharpening chains, but unfortunately, unless you already know a lot about the subject (in which case you probably don't need the video), it's hard to tell which ones are garbage and which ones are gold.

If you want a great tutorial on sharpening a chainsaw, take a look at this one: The Art & Science of Chainsaw Sharpening. It's not free: $6.99 to download, or $9.99 to order a DVD (or 99¢ to "rent", but I assume that is just a 1-time viewing, which is a problem if you want to be able to reference it later). They detail the equipment needed to accurately hand-sharpen a chain, and review sharpening using a couple of different kinds of guides, demonstrating in detail how to use them. (They also have an introduction to using a chain grinder, but that is not the main focus of this video.)

I had the pleasure of learning in person from the author many years ago as part of the "Game of Logging" level two workshop he teaches. Even though I was able to get it down well from that instruction, I bought the DVD when it came out a couple of years ago. It's been great to have to lend out to my friends who are interested in learning to sharpen a saw well.

NOTE: I have no connection to the company or the sale of the video, other than the fact that I am a satisfied customer.

 

[Oldpath05]

How much market is there for chain sharpening? I was thinking about doing it. I only know of 2 places that do it in town and they both do an awful job. I could make a chain sharper than they can by putting it on backwards and cutting a brick. There痴 no sarcasm there. If you saw my other chain sharpening thread I致e got the hang of it and can do a pretty good job.

Starting now I get $5.00/inch............

 

[denchen]

You guys must have someone on your side of the pond, but here starkiesharp.com/diamond_chainsaw_files is worth a look. Me I take the folding plastic handle off, force a short length of copper tube over the end and fit a small wooden handle over the copper tube.

 

[Ortimber]

2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener | STIHL USA Mobile

Best “in the field” sharpening tool available. I highly recommend this.

 

[4570Man]

Starting now I get $5.00/inch............

Is that a joke or did I miss the point? That’s way more than a new chain cost.

 

[Budweiser John]

Is that a joke or did I miss the point? That’s way more than a new chain cost.

Someone is jerking somebody’s chain.
Pun intended.

B. John

 

[Wakey]

2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener | STIHL USA Mobile

Best “in the field” sharpening tool available. I highly recommend this.

This is what I got in 2 different sizes. Well, I got the Pferd versions, I believe they make the Stihl units as well.

 

[Ortimber]

This is what I got in 2 different sizes. Well, I got the Pferd versions, I believe they make the Stihl units as well.

Yep, Pferd makes them for Stihl.

 

[RayfromTX]

The pferd works so well that it gives me a warm fuzzy to have finally found it. A tree cutting pro turned me onto it and the online source for all my tree cutting supplies. I have crossed several minor irritations off my list now after 35 years of owning and using chainsaws. I swear I'm going to have life figured out about the time mine is over.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Thanks for posting the link. Lots of great reviews. At around the 37 dollar price tag, certainly would be worth a try.

2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener | STIHL USA Mobile

Best “in the field” sharpening tool available. I highly recommend this.