Saw Chain Sharpener

[Charlesaf3]

Yes, it pretty well matches the average new chain angle. I used to keep a couple links of new chain to remind me of just how little angle there really is to the "hook".

Harry K

Good to know. I should pull my new chain out and compare it to the one I've been sharpening.

I just tried using a round oregon stone in a dremel, free hand. Worked Ok, went quick, but not nearly as good as hand filing. Next trick will be to start with the dremel, and then go through and take a few strokes with the hand file.

I'm going to go ahead and buy the harbor freight sharpener. Problem is, every time I order from them I feel I have to buy a lot of things to make up for the shipping!

 

[turnkey4099]

I have to agree, I use the sharpener to bring them back to the right angle and sharp.It does remove a lot of the tooth.
I have been cutting alot lately, and after each day, I run the file over the teeth, and as said only a couple of long even angled strokes is all it takes to bring back the sharp edge.
Lighting is the key, I set mine in the vise with a desk light directly over the tooth, and I can see the metal filings come off of it.
Even with the machine lighting is important. I accidently took too much off on one whole side of the teeth, so my rights had more 'life' than the left. So I now have to think before I sharpen it, and remove more for the the teeth with more meat left, and spare the other ones.
So, My opinion is not to let the chain get completely dull before filing, or using the sharpener. A combo of the both, not only makes the chain sharp, but prolongs the life.
Al

A sharp chain is the only way to go. I sharpen mine as soon as it quits self feeding, i.e., when I notice that I am putting down pressure on the saw. At that point, it will still 'look and feel' sharp but doesn't cut as well.

Harry K

 

[Charlesaf3]

A sharp chain is the only way to go. I sharpen mine as soon as it quits self feeding, i.e., when I notice that I am putting down pressure on the saw. At that point, it will still 'look and feel' sharp but doesn't cut as well.

Harry K

YEah, that's what I do as well. Doing it after the dremel made it easier, though I think I have the wrong sized stones - teach me to trust the help at Lowes I'm looking forward to getting the HF - I hope it works. A sharp chain makes an incredible difference.

 

[Bedlam]

Take the saw and the wrong item back to Lowes they should stand behind it.My point was to keep them sharp, and If I were to use only the machine, Id wouldn't have a chain left. I use the machine, and then the file in between.
A happy mix of both methods...Either way sharp is the goal.
Al

 

[jjcc246]

I just picked up one of the chain sharpeners. They were $39.99, I told the girls that they we supposed to be $29.99 (ended yesterday) and she gave me for free, a 2 year replacement warranty. Anyway, I set the saw up, made a little 2x4 platform for it, dilly dallied with for a while and began sharpening. Tried the saw out and I must say definetly sharper. With a little practice,(this is the first time I ever tried to sharpen my own chain), this little unit for the price should work out just fine

 

[Charlesaf3]

Yeah, lowes is usually pretty good about that stuff.

 

[turnkey4099]

Just finished up in the shop. Did 5 chains in the approximate time I wouild have hand filed 1. All set for next year unless something comes up before then. Did about 12 cord this season. Still need to dump gas and run all the saws dry before putting them up for the winter.

For the guys just getting them some notes.

The tooth indexer on mine (and I have heard on other's) is a very loose fit. It catches the teeth on one side but I have to hold it over to catch the opposite side teeth.

My first try with it was not a success. Very poor cutting after i "sharped" one. Turned out after investigation that I was too 'tender' and was just kissing the tooth, not really sharping them at all. I also didn't have the depth stop set right. It needs to let the wheel almost touch the chain strap.

I have mine mounted to one of the columns in the shop with a desk light mounted upside down above it. Seems to be very hard to get light in just the right spot. Still haven't added the flop down 'stop' to keep the grinder from going back up full hieght. That makes for a long reach on each tooth.

Harry K

 

[Charlesaf3]

good to know. I'm definitely getting one. Unfortunately, they seem to have raised the price on it to 39.

 

[Bedlam]

Charlesaf3 your right. I just thumbed through my stack of catalogs. (20) and found two that had it for $29.99. However both times when searched the number, it comes up as $39.99.
This is how HF does things. I personallly dont like it. I have in the past ordered a compressor, and upon opening the delivery, see right on top a new catalog. and the price is $99. about 30 dollars less than the one they just shipped.
Also I have seen on the front page, an item that was 40 percent off. and a few pages in the same item is cheaper without any percent off.
HF catalogs change almost daily.You really have to 'work' to get the lowest prices. I will go through all my recient catalogs and write down the prices, and then I know the cheapest.It takes time . and thats something someone would need to decide if its worth it or not. In the case of my last order. It was a savings of around 80 dollars. But it took me almost four hours of time to find the lowest price.
Even at 39 dollars its a good buy. I paid 79 dollars for mine, At the time it was the cheapest. You could hold off a bit, and see if you get a catalog with it for the 29 dollars. If I see it again for that price Ill give a post on it.And dont forget to look for the 5 dollar off coupon..LOL
Al

 

[turnkey4099]

For those who are going to, but haven't yet, ordered. You might should add an extra disk or two to the order. Saves paying shipping again (ask how I know).

Also, I have seen recommendations to reverse the disk every so often to keep it in about the right profile. I haven't yet (done 10 chains so far) but will before doing the next chain.

Harry K