electric chain saw sharpener

Yeah I purchased a 12 volt sharpener from a website (cheaper than ebay) a few weeks ago after seeing my mate use his and receiving some instruction from him. Works well and very quick to do a touch up around the chain, you'll only grind hell out of it if you don't control yourself.

I have a Stihl unit that is excellent at keeping the blades in good nick. Just a quick whiz will get the blade brutally sharp.

Peter

Hi Andrew.

Your chain will last much longer if you use a chain file.

Two strokes per tooth is all you need for a touch up. I can do a chain in as little time with a chain file as I could with one of these and have more control over how much you take off each tooth with a chain file.

I'm on pretty good terms with the local Stihl agent, they certainly sell them but to anyone who knows them well they don't recommend them. They did tell me they sell more chains as a result of misuse of these. They also reckon you have a better chance of maintaining the correct angle of cut with a longer device like a file because your perspective of the angle is over a longer device, which makes sense.

Just my 2 cents.

Dave

my father does a heap of tree clearing all the time, has tried everything and has settled on a handfile with no guide....fastest and best he reckons but perhaps its bcause hes doin it all the time...4 my occasional chainsaw use i do all right with a 12v motorised sharpener

They work a treat.

Have had one for 8 years or more, and my current chain (Stihl) is on it's 6th season with plenty left.
I wouldn't go back to the file again.

So they don't grind them down too much. I use a diamond stone on mine.

Geoff.

I use a Dremel with a special chain saw sharpening attachment. its very quick and works a treat also the dremel has 1001 uses for your average tinkerer.

Hello Waddo

I have used files but find the electric sharpeners quicker and easier . If your file isn't doing the job , it may be that sharpening the cutting face has taken the face back , and therefor lower than the depth guide . Check the cutting edge exposure with a straight edge across the depth guides . If necessary , decrease the height of the guides by filing them down .

I think everybody is confusing the ones on Ebay with the little 12v hand held grinders.
The ones on Ebay are much the same as used for pro sharpening & are set to the shortest tooth & will only grind them all the same to a pre-set stop.
I haven't used an Ebay one, but have used tthe pro sharpeners heaps.

HI all

I have a 240 volt job for abt 80 bucks off ebay - just magic - I have a pile of chains and it does them superquick - just like the professional sharpeners - mine came with a spare stone.

I have used filing jigs of all types and wouldnt give a squirt for them - they are ok in the absence of soemthing better.

Wouldnt use anthing else now.

Hope this helps

I lost interest in using my 12v unit when the stones got clogged with stuff. Too expensive to replace. Maybe investing in a diamond stone would help, but for me it's much easier and convenient to use a file with a guide. You can take the file anywhere, not have to bring the saw back to the vehicle for sharpening.

well I use both actually. for a quick touch-up in the bush (I cant believe I said that) the 12v jobbie is great, but if the chain is a little more worn out then I use a bar mounted jig to dress it properly. I have also started using a freehand file to great effect whilst cutting dry hardwood like in power poles. Its all about experience with the thing

Sharpening the chain with just 1 stroke after each fill up on fuel will also prevent chain stretch AND bar wear.

I use a hand file but with a guide tto help maintain depth and angle. The 'spike' holder also makes a huge difference to as the bar is held nice and firm

Dunedigger