Thread: Critique my sharpening skills

Do you see where that top outside corner is not sharp? You have to grind back until that is all gone. You will loose a lot of tooth getting back that far. That's a job for a grinder, not a file.

Yikes!

You will not be sharp until all the rounded metal is filed out to a new edge and then you will need to attend to the drags. Sorry just the facts

Well, crap. I didn't think both chains were that bad. I kind kind of figured the first one was but not the second one. It sounds like I have a lot of filing or grinding to do but the thing is both chains are still cutting pretty good. Another thing is I can buck logs just fine, it throws pretty decent chips but I have a little trouble noodling. I can noodle about half way then I have a hard time cutting any further but if I start a new cut, it will do the same thing, go down about half way and want to quit cutting. Having trouble noodling may or may not have any thing to do with what the chains look like, I don't know.

Besides hitting rock or dirt, what can cause these chains to get like this? I know the bar oilier(spelled right?) works.

What kind of tool would I need to dress the grinding wheel?

What kind of suggestions do you have for a new bar? Since ours does not have a replaceable tip, I thought about getting one that does. I just don't know what brands to look at. Another question, with the chain installed on the bar, how much side to side play should you have? I have some in mine, just don't know how much is too much.

Blsnelling, are you talking about the first set of pics or the second set?

Originally Posted by memory

Well, crap. I didn't think both chains were that bad. I kind kind of figured the first one was but not the second one. It sounds like I have a lot of filing or grinding to do but the thing is both chains are still cutting pretty good. Another thing is I can buck logs just fine, it throws pretty decent chips but I have a little trouble noodling. I can noodle about half way then I have a hard time cutting any further but if I start a new cut, it will do the same thing, go down about half way and want to quit cutting. Having trouble noodling may or may not have any thing to do with what the chains look like, I don't know.

Besides hitting rock or dirt, what can cause these chains to get like this? I know the bar oilier(spelled right?) works.

What kind of tool would I need to dress the grinding wheel?

What kind of suggestions do you have for a new bar? Since ours does not have a replaceable tip, I thought about getting one that does. I just don't know what brands to look at. Another question, with the chain installed on the bar, how much side to side play should you have? I have some in mine, just don't know how much is too much.

Blsnelling, are you talking about the first set of pics or the second set?

Both chains not sharp, also the bar can be filed with a flat file or lightly ground to remove burr when you take off bar feel for burr file or grind the edge creating burr off just enough to remove burr not change rail hight. Most grinder come with dressing stone but that is whats needed and use shaping guide until you get a feel of proper dressing.

Originally Posted by memory

...both chains are still cutting pretty good.

Blsnelling, are you talking about the first set of pics or the second set?

Both. It's impossible for those chains to cut good. You need to raise your standards, lol. A lot

I know these chains look bad but they are still cutting. Now I know what a new chains cuts like and these do not cut like a new chain but they still cut pretty decent, they still throw some pretty good chips. Maybe I need to take a video if I could figure out how to post a video, I rarely take videos.

I'm not just trying to be harsh, but your chains aren't just bad, they're very bad. You need to grind WAY back to get rid of the rounded top edge. The profile and angles of the grind are totally wrong. You have virtually no hook at all. You're trying to cut with almost a square corner. I would recommend that you go with semi-chisel chain. It will be more forgiving than the chisel chain that you have.

It would be so much easier if you were here. It's kind of hard to point out exactly what's wrong and what you want it to look like.

Originally Posted by memory

I know these chains look bad but they are still cutting. Now I know what a new chains cuts like and these do not cut like a new chain but they still cut pretty decent, they still throw some pretty good chips. Maybe I need to take a video if I could figure out how to post a video, I rarely take videos.

Look at a new chain and when you make yours look like one its sharp not until then

What angles do you have your grinder set too? Post a pic of your grinding wheel. We're giving harsh but honest feedback, but we're also here to help you fix it.

I believe it is either 30 or 35, can't remember right now. I will try to get a pic of the grinder wheel.

Don't worry about the harsh feedback, I can take it. I come here because I need help.

Originally Posted by memory

I believe it is either 30 or 35, can't remember right now. I will try to get a pic of the grinder wheel.

Don't worry about the harsh feedback, I can take it. I come here because I need help.

What angle is the motor at? It should be at 60°. The edge of the grinding wheel should be one smooth radius, a 1/2 circle.

Originally Posted by blsnelling

Both. It's impossible for those chains to cut good. You need to raise your standards, lol. A lot

Yes, and dull chain like that can cause serious heat issues as well!

when you get the cutters rite you'll think you got a bigger saw. no corner , no cut.

Originally Posted by blsnelling

What angle is the motor at? It should be at 60°. The edge of the grinding wheel should be one smooth radius, a 1/2 circle.

I am not sure what angle the motor is set to. It is the kind that can not be adjusted. It is one of those cheap Harbor Freight models. I will get a pic posted a little later.