Mail Order Sharpening and Computerized sharpeners Thoughts? Experience?

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matteusz

ArboristSite Lurker
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Two Things I am hoping to glean wisdom on:

1. Computerized, electronic chain sharpeners: Anyone use a service that does this?

Wondering what the truth is when it comes to computerized sharpeners. I imagine bigger sharpening shops use them since doing hundreds of chains would not be cost effective with more manual methods.

Do they really get chains factory sharp? Or heaven forbid better than?

Anyone recommend a service? I am in WA and prefer to ship as close as possible but would be happy to go with a place that offers bulk discounts and will make it worth while to mail them in. Been looking at:

https://gardenland.com/product/chainsaw-sharpening-service/

Looks like I can get 7 20" chains done for the $50 not a bad deal at $7 each.

These guys look ok too:
https://www.rcpw.com/mail-order-chainsaw-chain-sharpening-service.html?length=1

Bit more at $7.90 per chain.

2. Mail order sharpening

There are services offered for mail in chain sharpening. Where I live this might be worth the hassle as my other option involves either paying a bridge toll and driving to the nearest shop and paying the ridiculous rate of $10/ chain + tax for sharpening.

No need to tell me to learn to sharpen by hand. I have a timberline sharpener and I touch my chains up and adjust the rakers etc. most of the time. Sometimes though a chain gets trashed and I prefer to send it in. Just looking for an economical option that won't trash my chains or get them stolen/ lost . . .
 
There was a guy here that started a thread about buying a Franzen and starting this type of business. I think he became a site sponsor too. You might do a search.
 
Anybody that uses a Chainsaw often will figure out a way to keep the chain sharp. I bought a couple of Oregon chains 3/8 .05 72dl for $15 each. $10 to get sharpened is insane.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SCIOTI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did my first couple of years sharpening using a Grinder. Even after rocking the chain I can now do it faster by hand. The grinders cannot removed rocked damage faster as it will burn the cutter.
 
Anybody that uses a Chainsaw often will figure out a way to keep the chain sharp. I bought a couple of Oregon chains 3/8 .05 72dl for $15 each. $10 to get sharpened is insane.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SCIOTI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did my first couple of years sharpening using a Grinder. Even after rocking the chain I can now do it faster by hand. The grinders cannot removed rocked damage faster as it will burn the cutter.

Not with a good wheel. Can knock off half the tooth without much fuss if you really wanted to.
On customer chains that are in rough shape, I usually do a heavy pass the first go around and then a skim pass the 2nd go around. Takes ~5 mins a chain for 18-28" loops.
Are they as sharp as possible? Likely no, but it's not worth the time to get super fussy with them.
I'm not saying we half ass the job, they are out of the box sharp at least, but I know for some folks on here, that is "dull"
 
The grinders cannot removed rocked damage faster as it will burn the cutter.

Bullsh*t.

Exactly, it can take a long session at the grinder to recover or fix a very damaged rocked chain.

Bullsh*t, again.

You don't know how to use a grinder properly.

$10 to get sharpened is insane.

This I agree on.

Wondering what the truth is when it comes to computerized sharpeners. . . . Do they really get chains factory sharp? Or heaven forbid better than? . . . No need to tell me to learn to sharpen by hand. . . . I have a timberline sharpener and I touch my chains up and adjust the rakers etc. most of the time.

Being 'automatic' (a better description than 'computerized') does not make a grinder better. It all goes back to the person operating it, just as with a conventional grinder, a file, etc.

A knowledgeable person can make a chain cut faster, OR last longer, OR optimize it for certain cutting conditions, etc., with any of these tools.

If you have been satisfied with your Timberline sharpener you just need to find someone that you are happy with. A mail order service is most likely to just do a basic grind, similar to what you are used to.

I would check out the guy @HarleyT mentioned above if I was looking for that kind of service. If you do, please share your experiences in this forum.

Philbert
 
Thanks for the comments. Wondering about those that have used a chain sharpened on a Franzen now that I have seen one in action and know where I could send my chains for sharpening at $7
each. Do they come back working well? Anyone get burnt teeth of one of those automated machines?
 
As far as cost... What is shop labor in your area?

If I do a chain every ~5 mins, that's maybe 10 chains in an hour, less if you factor in drop off and pickup, writing up a slip, etc.

That's $100/hr, not unrealistic for shop labor.
 
That guy had really good reviews. And I agree on your bs comments. Bought one of the wheels you recommended and you actually have to try to burn a cutter and I file sharpen but if I Rock one it’s a no brainer, it goes in the grinder.
What was that wheel, missed that.
 
If you can use a chainsaw properly , you can sharpen a chain with a little practice It is not rocket science just angles and using the right file . I have decreased the number of chains I have to sharpen considerable just by taking 10 minutes to show a guy how the file a chain. I do sell a few 2 in 1 sharpeners too . We don't like the sharpen chains. You loose money sharpening them.
 
It’s a diamond type wheel, never have dress it to shape, just keep it clean. I’ll have to look to see what I bought and where. Best bet is this, @Philbert, do you remember what I bought?
https://www.diamondwheelinc.com/

These are all I use for two reasons, never having to reshape it which equals to 100% consistency in cutters and the lack of dust. I actually just ordered the raker wheel.
 
As far as cost... What is shop labor in your area?

If I do a chain every ~5 mins, that's maybe 10 chains in an hour, less if you factor in drop off and pickup, writing up a slip, etc.

That's $100/hr, not unrealistic for shop labor.

Can you get that volume? Unless you are working for a logging company, I very much doubt you can see such business. And if you do, then you are working for a salary and the minutes and $ calculations are mute.
 
Going rate at least in SW Washington for chain grind is 7 per loop up to 36” then it goes up, add 2 dollars for square and another 2 for doing rakers is pretty common.


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