best saw chain sharpener ??

[Northcentralyooper]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for suggestions on a chain sharpener. I use a simple guide now but would like something more accurate.
I'd like to hear what everyone else is using and what they like about it.

Thanks

 

[Mike Gibson]

Good file and my right hand. IMO, if you keep up with it I don't think you can beat hand file.

 

[Ironworker]

I maintain with a hand file and occasionally with a Dremel. The key is to do it often.

 

[Northcentralyooper]

Good file and my right hand. IMO, if you keep up with it I don't think you can beat hand file.

Yea I agree I guess I'm looking for a sharpener that maintains use of a file. The guide I use is not precise

 

[cus_deluxe]

Yep, i think if you spend the time getting good with a file, its tough to beat. And as said above do it often enough so that they dont take much to touch up.

 

[MGoBlue]

Tons of info on this subject if ya do a search. A lot is current too.

 

[c5rulz]

For round ground, Silvey 510.

 

[sunfish]

A File, free hand, no guide.

 

[blkcloud]

This is what I always use

 

[Northcentralyooper]

Thanks for suggestions , yes I've been digging up old threads , I like the looks of that timberline pro sharpener

 

[sunfish]

If ya need a guide, the Husky roller guide work well.

 

[redoakneck]

Stihl fg2, if you can find one.

Very precise. Usually 200-250 bucks

 

[blkcloud]

Thanks for suggestions , yes I've been digging up old threads , I like the looks of that timberline pro sharpener

I have one.. It works good but.. I can have a chain filed on one side by the time I get it set up and clamped on..

 

[Northcentralyooper]

I have one.. It works good but.. I can have a chain filed on one side by the time I get it set up and clamped on..

Ok thanks , I thought that might be a small issue

 

[rustycj82]

I bought the timberline sharpener and I love it, it takes a few go's to get the hang of setting it up but once it's set works like a charm. I think it puts on a edge just as good as new. One word of caution old chains are horrible because all the cutters will be different lengths and you have to adjust to often. I have been slowly replacing all my chains to prevent this problem.

 

[Northcentralyooper]

I like the looks of the Grandberg jig as well. Looks precise and not to time cunsuming once setup

 

[jwade]

i also bought the timber line sharpener. the first time i used it i could not believe how precise and accurate the sharpener got the cutters on the chain. i now hand file after about every other tank of fuel, and touch up the cain with the timber line sharpener to maintain the correct angles.

 

[fearofpavement]

I have done primarily free hand file sharpening over the years but I do use electric grinders too. I have a Harbor Freight cheapo, I have a Northern Tool clone, an Oregon 511AX and a Foley Belsaw.
That said, of those the Oregon was the most expensive and is the best. However, I think the most bang for the buck is the Northern Tool clone. They are pretty tight and a good compromise between cost and performance.

 

[sundance]

I'm a fan of the Granberg fixture. Inexpensive, works well for me. The Timberline looks interesting but the $20 carbide cutters spook me. I sharpen 3 different sizes. Granberg and a dozen files for each size......about $70. Awful lot of sharpenings there. Timberline and 2 other size carbides.......about $150. Chip a carbide, you're done sharpening. I hand file in the field to keep the saws going then true things up with the Granberg as needed. Never used a grinder (have a Northern Tool, never set it up) so can't speak to that approach.

 

[Gypo Logger]

A File, free hand, no guide.

I agree, filing freehand is like playing a violin, make the right strokes and you come up with the right tune.