Gotta bump this thread to say thanks to everyone that posted with excellent insight and info. Sharpening my own is the best idea I've had in a long time. The chains stay sharp longer, cut faster and I'm saving the money. Thanks again!!
my only experience with grinding seems to take the temper out of the metal and make the chains soft.I like hand filing.But I have heard the newer grinding stones dont get the metal as hot?
my only experience with grinding seems to take the temper out of the metal and make the chains soft. . . . But I have heard the newer grinding stones dont get the metal as hot?
That is because you are in a hurry and trying to do it in one shot. Instead, peck at it removing as little as you can and still get the job done. Little "taps" as was mentioned above will not heat the steel.
Also most chain grinding wheels are pink in color which is a more friable grinding material making the heat buildup slower than gray Silicon carbide wheels.
********Another big contributing factor in tooth overheating and hardening is grinder wheels that are not kept cleaned by periodic dressing with a dressing brick or diamond dressing tool. . . . .
You can cool the teeth with fluid, . . .
*********** ********
I had to learn that 'dressing' the wheel is not only to maintain the shape, but also to clean it and to expose fresh aggregate. Can't remember where I posted things anymore (already in this thread?), but I may dress a wheel every few chains or several times during one chain. Anytime it starts grinding 'different' - I give it a light dressing with the brick.
I also clean chains(probably already said that too, right?).
NO! These grinders use dry grinding wheels. If you use cutting/cooling fluids make sure that your grinder and wheels are rated for that. You could get a nasty shock and explosive surprise!
Philbert
I use Boelube on my Jolly Star. . .
I use Boelube on my Jolly Star. What an unbelievable difference. It is a dry waxy grinding lubricant invented by Boeing Aircraft. It keeps the cutters nice and cool. Any chain I grind outperforms new chain of any brand....even Stihl. I find most factory chains are 0.015" or more off from left to right cutters.
I have been using Boelube on my bench grinder for grinding my mower blades as well. The grinder cuts faster and cooler. The lube fills in the pores of the stones and prevents the pores from getting filled with grinding slag.
It looks like a glue stick:
Damn - They (Orelube) are less than 10 miles from me!!
I'm gonna get on over there and see if I can get a tour! Maybe some cash pricing w/out state tax!
PJ
Cash pricing? The stuff is like $2 retail.
I did a quick google, and the cheapest I saw was 8 +shipping...
Like I said, I didn't realize that they where so close to me.
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