Chainsaw sharpener opinions

[woodwiser]

What do you think of the chain sharpener that harbor freight tools sells ?

I am pondering getting one to sharpen chain to use for ripping. I am so green in the chain sharpener field that I would not know a good sharpener if it was in my hands.

Advice appreciated

 

[TimberPig]

It's mostly plastic, and not too long lasting from what I have heard. It is cheap for a reason. A better grinder would be worth the additional cost. Otherwise a good file, and a file guide if you haven't got the touch for it through experience are a better option than the cheap grinder.

 

[swcvw]

I purchased the harbor freight grinder for grinding a rip chain and ended up ruining a half wore out chain because of the plastic flexing. like timber pig said its mostly plastic including the threaded nut that holds the grinding wheel on which is not a good idea in my opinion.I used a file and joint guide
i got from baileys to regrind a new chain to 10 deg for rip use with a new file it took about ten strokes per tooth.

 

[Patrick62]

been there, done that

I have one kinda like that. I just upgraded to a 511A. Night and day.

The little grinder was not quite precise enough to suit me. It will sharpen chain enough to make it cut. However, others can do WAY better with file.

Biggest problem is that the right/left degree markings are a bit off...
Enough play in the plastic to amount to several thou play.

I reversed the motor on mine, and it helped a little bit.

My recomendation? Spend the extra bucks, and get a good one.

-Pat

 

[Biospheric]

Get a top of the line dremel 110v model (used 12 volt for years,not as strong or bilt as well) and use a power inverter off your truck when in the field. dimond bit, light touch up and super sharp results, silicon carbide for fast material removal for lightly dammaged chains -ie nail in tree ect.

 

[DanManofStihl]

I have a granberg chain sharpener it works great for round chiesel still haven't worked out the full chiesel chain with it. I can't wait to try my new to me oregon 511A. Key thing is practice.

 

[KarlP]

What do you think of the chain sharpener that harbor freight tools sells ?

They sell four different models. In my experience Chicago Electric tools are all made in China by the lowest bidder and has almost no quality control, so it has to be bought in person. One grinder might be off by as much as 20 degrees. The one next to it might be a perfectly aligned bargain.

While milling a huge maple with a lot of nails in it, I got tired of hand sharpening those long chains and got the Italian made "Nick The Grinder" from them when it was on sale. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43955

I think I can get a _slightly_ sharper edge using a round file, but the grinder quickly cuts the teeth at the right angles. It was well worth the price I paid for it.

 

[ajc4]

I picked up the "Chicago Electric" model in the local HF store this year for $50. It is not of the highest quality. It should last several years with the only occasional use I have for it though. My local dealer gets $6 to sharpen a chain, and I have used my grinder doezens of times just this year, so at $50 it doesnt owe me anything. I always have sharp chains to cut with now that I dont have to take them to the shop to get done. The angles are marked off correctly and it has worked fine. You can get them a bit sharper if you follow up after with a few strokes on a file, but I dont usually bother, they cut good enough off the grinder. If you just want to cut wood it works fine. If you want the fastest chain possible you'd better off with a silvey and the like.

 

[oldsaw]

I got one for $50 too. I really only use it to reset angles for rip chain, but it really needs a vertical angle adjustment to do that right. However, if you take small bites (Hit, back off, hit, back off) until the wheel makes the complete cut, flex isn't an issue. If you try to force it, it will flex like a big dog. Used within it's parameters, its a decent deal for $50. Don't expect miracles, and expect to spend a little extra time.

I've only used it to sharpen a chain once. Takes too long. Filing is faster.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I havent used the harbor freight thing, I dont like how it looks, too much plastic for my likin, and I've got an oregon 511A grinder anyways. WAYYY better machine, and it does what I ask of it. the grinder mostly gets used when I'm either in a hurry, or just want to straighten out the chain after unplanned impacts with solid non wood objects.