Some Side-By-Side Comparisons
Picked up a few of the older Grandberg type sharpeners on eBay, and two new Oregon versions. Here is what I learned, comparing them side-by-side.
- The quality of the castings and finish on the older models, both brands, definitely feels better. Although, there was still some 'flash' on the older ones I saw. The bases on the Oregon models were all painted and well finished, but the metal file frames on the old model were very similar to the old Granbergs. These guides, apparently, were never sold as high precision/highly finished products.
- There is obviouslty common parentage here, with some made by Nygran / Granberg here in the USA; and some made in Italy (by Tecomec ?) for Oregon and others. The current Oregon models are made in China. Granberg models were also sold with McCulloch and Sears Robucks labels. There are several other versions and variations out there with French and other labels. I have not seen the STIHL branded versions.
- Some earlier models (e.g. 'File-N-
Guide') have a shorter base, and a small metal strip that aligns with the bar (Photo in Post #23). Later models (e.g. 'File-N-
Joint') have the longer base and side clamps to help stablilze and hold down the chain when filing, which I like.
- The older models were significantly larger, which may be why sawnami could use his older model on his 1/2" cutters (Post #10). Thumb screws/wingnuts are easier to reach on the larger models: this could be a big issue for guys with thick fingers - otherwise they will have to use needle-nosed pliers to adjust them. I saw one guys' review where he suggested that the smaller format models were 'better' because they flexed less. The side-by-side photos really show the size difference.
Granberg G104B / McCulloch 61034, and Granberg G106B
Old Oregon, Oregon Professional/Dura Max 2376A, Oregon Sure Sharp 23820
The 'old' Granberg, Old Oregon, and Oregon Professional model are all approximately the same size. The New Granberg and the Oregon Sure Sharp are approximately the same size.
Feature differences:
- The amount of plastic varies. I think that the top cap being plastic is OK, as this helps the bar slide. Angle markings molded into the plastic caps were also easier to read. When the 'middle pieces' (Oregon Sure Sharp) is plastic, there is too much play in the guide. Comparing them side-by-side, I think that the plastic file holding frames are OK, especially on the smaller frames.
- Some models have sliding tangs to position the cutters; other have fixed tangs. The sliding tang is a nice feature.
- Earlier models had 2-piece base castings, later ones are single piece castings.
- There have been a variety of hand grips; some built-in, some use basic file handles.
Conclusions
If I had to buy one new today, I would pick the Granberg, dissassemble it, clean up all of the castings, and hope that it held up. I have seen these priced anywhere between $23 and $59 for the same model (plus shipping, sales tax, etc., as those apply).
I like the finish better on the Oregon models, but the Professional one kept slipping on me (my old one did not) and the Sure Sharp flexed too much. These are problems that could easily be solved by adding a second wing nut on the Pro model, and cast metal middle pieces on the SureSharp. They are both being returned.
It is too bad that a better quality version of these is not widely available. Again, I have not seen the STIHL, but it should not have to cost 5 to 10 times as much to make a better quality product.
Used models are available on eBay, Craig'sList , etc. I have seen used Granbergs sold between $18 and $50 with shipping.
Philbert
