fastmopar1k
ArboristSite Member
I know I saw a thred on here about this sharpener. Can anyone tell me if it sharpens 3/8 chain. I am new to the sharpening myself idea and any and all help/advice is appreciated.
Northern Tools chain sharpener
- Thread starter fastmopar1k
- Start date
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northern tool---or northern hydraulics---quite a diff----
p575
ArboristSite Member
i think northern tool and hydraulic is all one company, harbor freight may be what your thinking of?
on topic, search, this have been covered a bunch here...
on topic, search, this have been covered a bunch here...
drmiller100
ArboristSite Guru
i've got the 99 dollar northern tool special.
works fine on 3/8 for the woodcutter/ameteur. i seem to be getting fairly consistent with it.
works fine on 3/8 for the woodcutter/ameteur. i seem to be getting fairly consistent with it.
nicholasthorn
ArboristSite Lurker
sharpner
the cheap models do the jobs to a extent but when it comes to accuracy better cutting go for top of range oregon jolly or the carlton die cast models all made by same company just diffrent colour red jolly black oregon blues carlton
they have 2 adustments front & rear & use sthil chain where possible better quality steel thicker cutters better value
the cheap models do the jobs to a extent but when it comes to accuracy better cutting go for top of range oregon jolly or the carlton die cast models all made by same company just diffrent colour red jolly black oregon blues carlton
they have 2 adustments front & rear & use sthil chain where possible better quality steel thicker cutters better value
Ductape
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have the Northern grinder..... Chinese knock-off of the Oregon. I recommend it..... yes, it does 3/8ths. It comes with three wheels.. .325, 3/8, and the big one i've never had on it cuz i got no chain that big.
Ductape
Addicted to ArboristSite
I figured it was for .404 chain, but thats exactly what I used it for..... the rakers.
pacman
ArboristSite Operative
Rakers
I guess im not a good chain sharpener because I dont know how to do it properly .
I dont know how to file the rakers . I only file the cutting part . Will one of you guys tell me how to properly file the rakers and chain too . I surely would appreciate it so much .
I guess im not a good chain sharpener because I dont know how to do it properly .
I dont know how to file the rakers . I only file the cutting part . Will one of you guys tell me how to properly file the rakers and chain too . I surely would appreciate it so much .
Last edited:
drmiller100
ArboristSite Guru
i'm new, so i'm gonna troll to get some experts involved.
i think you cut the rakers when you have to put a lot of down pressure all the way through the log. if the chain feeds in and you don't have to apply lots of pressure, you have cut enough raker off.
i think you cut the rakers when you have to put a lot of down pressure all the way through the log. if the chain feeds in and you don't have to apply lots of pressure, you have cut enough raker off.
pacman
ArboristSite Operative
Is it any height that I should go by ? I think I have seen some guide for a raker some where but I dont remember where.
Like you have said I do have to put some pressure on it when I am cutting down . When I am cutting up it isnt as bad .
Another thing too . I should use just a flat file for it too right ?
Like you have said I do have to put some pressure on it when I am cutting down . When I am cutting up it isnt as bad .
Another thing too . I should use just a flat file for it too right ?
filing the rakers
They do have guides for raker's, but i just use a small flat edge from one tooth to the next and see how much clearance there is from the raker, it don't need much, i don't know the exact measurement, but i would guess about 1/32 is good.
if you take to much the saw will become jerky, jams and hard to handle so now its a hazard. I've done it a couple of times :censored: .
As for as grinders,I don't know if any of you had this happen but, I bought a northern grinder, got it home and mounted it and put the wheel on in the late afternoon so that was it for the day. the next morning I got out to the shop and was going to start sharpening and I noticed the wheel on the grinder cracked up like a spiderweb and when i grabbed it with my fingers it crumbled like it was dried out piece of bread, I brought it back and they replaced it, but I hate to think what would have happened if I didn't see it. So please check your grinder wheel before you start.
Have a great day all,,,tuke
They do have guides for raker's, but i just use a small flat edge from one tooth to the next and see how much clearance there is from the raker, it don't need much, i don't know the exact measurement, but i would guess about 1/32 is good.
if you take to much the saw will become jerky, jams and hard to handle so now its a hazard. I've done it a couple of times :censored: .
As for as grinders,I don't know if any of you had this happen but, I bought a northern grinder, got it home and mounted it and put the wheel on in the late afternoon so that was it for the day. the next morning I got out to the shop and was going to start sharpening and I noticed the wheel on the grinder cracked up like a spiderweb and when i grabbed it with my fingers it crumbled like it was dried out piece of bread, I brought it back and they replaced it, but I hate to think what would have happened if I didn't see it. So please check your grinder wheel before you start.
Have a great day all,,,tuke
nicholasthorn
ArboristSite Lurker
depth gauges
we call then the correct name over here in uk depth gauge settings need to be adhered to to avoid kickback saftey feature depending on chain used i never bother by the time they wear i have very little cutter materal left through regular sharpening better to replace chains at this stage
my saws
2 x shindaiwa 269-t
2 x shindaiwa 357-t
2 x sthil ms660
2 x sthil ms460
2 x ms260
2 x makita dcs5000
2 x makita dcs7900
2 x makita dcs9010
we call then the correct name over here in uk depth gauge settings need to be adhered to to avoid kickback saftey feature depending on chain used i never bother by the time they wear i have very little cutter materal left through regular sharpening better to replace chains at this stage
my saws
2 x shindaiwa 269-t
2 x shindaiwa 357-t
2 x sthil ms660
2 x sthil ms460
2 x ms260
2 x makita dcs5000
2 x makita dcs7900
2 x makita dcs9010
Ductape
Addicted to ArboristSite
I bought a guage to file my rakers. You most definitely don't want to take them down too much..... your saw won't have the uumph to pull the chain through the wood.
gtstang462002
ArboristSite Operative
Stihl has a great file sharpening kit complete with directions that is somewhere around 10-15 bucks. Use the gauge that comes with that kit for filing the rakers and the saws have always cut great. I am still too lazy to file though. Use the 12v oregon dremel style grinder for sharpening out in the field.
Zodiac45
Paleostoveologist & Sawwhisperer
I hit the rakers every 3-4 times that I sharpen a chain. Just a tic, same as sharpening, always use as light a touch as you can and just skim. If you take too much off rakers you'll have a grabby chain. Not as big a problem cutting softwood but can be with hard wood. 
