Sharpening chains

[Scooterbum]

http://www.atop.se/nav16371_91D16D20C561460D89ABED44F1A7B7AF

 

[Engineeringnerd]

I file if I have to, but use a grinder now whenever possible. A grinder always gets the angle right and you can take off as much or as little as you like. If you get greedy you can blue the metal, so be patient and take off only a little bite at a time. This is really easy if you don't "rock" your chains, since only a slight tap is usually needed.

Hand filing works fine, but I never get it as sharp, consistent from tooth-to-tooth, as with a grinder. I normally carry 4 or 5 chains with me and swap them out when the chips start shrinking.

 

[daywalker6758]

Hello All,
Are there any grinders that we need to stay away from?( Not enough or no fine adjustment) or just plain garbage?

 

[Chainsaw Master]

It seems as tho I can get a chain sharper with a file than using a grinder, I had one & traded it in on a 346xp a couple yrs ago, i never used it. I always have a file in my pocket or on a stump, wi my scrench. I'm always touching up my chain, when I gas up. When I'm cutting, it never gets DuLL!! If I hit dirt, I usually stop & put the edge rite back on. Theres nothing worse than trying to cut with a dull chain. In my book, its easier & faster to spend 5-10 mintutes sharpening, than bending over all day, with a saw that won't cut.

 

[HEAVY FUEL]

Whats the best and easiest way to sharpen chains? Is it the file or should i get one of those electric ones my dealer/service guys have. Ive heard that the electric option takes to much off ,and the chain dosnt last as long.
thankyou.

I really enjoy the roller file that comes with the jonsereds file kit. Keep a sharp edge on the chain all day makes cutting a lot more fun. Like others have said, every time you gas up, run the file across it once or twice and you know you have a sharp chain. It will be at the correct angle and depth. Maybe someone else can post a picture of one, They are around 10 bucks and just rest right over your chain unlike the granberg style which clamps to your bar. I bought the granberg to try changing angles and now that is in the trash. I always go back to the roller file.

 

[grandpatractor]

I really enjoy the roller file that comes with the jonsereds file kit. Keep a sharp edge on the chain all day makes cutting a lot more fun. Like others have said, every time you gas up, run the file across it once or twice and you know you have a sharp chain. It will be at the correct angle and depth. Maybe someone else can post a picture of one, They are around 10 bucks and just rest right over your chain unlike the granberg style which clamps to your bar. I bought the granberg to try changing angles and now that is in the trash. I always go back to the roller file.

ya what he said

 

[precaud]

Everyone who uses a saw should be able to hand file a chain.

and everyone who writes should be able to use paragraphs. Sheesh.

 

[Tzed250]

Lack of...

I dont know about most of you but I have a real hard time finding 120AC in the woods...

 

[SWI Don]

I would tell anyone starting out with chainsaws to learn how to handfile first at least to the point that it comes pretty naturally. The cheapest way to get a chain sharp is a file, a handle, and a leather glove. I use the side of my index finger to keep the file from going in too deep in the tooth. The thing about hand filing is you can use it anywhere.

Once you get comfortable hand filing, a bench chain grinder is a nice addition for truing up chains and fixing thoses times when you catch a fence or rock and have to take the chain back a ways. The last several chains I have ground have been for friends / neighbors and they all had problems that needed some serious work to correct. I have been lucky lately and have stayed out of the hard stuff with my bars so I have just filed them. The only thing bad about hand filing a lot is that you are not always swapping chains and inspecting / flipping your bar as often.

Don

 

[HEAVY FUEL]

I would tell anyone starting out with chainsaws to learn how to handfile first at least to the point that it comes pretty naturally. The cheapest way to get a chain sharp is a file, a handle, and a leather glove. I use the side of my index finger to keep the file from going in too deep in the tooth. The thing about hand filing is you can use it anywhere.

Once you get comfortable hand filing, a bench chain grinder is a nice addition for truing up chains and fixing thoses times when you catch a fence or rock and have to take the chain back a ways. The last several chains I have ground have been for friends / neighbors and they all had problems that needed some serious work to correct. I have been lucky lately and have stayed out of the hard stuff with my bars so I have just filed them. The only thing bad about hand filing a lot is that you are not always swapping chains and inspecting / flipping your bar as often.

Don

I think you should also tell someone just starting out not to catch a fence!!!Sorry, that cracked me up!

 

[WKEND LUMBERJAK]

Where would a guy look for a file guide and files like that?

Kenneth

 

[Rydaddy]

Files

You can get files at Bailey's. A sponsor here.

 

[blsnelling]

Hand filing may be fine for touching up in the woods, but that's what extra chains are for. I don't see how it's humanly possible to keep the angles correct filing without a guide. And I don't see why so many say a grinder takes too much off. It only takes off what you set it too. A grinder will by far give you the most consistent angles and tooth length. The only advantage a file may have is a little sharper cutter. But a grinder puts a plenty sharp edge on a chain. I think the consistency the grinder provides and the time saved far out weighs the difference in sharpness.

 

[grandpatractor]

Where would a guy look for a file guide and files like that?

Kenneth

http://www.tiltonequipment.com/Jonsered/Jonsered-catalog-filing-guides.html
I use one like this, Quick,easy and fairly accurate