Strongway chain sharpener

[chipper1]

If my cheapo grinder ever fails, I would upgrade to the hydraulic assist. There are 5 steps in grinding a chain. 1) Loosen the chain clamp, 2) move the chain, 3) tighten the chain clamp, 4) lower the motor&stone to grind 5) raise the motor&stone. With the hydraulic you would remove 1&3, and it would all occur that much quicker and simpler.

There is a significant cost in such an upgrade, but after so many years of use, the cost per sharpening is a few pennies.

I agree with the five steps once the grinder is set up, but this doesn't take into account the initial setup. When using the hydraulic clamp grinders such as the super jolly you have to lower the head to the chain, then bring it back up to adjust the chain, then lower it again to the chain as many times as it takes to get your initial setup. It's still a little faster(even on short chains), and a lot less movement and turning of the wrist to tighten the vise down and loosen it, but it does take a little longer to set up.

 

[user 122190]

I agree with the five steps once the grinder is set up, but this doesn't take into account the initial setup. When using the hydraulic clamp grinders such as the super jolly you have to lower the head to the chain, then bring it back up to adjust the chain, then lower it again to the chain as many times as it takes to get your initial setup. It's still a little faster(even on short chains), and a lot less movement and turning of the wrist to tighten the vise down and loosen it, but it does take a little longer to set up.

I had not thought of that. Still it seems like a minor inconvenience. A properly maintained chain will stay consistent over a single set up, and when you have 40 or so cutters (with possibly multiple passes) the speed after the initial set up should be remarkable.

 

[chipper1]

I had not thought of that. Still it seems like a minor inconvenience. A properly maintained chain will stay consistent over a single set up, and when you have 40 or so cutters (with possibly multiple passes) the speed after the initial set up should be remarkable.

It is good overall, but as you say I hadn't thought of it either. Yes, once adjusted it stays the same over the rest of the chain and you save all that clamping unclamping manually. Clamping and unclamping isn't that it's hard, I just have issues with that type of repetitive motion, even running a wood splitter pulling the valve messes me up for days , it's just that particular motion .
I like the hydraulic setup, but would like to modify it to a foot control with a valve/valves(or a way to disconnect the mechanical side of the master) so I could use the master on the head or a foot controlled setup primarily for the setup. I enjoy modifying tools, but it's not like you will save much time doing the modification, just makes the process a little more enjoyable. Many would be farther ahead running a chain and hand filing it a few times then selling them on craigslist for half price and buying new, I just like to file/grind chains.

 

[user 122190]

Clamping and unclamping isn't that it's hard, I just have issues with that type of repetitive motion, even running a wood splitter pulling the valve messes me up for days , it's just that particular motion .

Same here. 5 years ago I was splitting wood with a Fiskars x27. Now I look for easier less repetitive motion ways to get the same thing done. Seems it is either my elbows, hands or shoulders, or something else that is soar. Getting older everyday, and just old period.

 

[chipper1]

Same here. 5 years ago I was splitting wood with a Fiskars x27. Now I look for easier less repetitive motion ways to get the same thing done. Seems it is either my elbows, hands or shoulders, or something else that is soar. Getting older everyday, and just old period.

Wait, I wasn't saying I'm getting old .

 

[HarleyT]

The hydraulic assist sounds like a feature that would be the first thing to fark up....

 

[chipper1]

The hydraulic assist sounds like a feature that would be the first thing to fark up....

Mine leaks a little, so good guess. Even if I had to replace the whole machine to fix it I would, it's worth it to me.
Many times there's a price to pay for the small things in life that make a large difference. For some folks they'll be fine with the manual clamp, that's fine with me .

 

[HarleyT]

Mine leaks a little, so good guess. Even if I had to replace the whole machine to fix it I would, it's worth it to me.
Many times there's a price to pay for the small things in life that make a large difference. For some folks they'll be fine with the manual clamp, that's fine with me .

I grew up in the 1970's....
All we had was National Geographic mags....

We all were all over the manual clamp thing...

 

[HarleyT]

Hydraulic assist is one of those millenial kid things....