What's the best choice for a sharpener?

[Flubberboy]

Greetings:
Is there one particular brand and/or model of a shop quality grinder that is far better than others? - Silvey or similar quality?

I need something that is simple to operate and can handle different sizes of chains without having to spend too much time recalibrating it for various sizes of chains. Most I have are 3/8" or .404.

Do pro shops have multiple grinders set up so they don't have to change wheels and recalibrate every 5 minutes?

I'm spending enough now by having my local dealer sharpen chains that I probably could have bought the best machine on the market by now. I usually take in 40 to 60 chains every two weeks or so.

Thanks!
Dennis
Wichita Sawmill
Wichita KS

 

[Jim Shockey]

The Maxx grinder look good to me. Jim

 

[Greenthorn]

Dinasaw? at 40 60 chains... thats what I'd get.

 

[fixitguy75]

I have had the Maxx grinder for about 2 years and it is a great machine! It does a great job on everything i have used it on.

 

[314epw]

grinders

The maxx grinder is great for the money.You might also want an el cheapo that is just set up to do the depth gages.

 

[PES+]

I have had the Maxx grinder for about 2 years and it is a great machine! It does a great job on everything i have used it on.

The spec on that motor looks rather anemic. Does the Maxx stall easily? I like the head swing in both directions. Are all the main parts Metal? The pics online make lots of it look plastic but modern casting can give a similar finish on metal parts

 

[computeruser]

Maxx or Oregon 511A (Tecomec 136, = Bailey's SpeedSharp (I think)) are both good, cost-effective grinders. The Oregon can be had with hydraulic clamping, too; the Maxx comes with hydraulic clamping as a standard feature. I own the Oregon but have used the Maxx, and can endorse either as a good, solid piece of machinery.

 

[Indiana John]

Tecomec

I've had the Tecomec FL136 for almost 3 years now, and I have no complaints with it. Easy to operate, fairly sturdy, and seems to have plenty of power.

 

[04ultra]

Maxx or Oregon 511A (Tecomec 136, = Bailey's SpeedSharp (I think)) are both good, cost-effective grinders. The Oregon can be had with hydraulic clamping, too; the Maxx comes with hydraulic clamping as a standard feature. I own the Oregon but have used the Maxx, and can endorse either as a good, solid piece of machinery.

MAXX has what kind of clamping????


.

 

[CaseyForrest]

MAXX has what kind of clamping????


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Spring...I think Brandon got ahead of himself!!!

 

[04ultra]

Spring...I think Brandon got ahead of himself!!!

I was just going to say, His must be different then mine......

MAXX is Automatic chain clamping by way of a mechanical linkage which is activated when the head is lowered which rigidly clamps the chain for chatter free grinding..

 

[manual]

I was just going to say, His must be different then mine......

MAXX is Automatic chain clamping by way of a mechanical linkage which is activated when the head is lowered which rigidly clamps the chain for chatter free grinding..

Dude ...... Did you just read that out of the manual ?

 

[04ultra]

Dude ...... Did you just read that out of the manual ?

Yup..........Got the Manual sitting here...


.

 

[Scandy14]

I have a Stihl USG grinder and it a good quality machine.

 

[Jim Shockey]

The spec on that motor looks rather anemic. Does the Maxx stall easily? I like the head swing in both directions. Are all the main parts Metal? The pics online make lots of it look plastic but modern casting can give a similar finish on metal parts

My Maxx shows no sign of stress or stalling when grinding and it is all metal. A very tight and solid machine that is smooth on the adjustment's and very accurate so far. Jim

 

[BIGBORE577]

The Maxx grinder look good to me. Jim

I'll agree the Maxx is the bomb!
Jay

 

[Engineeringnerd]

I use the Maxx with good results. Only issue I have is that the set-up isn't perfectly symetrical from side to side, so I have to adjust the chain stop pawl slightly when changing sides to get the same grind. Should be easy to fix with a space, but I haven't taken the time. Maybe I can take a look in the morning.

Someone mentioned that the Maxx looks anemic. I haven't had any problem with stalling at all. You'd have to be taking off a lot of tooth and would almost certainly incurr bluing beforehand.

I have found that the Carton chains grind a little better. The Oregons commonly have a sloped back and the pawl makes them raise up on the front. I have to carefully push each link down while lowering the head, which also clamps the rail. Carlton/WoodsmanPro appear to have flat backs and avoid this problem of raising up. Just goes a little faster.

 

[Uwharrie]

Oregon 511A

 

[Indiana John]

I use the Maxx with good results. Only issue I have is that the set-up isn't perfectly symetrical from side to side, so I have to adjust the chain stop pawl slightly when changing sides to get the same grind. Should be easy to fix with a space, but I haven't taken the time. Maybe I can take a look in the morning.

My Tecomec does the same thing, but it's not really a big deal. I'm sure I could fix it if I ever really had the time and inclination to mess with it. The only time it's an issue is if I'm grinding a chain that's in really rough shape and I have to take a lot off. Then I keep a pair of old dial calipers handy so I can make sure I keep the teeth on each side within .010 or so of each other. I think the problem is in the "cradle" part where the chain vise seats. I'm thinking it needs tilted a little one way or the other just a hair.