Who can sharpen big carbide chain?

[Redoakranch]

I need to find a source in California to sharpen some large chain. Here are a few pics of the chain. Any ideas? 319329[/ATTACH]

 

[qbilder]

I would be trying a diamond file like is used for touching up router bits & such. Just a swipe or two would put an edge right back on those teeth. No shape to grind, just flat cutting surface, so a flat diamond file woiuld make quick work of it & save you some serious cash.

 

[BobL]

It depends on how blunt the chain is. If it is too blunt a file won't be able to do it and you will need to find someone with a diamond impregnated grinding wheel.

 

[groundup]

What are you using that beast of a chain for?

 

[john taliaferro]

Is .120 the drive link ?

 

[Boon]

My father used to use carbide chain and sharpening was expensive although the chain you are using there is a bit different. I used to work in a factory that sawged, retipped, tensioned, re gulleted and sharpened big milling band saws and carbide circular saws, although these places are becoming rarer. The angle on the top plate looks like the chain needs to be placed on a carbide saw sharpening machine some how.

I would be getting in contact with Stihl and asking them or possibly sharpening it myself. Or the diamond wheel can be purchased - if you find which wheel try ebay, alibaba or search diamond sharpening products.

A standard wheel would probably fit into an ordinary chainsaw grinder and then that wheel could also be put into a hand grinder to sharpen the top plate. The angle grinder and chainsaw grinder I am currently using both have a shaft hole diameter of 22.2mm and are interchangeable.

One thing to remember with diamond it cuts without pressure being placed upon it unlike normal grinding wheels, too much pressure will rip out the diamond and stuff the wheel and getting the wheel too hot is not good.
Tickling the surface of the carbide to start with will give you an idea of its effectiveness in sharpening and on the top plate give an idea of the angle you will need to follow. Be sure to clamp the chain solid in a vice or alike, doubt the bar will suffice in his job.

I take it that is a chain used in the emergency services, maybe try asking one of those people where they get theirs done or try a forestry mill. Still I would personally sharpen it my self,....... not so hard.

all the best

 

[BobL]

That chain reminds me of old school chain like this.
ie alternate rakers and central scrapers

 

[blades]

Boy oh Boy I haven't seen that stuff in 30 years. Last of the ice storage houses burned to the ground about 5 years ago.

 

[Redoakranch]

Sorry I've been away. The saw is a 6' fully automated bar on a rail that cuts full units of lumber in one pass. I need a place to send it to, I don't want to be in the sharpening business. I have talked to a few mills in Northern CA and they all seem the sharpen in house. Stihl was no help, they said the don't track what dealers service and wouldn't tell me what dealers have ordered this chain in CA. I still need a place to send this chain to for regular sharpenings. We have 3 chains to rotate.

 

[HD2010]

What about a local machine shop?

 

[chads]

I would call your local woodworking store and ask them who sharpens for them they may be able to hook you up.
Chad

 

[Hardline]

Any machine shop with a decent machinist should be able to do it. They'll have grinding wheels just for sharpening carbide.

 

[Grande Dog]

Howdy,
If your top plate angle is 20 degrees or greater, you could use a mini grinder with the flat-faced diamond wheel. If you wanted to go less than 20 degrees, you would have to buy a larger grinder with full adjustment. If you go with the mini grinder and diamond wheel, you'll be into it for about $300.00.

Regards
Gregg

 

[jrhannum]

RedOak:
What with all the No Cal mills and associated biznesses shuttered, ya might just hafta do it yerself. (Or find one of their laid-off former employees.) Dremel makes a neat little diamond disc that will hone on the carbides; use a light touch and keep the angles right.