Thread: Chainsaw sharpening

Freehand with an unguided file

Freehand with guide.

Teejay

This is what I use.

12 volt sharpener is the go , buy yourself a cheep battery charger and keep an old car battery on charge at all times, works for me

I use a guide similar to the one Bazza has in his pic, mine is an "Oregon" branded one, available from Husqvuarna dealers, I think I paid $45 for it about 10 years ago.

Once you have set all the angles and depth of cut it produces quick, consistant resharpens in no time, mine has paid for itself many times over.

Just clamp it on the bar, give each cutter the same number of file strokes, and you'll have a chain that is perfect each time.

I use one of these

then a file during the day to keep the edge..

Just a few other comments because I didn't have time to add any more because SWMBO had dinner on the table and she gets agro if I don't come straight away and I will get punished.

I use this out when getting firewood and when the chain gets worn down about half way I put it on the 240 volt electric one to get all the teeth equal again or if I have hit the Granite soil, because that really takes the edge off a chain.

stead of buying a car battery - buy one of those starter units... they even charge from your car cig lighter...
I've got one and it has an inverter on it and I run electric lights off it and even boiled up the kettle with it...
Never tried an elec CS on it - but theres a thought...
Jedo

I have used the perzact same thing as Barry, with pretty good results.

I Then moved to a Carlton file-o-plate. A really simple system which is quick, easy, and effective. It is about the only thing going which inherently allows for the shortening of the cutter tooth as it wears.

I have recently bought a 240v grinder, which is a knock off of the Oregon pictured in David's post. I am still on a learning curve with it, but when I get it right, it cuts gooder than a new chain. Never blame a 240v grinder for poor results, losing half your chain or bluing of cutters. Blame the dill using it.

I use a file but will get a grinder like outbacks, a knockoff oregon.

Millers Falls units brand new on ebay are around $70 to $80

I'll still sharpen with a file when in the bush but will grind after every 4 to 6 file resharpens if only to re-establish proper angles etc

Eze-Lap make a diamond chainsaw sharpening bit designed for 500-2000RPM drills It easily outlasts the Dremel stones and sharpens really fast! Have used mine in a cordless drill with good success, although it gets tiring holding the drill at the right angle after a while

$19-$20 at Bunnies (in the sharpening section of the Tool aisles).

On site, I just free hand, unless I hit a rock or nail, but at night, when I get home, I sharpen with a jig, like Barry's

I don't like the dremel things, I think it is WAY too easy to take off WAY too much.

Originally Posted by Dean

Eze-Lap make a diamond chainsaw sharpening bit designed for 500-2000RPM drills It easily outlasts the Dremel stones and sharpens really fast! Have used mine in a cordless drill with good success, although it gets tiring holding the drill at the right angle after a while

$19-$20 at Bunnies (in the sharpening section of the Tool aisles).

I've got a diamond version made for the Dremel which does a beautiful job if you just want to touch up without removing a heap of meat! Don't think it was eze-lap though - came from some mob in Geelong. Could probably find the details if anyone want them.

I use a 240v grinder the same as DavidG and I have 3 chains. I sharpen them all up at home and any time a chain gets blunt just rip it off and chuck a sharp one on. Saves mucking around in the dirt and dust during the day when you could be busy making sawdust