Chainsaw sharpener

[windfall]

I have the chainsaw file attachment for my cordless dremel, you can get loads of different file heads. I find the heads last for at least 5 sharpens, longer if you really keep the head moving to get even wear. Last file heads i got from the usa, they are diamond coated or something and do not appear to wear! The blades are around £1.50 for two and he diamond coated ones were $10 delivered for a pack 4 different sized ones.

 

Personally i find that filing by hand removes more chain!

[rowan lee]

Have to admit when i was first learning to hand file, i thought forget all this hassle, try an electric out, thinking i would save time and get a better edge (something similar to the one on the wedsite mentioned abve, but without the autofeed mechanism). But personally i think it actually takes more effort and time using an electric, undoing the bar bolts, taking the chain of the bar, setting up the grinder, adjusting everything, etc etc and then putting the chain and bar back on the saw.

 

With a nice engineering vice, a file and handle, one of these File gauges - Filing equipment

(much better then the file holder gauges) and a few months practice you can have a 15'' bar sorted in under 5mins, much less time then all the arsing with the electric ones.

[doobin]

I have the chainsaw file attachment for my cordless dremel, you can get loads of different file heads. I find the heads last for at least 5 sharpens, longer if you really keep the head moving to get even wear. Last file heads i got from the usa, they are diamond coated or something and do not appear to wear! The blades are around £1.50 for two and he diamond coated ones were $10 delivered for a pack 4 different sized ones.

 

Personally i find that filing by hand removes more chain!

 

I've gone back to a hand file from one of these. They're waaaaay too slow IMHO. I've though about getting a machine, but it'll have to be some machine that gets a chain as good as an experienced hand on a fresh file. A year ago I'd never have thought I'd say that, but there you go.

[Goaty]

Hand filing is always best I find, I bought a grinding disc type machine and agree with previous comments made. Plus machines take more metal off teeth each time and the extra heat softens the metal I think then the edge doesn't last as well. I only use mine to reset the teeth to the same length on a well worn chain. Its one of those things were hand crafted is best, but probably a good machine out there at a price.

[sandbach-sticks]

Cheers for all the comments I will buy another pack of files until opinion changes, and a machine recommended.

[Old WoodChip]

took my chain ONCE to a local dealer to sharpen as I was in a rush, every cutter had a burn mark from the grinder which took the temper out of the metal, after that I never went near an auto advance grinder again.

Always use a file and never ever cut a finger, I sharpen all sorts of saws by hand & was taught by my grand father who used to do them for everyone for just a couple of shillings in them days.

If in doubt, get a good file guide and the best files you can, cheap is just wasting your money. Personally I would stay away from the roller type of file guide but thats up to you. Maybe wear gloves too until your competent but not over so.

good luck, practice-practice-practice

[liamjordan]

free hand with a round file for me, i never really wear gloves when sharpening, dont know why im just used to doin it without,

[Jamis]

"got reasonably good at doing it myself with a file but fed-up of slicing my finger !! "

 

Try sharpening using the metal bit with the wooden handle, and not the fleshy bit on the other end

[sandbach-sticks]

Thanks for all the advice and p*&s taking, ended up with one of these Suresharp Sharpener - Husqvarna Chainsaw Specialists works a treat when used every time you refuel and does keep the chain sharp. However, still sticking to the file if a lot needs to be take off i.e i've hit a nail!- and i will wear gloves - as too much pressure and the motor struggles. Reckon the fact that it uses a small grinding stone doesn't weaken the chain blade as some commented on other electric grinders. Anyway i have used it for a week now and it is a handy addition to my tool box.

[richard-c]

i hav only been doing it for a year and hav not cut my salth. us a file it is best