chain saw sharpener

[thecfarm]

"Geez, we have more sharpening threads on this forum than I think anything else."

There are many, but 2-stroke oil discussions outnumber the sharpening threads 50 to 1.

I think it more like 40-1. :D 

[Old Greenhorn]

"Geez, we have more sharpening threads on this forum than I think anything else."

There are many, but 2-stroke oil discussions outnumber the sharpening threads 50 to 1.

I think it more like 40-1. :D

It might be 35:1 but it would 't be the FF if there wasn't at least two sharpening threads going at the same time.

[Bandmill Bandit]

You are very welcome MM. Your first time sharpen experiance is very similar to mine. I think I got about an extra month out of that chain that I was ready to change over to a new one but figured it would be a good chain to learn on. Turned out to be true!

How do you find sawing performance with the "restored" chain compared to your old sharpening method?

The Timber Line is pricey to someone that has never used one but I don't call it expensive as there are systems you can burn a whole lot more $$ on. Once you've got one and know how to use it, it is a significant saving over ANY & ALL other sharpeners I have ever tried. The local small engine dealer is now using one to sharpen saws for customers. Says it quicker than his electric sharpener and does a much better job too.  

[Crusarius]

I think I may need to save up and get one of those sharpeners. I have 3/16 file I use now I am guessing they have different carbide sizes. Do you have to change sharpeners for different sizes or are there swappable plates / guides for different sizes?

[Bandmill Bandit]

There different bushings for different angles but the shank of the bits is all the same so if you are using the same angle on all your saws you don't need to change the bushing. 

Changing bushing is about a 30 second job if you have chains with different angles on the teeth.

[Andries]

Just a quick thanks to Magicman for the tool review - that has to rank as one of the best I've seen in a Dang long time.
Concise
Precise
. . . and photos too!

[Magicman]

This Timberline Sharpener does not file nor grind.  It actually is a manual milling machine.  I have never seen such a keen edge on chainsaw teeth.  They are razor sharp. 

[trapper]

timberline always has an add  in lumbermens equipment digest
$15 off online with promo code   lumber19
May have spoke too soon tried to use the code on order and was told lumber 19 is not a valid code plan on calling company

[Brad_bb]

I love Stihl's 2 in 1 Filing Guide.  Almost a no brainer and it works great.  It's faster than Grandberg's electric precision grinder.  Three swipes per tooth and it cuts like new.

[xlogger]

Has anyone used this on a slabber mill 404 skip chain? It's a pain taking off the chain and replacing with resharp chain. I do have a bench grinder. With the timberline sharpener you would have to attach it to the bar flat not up so you can't see easy. Just wondering if it is faster?

[YellowHammer]

The Timberline isn't real fast, but is very precise.  I took my handle off the carbide cutter and use a rechargeable hand drill to spin it.  Also, since it is very precise, anytime I would hand file between Timbeline sharpenings, it would take several times around to bring it back to where the Timberine would hit all the teeth.  The chain will be more than razor sharp.  

I have started using the new Stihl 2 in 1 filing guide, and really like it.  Very fast, actually faster than a bare file because it also drops the rakers when sharpening the teeth.

I also have a Stihl USG electric grinder which does a professional job but I still use both alternately because of the raker advantage of the 2 in 1.  Many times even though the teeth are sharp, if the rakers are not the right or consistent height, it makes all the difference.  

[xlogger]

Don't think the 2 in 1 will work on skip chain

[YellowHammer]

Good point, I'll try it.  

[ESFted]

The Timberline won't work with 10˚ mill chains...only good for 25-30-35˚ chains.

"The following specialty chains are not currently compatible with the Timberline Sharpener: carbide chains (requiring a diamond bit for sharpening) and ripping/milling chains requiring a 5˚- 15˚ sharpening angle  (our standard angle guides are set at 30˚ and our accessory angle guides provide 25˚ and 35˚)."

[donbj]

Tremendous amount of discussion regarding how to sharpen a chain. Bottom line is learn why a  tooth is sharpened how it is and buy a matching file for your chain and "go there".

[YellowHammer]

I've sharpened with a bare file, have been doing it for years.  It's quick, it's pretty fast, and convenient for field use.  I think I'm pretty good, (not the best, but pretty good) but am always looking for a better way.        

The 2 in 1 uses the exact same standard round file, but also uses a flat file, all in one holder, and will drop the rakers in the same stroke as the teeth.  So it will sharpen everything on one pass, instead of two, so 2 in 1.  It is still technically, "hand filing" so not as fast or precise as machine grinding.  

When I've got a stack of a dull chains from bucking muddy, dirty logs, or a few too many 52 inch dull chains, the hand file gets tossed on the workbench and the Stihl USG grinder gets turned on.

[Al_Smith]

 :D Much ado about chains .Now I could always reignite the great oil debate .It has been idle for a time . 8)

[hedgerow]

:D Much ado about chains .Now I could always reignite the great oil debate .It has been idle for a time . 8)

Oil and chains always a hot subject. I don't seem to have the patience to hand file. I had a 2 in 1 and it worked alright. I gave it to a buddy when he bought a acreage and needed a saw he uses it all the time. Seems like when we cut wood it is with my two helpers and I want to get as much done as we can so I always have several saws ready and its easier to just switch out chains when dull and I will sharpen them later on the grinder.  

[Nebraska]

I just bought a 2n1 I really like it,  it's much handier than my bar  mount jig.  It's set up for .325 chain and now hangs in the sawmill shed for the little cub cadet mill saw.  There's  going to be a 3/8 version added next time I'm by the stihl shop.  Great to touch up when you dink a chain, just better in my hands that my regular round files. Now about that bar oil... which one is better for frying chickens. .. :D

[lxskllr]

Now about that bar oil... which one is better for frying chickens. .. :D

Canola should do the trick. Just picked 2G for my saws this weekend. <$10 for 2G at walmart.