Chain Sharpening preference

[weimedog]

So what would you buy to grind or sharpen your chains if repeatability and the ability to "trim" the sharpening stone ( wheel ) is a priority ?

[weimedog]

Found this on YouTube...interesting results. I've either hand ground or used the Pferd brand 2 in 1 like the Stihl version for a few years and have had good results. Problem is the chain needs to be on the saw. I have a box full of saw chain that gets tossed when I rock one to where hand filing is a pita....so looking for a grinder option. Looks like the best results for a bench grinder for this dude was a Harbor Freight! 

[doc henderson]

I use the very expensive Stihl grinder.  I got my portion of retirement when my mom passed.  It is in a decedents IRA, and one rule is you have to take some out each year.  I continue to get a check each December, and I get myself something I otherwise might not.  this was a Christmas gift from my parents back about 6 years ago.  It is a solid grinder.

[Twowithone]

Sthil 2in1 sharpening system no regrets so far.

[Andries]

Same here, 2in1.
Its working well for the saws I run.

[JoshNZ]

I thought Id spend a bit more money than bottom end and get a middle range grinder, I spent about $2-300 I think. Has always worked well, I can bring a chain back to sharp as new without much trouble. It does take a bit of skill with dressing the wheel and pressure on the handle but it's streaks ahead of a file (for me).

Since all that I've modified an old bandsaw drag sharpener, wanting to replace the motor, I decided to buy a cheap chainsaw grinder and rip the motor from it as I couldn't find any cheaper alternative for just a motor. I spent $80 and when the thing showed up, it was exactly the same. I bet it came from the same mould, same components same colour same hardware bla bla. Different sticker.

It works fine anyway, go super cheap or, name brand, if you're going for a grinder. They do work really well

[DesertHobo]

I think the video you're referencing is Project Farm - love that guy. If so, that's the one I watched that made me give the HF grinder a shot. Well worth it. Wheel didn't need dressing, accommodates different angles, holds chain steady. It's simple, it's fast, it's cost effective and it does a good job.

[ladylake]

 I've been running a Oregon 511a for the last 30 years with no complaints.  Steve

[421Altered]

I have two Oregon grinders, they work very good for me.

[421Altered]

I might add, I hand sharpen in the woods with the Stihl 2 in 1 on my short bars, 20" and under, but I grind all chains longer than that.  Also, grind the one's that have been badly damaged by rocks, or metal.  Also, I use the CBN wheels that never need dressing.

[Old Greenhorn]

I use a file, always. I have thought of getting something to speed up badly rocked chains, just not there yet. @weimedog I am not seeing your you tube link or reference. What am I missing? I might try something cost effective from HF, was just there 2 days ago.

[chet]

I'm in da same camp as Tom, always used a good file, and see no reason ta change my ways. Unless some day, old age eyesight or arthritis has other ideas.   :

[weimedog]

Prolly have to go to YouTube and search for "Top 10 Chainsaw Sharpening Grinders" as I suspect the moderator removed the link

I've been using the "Pferd" 2 in one now for years. Especially since my eye sight has caught up with my age....often need glasses but all I do is loose them and or drop & step on them when I'm working in the shop on the hill or the tractor bucket.

Was introduced to square ground per current YouTube fad introduced from the West Coast/ California channels. A fellow here bought a grinder and adopted the style...gave me a few loops. AND they cut pretty well. Even lasted pretty well. Just I would have to send the chains t him for re-sharpening or get a grinder myself. But when I compare that to one of my "Pfred" sharpening techniques....not sure the difference is worth buying a setup to replicate. For that matter "Pfred" on rs might still be a match in the nasty hard wood I have here. 

[BlacknTan]

Timely for me... Just bought a Stihl USG. Only one in the supply chain from where I got it. Been on the fence for years, but with so many things becoming NLA, I finally jumped. Happy I did.

Nearly went square, but the price, and seeming quality of the machine put me off. I doubt there's a helluva lot of difference. I have a square chain here to try, off a Simington, but it's still hanging and waiting it's turn.

Not sure I know what you mean by "trimming" the stone... dressing?

[Gearbox]

i use Tri Link chain and it can't be filed so i own 2 grinders. 1 to sharpen and 1 to do the rakers . I use a 60 degree wheel angle 25 degree tooth angle and a 10 degree vice angle . If i can stay away from frozen dirt I can easy do 4 to 6 cord per sharpening on my firewood processer . 

[lxskllr]

Curious why you say Trilink can't be filed. I found a poulanpro in the trash, and it was wearing Trilink chain. I don't care for it much, but the teeth haven't given me problems filing. *However*, there were a few rakers so hard, the file just skittered across the top. Seems to be uneven tempering of the components. and perhaps I just got lucky the teeth are all workable.

[chet]

Prolly have to go to YouTube and search for "Top 10 Chainsaw Sharpening Grinders" as I suspect the moderator removed the link

For the record, the moderator did not remove the link.