grinding Stihl Chain on Oregon grinder

Jim Chance · April 02, 2023, 08:55:44 PM

I filed my chain with good results, but sometimes when they get older it becomes difficult to keep the teeth the same length and the saw cutting straight. I bought an Oregon grinder to even everything up every once in a while. I have stihl 3/8P and.325 chains. The Stihl chart I found for them shows 4 mm thick wheel for the 3/8 P and 4.8 mm thick wheel for the .325. 4.8 mm is very close to 3/16" so that is not a problem, but 4 mm is almost exactly between 1/8" and 3/16". I cannot find a 4mm or 5/32" grinding wheel. I am not sure what to do.

I am thinking about dressing a 3/16" disc down, using 3/16" and calling it good, or using 3/16" and then filing.

The wheel is 5-3/4" overall with a 7/8" arbor.

Anybody dealt with this before?

beenthere · April 02, 2023, 11:50:01 PM

I dealt with it by learning to hand file. Much better results and am happier too. 8)

No offense meant here.

421Altered · April 03, 2023, 11:56:57 AM

I understand that you want to even everything up after the teeth are no longer the same length, but, when you grind the cutter, it heats the steel up enough that it hardens the cutting edge and you can no longer hand file that chain. Your file will no longer file the tooth and will ruin itself quickly. So, essentially, after you even everything up, from then on you will have to grind that chain to get it sharp.

421Altered · April 03, 2023, 11:58:06 AM

Which Oregon grinder did you buy?

barbender · April 03, 2023, 02:25:42 PM

I grind chains and then use a file on them all the time. You just have to use a light hand with the grinder and grind lightly.

newoodguy78 · April 03, 2023, 05:31:18 PM

I use a tap tap tap method when grinding instead of one stroke. I've never had issues filing after grinding

Jim Chance · April 03, 2023, 08:25:47 PM

The grinder is a 4:10-125.

I have been having my chains ground in town when they get uneven. Have not had trouble filing them after. I would think you could change the temper if you get them too hot.

lxskllr · April 03, 2023, 09:19:10 PM

I don't know anything about chain grinding, but how can there not be a 5/32 wheel? I have a hard time believing everyone has to make their own wheels to grind lopro chain.

barbender · April 03, 2023, 09:50:59 PM

You certainly can burn chains with a grinder, they air harden and can no longer get be filed. Like newoodguy said, just a little tap-tappy and your good. If it needs more grinding you're better off going around another time or two.

I've seen chains that someone ground, and the edge is actually curled back and up. I can see why ground chains get a bad reputation if you're trying to cut with one of those things😬

taylorsmissbeehaven · April 04, 2023, 11:34:49 AM

I have been toying with the idea of buying a grinder for the same reason. Im really on the fence for all the reasons listed here. After watching way too many you tube videos, what has worked for me was investing in a cheap pair of reading (magnifying) glasses and really examining the chain as I sharpen it on a bench , in a vice, does the best job yet. After a little practice I can sharpen my chain and get bad teeth corrected and reasonably close to the same size in just a few minutes. I am very interested to hear what others experience with grinders might be.

JD Guy · April 04, 2023, 06:46:40 PM

FWIW I purchased an Oregon grinder recently for the same reasons you described. I'm far from a championship chain filer but do fine with touching up the chain between refueling. Love the grinder and gets a rocked chain back in shape easily. As others said, go lightly on the handle with tap-taps and go around twice if need be to keep from burning a cutter.

Jim Chance · April 05, 2023, 04:02:04 AM

So here is my plan: I will make a metal template by filing it with my regular sharpening file. I will dress a 3/16 wheel to 5/32 thickness with a radius matching the template. I will be careful not to overheat the chain.

Skeans1 · April 05, 2023, 08:10:39 AM

Going off of memory seems like the smaller chains call for 1/8th wheel such LP and 325.

newoodguy78 · April 05, 2023, 08:40:19 AM

Quote from: taylorsmissbeehaven on April 04, 2023, 11:34:49 AM
I have been toying with the idea of buying a grinder for the same reason. Im really on the fence for all the reasons listed here. After watching way too many you tube videos, what has worked for me was investing in a cheap pair of reading (magnifying) glasses and really examining the chain as I sharpen it on a bench , in a vice, does the best job yet. After a little practice I can sharpen my chain and get bad teeth corrected and reasonably close to the same size in just a few minutes. I am very interested to hear what others experience with grinders might be.

I had always hand filed,considered myself good at it often being the guy asked to sharpen others saws when they were around. Was fortunate to have a couple guys give me some pointers along the way.
About a year and a half ago my neighbor bought me a Timber Tuff grinder for favors I had done,was greatly appreciated but not necessary. Had tried teaching him how to file and he just couldn't get the hang of it. He went out and bought the same grinder for himself then decided I needed one.
I'll admit I was a bit hesitant at first for all the reasons people don't like them. Finally started using it and can say it works really good once you get it set and glad I have it.
While a ground chain cuts well and will throw some healthy chips don't think I've been able to dial it in like a nice sharpening with a fresh file. Still glad to have good file skills.
If you end up getting one I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's nice to be able to bring chains back to all the same angle quickly be it from hitting something or just slight differences from hand filing on the tailgate or stump.
Like anything take your time initially getting used to it and less is more when grinding.

hedgerow · April 05, 2023, 12:36:53 PM

I just never cared to hand file. I pickup a pair of old Foley Bell saw 308 grinders years ago and have one set to do raker's and the other one to do the tooth. I just do a light tap, tap and never over heat a chain. Normally when we are cutting up wood I am in the skid loader so if one of the guys need a chain sharpen. They grab another saw and when I have a minute I just change the chain out and sharpen it later with the grinder. Neither one of the guys that help me are hand filers either. The one I bought him a 2 in 1 when he moved to a acreage. He likes it.