Chain Sharpening

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I have one of those nice little electric chainsaw shapening units. Have been trying to figure out which is the best angle.<br /><br />With cutting so many different types of wood it is hard to know which angle works best.<br /><br />Just curious if anyone knows what the best overall angle should be ground?<br /><br />Then for ripping, should the teeth be flat ground with no angle? Thanks

 

[ED21]

Re: Chain Sharpening

I use a file w/ a guide. I can't remember the angle, but I just kept the original.<br />Stihl website has a good sharpening section.<br /> http://www.stihllibrary.com/pdf/SharpAdvice061301final.pdf

 

[dolluper]

Re: Chain Sharpening

If you look down your chain the teeth go one left one right changing back and forth ,the best overall angle is the preset angle of the chain you are using ,follow that angle to left next to right and so on free from all burrs ,should cut anything you want even fingers

 

[Laddies]

Re: Chain Sharpening

35 degees is standard, if you are cutting frozen or extremly hardwood 30 degrees, so it won't cut such a wide kruff in the log--Bob

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chain Sharpening

No bad info here........<br /><br />The way I was taught is to follow the angle that's present in the tooth of the chain......<br /><br />On a Brand New Chain, it appears to me to be in the 10*/15* range.......<br />By the time you've Sharpen the tooth down to Near Nothing, you'll be up to 45*s of so..........<br />Just depends on How Far you want to get out of a chain.............<br />The farther back you sharpen the tooth, you have to increase the angle, to have Any tooth to sharpen...........<br /><br />I bet this Doesn't make abit of Sense,..... Does it ??<br /><br />All I know is,<br />I sharpen them Free-hand,+ The Angle is Much Smaller on a Brand New Chain, <br />Than it is by the time you get to the Last Sharpening on a Wore Out Chain.................... <br />And,....... My chains Cut Straight.............<br /><br />My Credentials,...................... <br />Ayuh,....... I spent a few years in the Logging,+ Tree Service business Too..............

 

[Barlow]

Re: Chain Sharpening

you guys are goona laugh probably but i've been sharpening my saw blades with a thin metal "cutting" blade on my 4-1/2" angle gringer for quite a while.<br /><br /> Have multiple chains set aside in the cases so when one dulls I replace with sharp one and keep cutting. When back home in the garge. I reinstall the dull chain and spin it around the bar touching each blade. Those depth gages get a touch each time as well.<br /><br />Takes a steady hand to just 'touch' the blade but its fast, simple, and works great for me. Just eyeball the angle/blade and - **zip** - next and so on. make sure the blade is turning INTO the material.<br /><br />inlight of Bondo's experience..<br />My Credentials,........... I have none!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Chain Sharpening

Ive tried sharpening my own chains over the years, I can sharpen a chain so it will cut a half circle every time. I gave up and bought another chain. When one gets dull, I change it and when I get back I drop the dull one off at the local saw shop and they work perfect all the time. Hey, ya cant be good at everything

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Chain Sharpening

This sharpener I have I purchased from my Stihl dealer. The chain sits in a carrier that holds the chain. This part swivels from 0* to 35* to the stone. I have been keeping close to the angle that was preground. With it ground to 35* it seems to zip right through softer wood, but bogs the saw down on the harder woods like ash and oak. I have about 20 chains that I use and abuse. <br /><br />Think I will keep the different angles seperate so I know which is which for soft and hard woods.<br /><br />I was just thinking someone that did this alot would know what degree works optimum for the hard woods. I guess it also depends how much balls your saw has.<br /><br />This sharpener is great, you can have a 20" chain done in 3 minuets taking your time!<br /><br />Thanks for the replys!

 

[Terry H]

Re: Chain Sharpening

Go to the Oregon Chain site, you'll find all the info you need. They will also help you find the right chain for the right job...you can google it, I ain't been there in a while, and don't have a link handy...Chief

 

[fixin]

Re: Chain Sharpening

I cut alot of ash and about 32 seems to work the best.Keep us posted if you do any kind of test.I would like to know the results.