Went to a Stihl dealer today to get a part for my saw. I've been wanting one of those stump vises for filing the chain in the field. Picked it up for around $20 bucks, and will put it to use tomorrow.
I've thought a time or two about buying one of those.....was out cuting with a friend that had one and I said something about it. He didn't like his and cut a slice down into the top of a round and we sharpened like that. Not saying they are bad though because I have never used one, still may buy one.
I bought one recently at Tree Stuff and have used it a couple times...great little tool. So nice to stabilize the saw when trying sharpen in the field. I think mine was under $20 and was worth it...I've spent more on less useful tools!
I never got a chance to use it over the weekend, since I was just hauling out Wood. I have a new chain on my saw and the rest I sent out to @Pallet Pete to be sharpened. Hopefully I'll get a chance to use it this weekend, weather permitting, I may cut.
I never used one but I had one for a while. It was given to a freind long ago. When I was still hand filing I would cut a notch in top of a round about 12" round and 16" tall then I would sit on a another wider round of the same height with the rear handle between my legs on the round that I was setting on. It sounds complicated but it wasnt. The trick I have found was to carry 3 or 4 chains all the time with me so that I didnt have to do that anymore. When at home a bench vise with a sacrificial bar clamped in it works great for hand filing. I still do most rakers by hand that way after the teeth are ground. I would imagine the stump vice is easier I would like to see how it works for you @Well Seasoned.
I tried hand filing. I am no good at it. I bench sharpen and throw a couple extra sharpened chains in the bag when I go. I know I'm lazy.
I got mine $10 thru Baileys Carlton branded. By the time you pay shipping.... your at $20 unless it's free shipping on larger orders.
Picked one up from Tree stuff this spring. I have used it several times, and really like it. I consider it a right handy addition to my maintenance arsenal.
