Dremel Chain sharpener device Vs. Old school filing?

So today I picked up a ton of wood, and my two buddies had stihl chainsaws and i had my POS craftsman (which I'm done with btw). My saw sucked so bad cutting through the logs compared to their stihls.....Anyways I have like ten used chains sitting around. Ive heard that the dremel device tool is a nice sharpener, but then I hear a good old file is the way to go....Anyone opinion will help, I have needed and wanted a dremel for years but never got around to getting one. Now that I know there is chainsaw sharpening device I am definitely getting one just for that alone lol...Just don't know if I should attempt to restore all my old chains by filing or the dremel device.

Here is a link for the device I'm talking about
Dremel Sharpening Kit for Outdoor Lawn Tools (9-Piece)-A679-02 - The Home Depot


Also anyone up for trying to identify the wood shown in pic...I know its hard to determine with it not being split but thought id throw it in there.

 

The dremel tool with a proper guide to sharpen chains is one way to go. Make sure the guide is the proper size (3/8 .325 or 3/8 lp) theres also .404 but thats what big dog falling and milling saws run.

 

Also be aware that when using power tools like dremels or chain grinders you can not overheat the saw tooth when sharpening. If they become to hot the cutting teeth will not hold an edge and the chain is garbage.

 

On the wood..... Not sure where you are located, but it looks like an Elm species.

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I have never used the Dremel so I can't comment on it. But I HAVE used the 2-in-1 sharpener from Stihl (others make 'em too) and can say they do a great job.
They are easy to use and not real expensive. I bought one for .375 to try....then bought one for .325


2 in 1 Filing Guide & Saw Chain Sharpener

 

The dremel sharpeners work well, but as stated, require patience to not overheat the chain. Used one for years with good results. Wood looks to be American Elm from bark & color.

 

I just hand file. But i enjoy it so....if you wnat to get it done quick, im sure the dremel is faster

 

@backswoodsavage don't you still have to sharpen it at the right pitch with the dremel? U can't just stick the grinder file on dremel and start sharpening right? Pitch is still very important? And yes the videos I've watched it seems u sharpen each groove like for two seconds max and move to next one.

 

I don't know about the wood in your truck, but I think I would go after the tree that is still standing in front of your truck since the bark appears to be already fallen off. With a tree that dry, you can be sure it is seasoned already!!

 

when we had dinosaurs for pet rather than puppies.

That's funny right there!

 

Might be a bit hard on a freshly sharpened chain, but if he wants to practice sharpening.


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Just like Backwoods Savage, I too have one of the battery operated Dremels but I like the diamond stones. I take it with me out into the woods when I go. I do not use a guide either. When you know what the results are suppose to look like then with practice it is now that difficult. It is much quicker than a file. I can also lower the rakers with it if need be too. Just practice copying the angles that are already on the tooth and try and make all the cutters the same length.

 

U make it sounds so easy lol and when u say guide is that the thing that helps or sets the pitch or something else? And ur saying the spinning grinder stick that goes into the dremel is faster then a regular hand file?


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There is always a trade off between speed and accuracy, and hand filing vs. potentially overheating with a grinder. FOR ME, I've settled on hand filing with a simple guide such as this STIHL File Guides others like this type FF 1 File Guide Holder | Saw Chain Sharpener Accessory .I get good results with the former and cannot overheat the cutters. My local OPE dealer used to sharpen my chains on a grinder, but most of them came back blued with the temper drawn out. NOT COOL! For others, a powered grinder, Dremel or other does the trick, if you can take your time and not draw the temper.

Here's my suggestion - even though you did not ask for it. Teach yourself to file your chains by hand first. This will give you an understanding of exactly what it takes to get a good sharpening. Then, you can progress to mechanized sharpeners that may (or may not) save some time.

 

Like a lot of things, once you have done enough of it then it is easy. Everyone has to start somewhere. And yes for me the spinning grinder stick is faster than using a file.

 

I guess I'm
Gonna try the old school hand file at first see if it does anything with my old used chains, their like $14 if it sucks then oh well it was $14 bucks


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Thinking this is simple and cheap and sumthing to learn with ???

Power Care FK001PC2 Chainsaw Sharpening Field Kit-FK001PC2 - The Home Depot

 

If any of those old used chains were rocked in any way shape or form then be ready to be patient. You will be there for awhile getting rid of all the bent and dulled cutters and making sure they are all the same length. Then get yourself a flat file so you can drop the rakers to they are the right height. Learning to file is a good place to start but be patient.

 

Don't everything I need come in the kit? The thing that makes sure the pitch is right and the file depending on what gauge or whatever my chain is...and I guess whatever ur talking about for the rockers( is that filing the top flat part of the blade?)


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