Has anyone used the Granberg 12 volt sharpener with jig? I recently got one but have not had time to try it out yet. Any advise or hints would be greatly appreciated!
I've got one, but I haven't used it in a while. I mostly used it for reshaping chains to the 10 degree grind I prefer for milling lumber. It did a good job, but it could heat up the cutters really fast, so I'd usually make a couple of passes around the chain. I've also used the granberg file-n-joint, and with both of these bar mounted jigs, they can tend to "slip" a little on the bar, especially if it's oily. So make sure you mark the starting cutter, otherwise if you lose track you may end up going around the chain a second time, still removing small amounts of material due to the change in position. It's a good idea to darken the cutter face with a marker when you're first starting out with a new type of sharpener, so you can easily tell if you have everything aligned properly. You should be grinding all of the cutting edge and a good ways into the gullet.
Thanks for the advise, I figured it had to be better than my freehand file skills, really like the marker idea, I use that a lot on broad heads and knifes!
I got one of the 12v dc ones about when they were introduced, probably 25 yrs ago, after I got a "File-N-Joint". Seemed like a good idea, but the "points" (stones) didn't last long, even with the wax you anoint them with, and then it shredded its drive belt. OTOH, I still use the File-N-Joint I got about 40 yrs back, and files last a long time in it. Only problem I've encountered with it: it won't properly clamp 3/8" LP NK bars. Later models will. A Sharpie marker rides in my chainsaw tool-bag.
