Time is money in the firewood business. Seems like I’m always dulling chains because the logs I’m cutting have been laying in the dirt for a year. Anyone use this sharpener? Can you get a sharper chain faster in the field compared to a round file?
Worth it if your chain isnt in terrible shape. Also worth it if you arent in a hurry. It puts a for sure sharp edge on the cutters. I sharpened probably 40 chains with one before I was ready to scrap it. Bought an electric sharpener and never looked back.
I love mine. But I have to admit, I appreciate using a well made tool. I actually ENJOY using it. For me it isn't about getting the sharpening done as quickly as possible. It's a chance for me to sit down and rest, look around at the woods and enjoy where I am and take care of a necessary task in the process.
Could bring the grinder to the woods and run it off an inverter hooked to the truck battery. Or grind a few extra chains and bring them with you. Hand filing with a guide like this is probably the quickest if freehand doesn't work for you
I have one because for some reason, I just can't get a chain sharpened properly. Always end up pulling cuts to the left. Its certainly not quick, but it gets the job done well. Not sure how well it would work in the woods though. I always use it on a vise, might be too awkward otherwise. I bring a few spare chains with me when I cut, and will swap out if necessary, then sharpen later. Worst case, I have the regular files with me if needed.
Have you tried a 2 in 1 sharpener like the one from stihl? That is all I use, you will need a vise to hold the bar straight. It's quick and once you get the hang of it, you can get the teeth very sharp and the rakers just right. The only time I take a chain off now is if it's bound or clogged, to flip the bar or to throw is away.
I have one and it works well for me making a super sharp edge. Not the fastest though... gets all the cutters the same every time. I put some newspaper down on the kitchen table and take my time. The carbide cutter lasts for 20 - 40 sharpening.
I have the 2 in 1 and I may have to disagree on the rakers being 'just right'. Mine were not going down as much as I thought they were. I now have a gauge to check them. But, over all, the 2 in 1 works well for me.
If you're having trouble freehand filing I recommend this file guide. STIHL File Guides They're inexpensive and very effective. The 2 in 1 guide is not worth the money, and performing two processes at once, means neither will really be done correctly, in this case its the depth gauges mostly. A separate progressive depth gauge tool is the only proper way set the depth gauges. And remember you don't have to hit the depth gauges every time you sharpen the chain, unless you're removing some real meterial from the tooth do to damage.
The Timberline is all I use, unless I rock a chain or hit metal in a log, then it goes to the shop. The Timberline makes one SHARP chain. The answer is: it depends on your budget and your talent with a file. If you have the dough for the Timberline and you are like me, you suck with a file, then get it. If you have a very large budget then get a quality bench type chain grinder and a couple extra chains. If you don't mind a suggestion, if a Timberline owner is close to you ask to borrow their sharpener and see if you like it and the results.
I've owned one for quite a while. If you are looking for outright quickness, this is not the tool for you. Yes, it does make a razor sharp cutter, and makes every cutter the exact same length and angle. It's all about precision. I left it for square filing long ago but I still occasionally use it for my family members chains. Pic shows the almost stropped like finish left by the carbide.
i have a timberline i bought a few years ago plus all the burrs for it and to me it was slow but it did do a good job i like the 2n1 and have done quite a few chains with them i have all 4 sizes i have started free handing round and others have ran them and seem to like it
Not difficult at all. It really helped me to have a pro in front of me to show how it's done. After a little patients and practice, game on. It cuts much faster, smoother and has been more durable in my experience. Mills great too. If you were interested, I'd recommend getting one of your chains ground (or buy one) and get the right file. It will show you exactly how to hold the file. Then it's just practice. This is about how it's held.
I received a Timberline as a gift from family about 2 years ago. I've used it and have been pleased with the results. It took some practice to 'master' it and (per my experience) does take time/patience. When I run low on patience and feel like my resupply is on back-order, it's file-o-plate & round file time.
