New chains or sharpen them all?

So I read the tutorial on how to sharpen your chain. Im an avid chainsawer, and I have about 5-6 worn/used chains from my chainsaw that I have just sitting around because they are dull. Im debating on if I should finally attempt to learn how to sharpen them all to save some money, or just buy two packs like I have been. I have a craftsman 18inch bar chainsaw, nothing fancy and gets the job done for what I need. But like I said I have a bunch of old dull chains just sitting around, and its time for a new chain on mine, so debating on what to do.......?

 

Definitely learn to sharpen. You'll save lots of cash. files are cheap.

I prefer save edge files from treestuff.com.
Buy at least a box because files do wear out.

 

How about taking them to a chainsaw dealer or a individual to have them sharpened if you don't want to do it? Cheaper then buying chains. I'm guessing anywhere between $5-10 per chain.

 

You think? I thought about that, seeing if it'd be cheaper...but i like trying to learn new things, so I may try myself.

 

Give it a shot. After the first few times you'll be good to go as it's not that difficult as you'll learn.

 

Learn... Then file.

If theyre really bad, bring em to a shop so youll get proper angles... Then run em, then file em.

 

Perfect opportunity to learn how to sharpen. Buy some new chains and some files. If you screw a couple of the old chains up practicing, so what? I bet before you are done, you'll learn how to sharpen. Some like file guides, I just do it free hand.

 

Yeah learn how to sharpen.. why not you said you like to learn new things.. those fiekd guides work well! a buddy of mine whose grandpa taught showed me so I know.. but an old timer 5 miles up road sharpens 7 chains for 20 bucks and makes me new one for I think 12 dollars a 16 inch and 15 for a twenty... Oregon semiskip... I like to visit him.. I always tip him.. a 6 pack of ol Milwaukee (his brand) and round up to the nearest 10.... he basically does it to heat his garage and be out of the wife's house as he says... it takes me half hour a chain so it worth it to me... plus I get some ol time wisdom...

 

Learn to sharpen them. If I can do it, anyone can!

 

Definitely sharpen them. Getting a new chain when they get dull isn't quite as bad as getting a new knife when it gets bad but it is awfully close.

If you make a habit of touching up with every fill up, you will get much better performance out of any saw than you would letting the chain get really dull.

 

Definately get a good file guide ,and sharpening set . Learning to properly sharpen a chain is both rewarding and cost effective . If your old chains are in really rough shape ,have them machine ground to get the angles back . One thing that is overlooked when sharpening is this ..... Clean your chains before sharpening . Grit ,rust ,oil ,and sap make the process harder ,and is hard on files ,and grinding wheels .
Don't let the process of learning to file stop you . Think of it this way .... You have a few dull chains .If you make a mess of filing one ,or two, You still have a few dull chains ,and you've learned what not to do . " Experience : That thing you get ,right after you need it ! " So, jump in there .

 

Technically; you're not considered an avid "chainsawer" until you know how to sharpen a chain!!

 

If you would typically just R&R
What's to loose as you learn to sharpen them
Watch a video then give it a go

 

Definitely learn to do your own chains.

I would suggest two options to get started.

The granberg jig is decent. Cheaper more work more time.

So is a cheap Oregon bench grinder. Less work less time.

 

This is all you need to get lots of life out of your chains....Stihl 2-in-1 @ $30. Pics are .325 and 3/8 P-takes down the dogs at the same time it sharpens the cutters-best money I ever spent on maintaining chains-do some Google and Youtube on em-Thank me later...

 

And the files are replaceable...forgot to add that-I've had mine over 2 yrs, not replaced one yet...I think the pitch is 28 degrees? Someone will correct me if wrong I'm sure...

 

I have the Pferd version same thing , stihl just puts their name on it , I like the first one so much I bought all three sizes but , if you only have one saw, you only need one size.

Pferd Cs-X Chain Sharp Filing Guide - 5/32" | Pferd Filing Guides | Chain Filing Guides | www.www.baileysonline.com.com

Pferd Cs-X Chain Sharp Filing Guide - 7/32" | Pferd Filing Guides | Chain Filing Guides | www.www.baileysonline.com.com

Pferd Cs-X Chain Sharp Filing Guide - 3/16" | Pferd Filing Guides | Chain Filing Guides | www.www.baileysonline.com.com

 

OK, I will speak heresy - I hate sharpening chains! I certainly wouldn't do it if chains were not so much money. I've filed freehand, filed with a guide, filed with yet another guide, and then bought a $29 sharpener from Harbor Freight. It works adequately, my chains are sharp enough, I don't have to keep buyng new ones, and I maintain my sanity.

Definately sharpen them or have them sharpened, find a way that is either fun or at least tolerable for you.

 

What canadian border vt said is true wisdom. If you can find an old timer that used to cut timber or owned a saw shop etc, these guys can usually get a chain so sharp it will blow your mind. And they enjoy someone wanting to learn the art of filing chains.

 

I would say that a Granberg file-n-joint or one of the copycat versions will get you a very nice sharp chain every time. It is about the same $30 but all you need is new files to use it on a different chain.