Chainsaw Chain Sharpening

[Penner]

Have a old chain that needs professional sharpening. Any recommendations around Edm? What’s the going rate?

[Jerry D]

Any stihl dealer probaby can do it, depending on the chain, costs are about $10 to sharpen in our area. New chains about $30.

Is it a standard chain?

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[TimeOff]

Timberland Supply. Have no complaints about their service. http://www.timberlandsupply.ca/contact/

[amosfella]

I'd just get the appropriate sized Stihl 2 in 1 file set, and sharpen it myself. Unless it's really really bad.

I've used the 2 in 1 file set to fix chains where I had to take off half the tooth to fix the chain. Word to the wise, don't use the Oregon end of bar sharpener on a chain not meant for it. It'll work the first couple of times, then the saw won't cut.

[Smoky buck]

I would also sharpen it myself it’s not hard and for those who suck at sharpening you can buy a jig that makes it idiot proof

Main thing always touch up your chain and it is easier to keep sharp. Neglect it and they suck to sharpen

[Sooner]

I have taken mine to PEC on Argyll rd and Alberta Small Engine on 50 st, just south of Sh Park Freeway.

[lannie]

Originally Posted by amosfella

I'd just get the appropriate sized Stihl 2 in 1 file set, and sharpen it myself. Unless it's really really bad.

I've used the 2 in 1 file set to fix chains where I had to take off half the tooth to fix the chain. Word to the wise, don't use the Oregon end of bar sharpener on a chain not meant for it. It'll work the first couple of times, then the saw won't cut.

Awesome file for sure. Files the rakers at the same time to the perfect height. Easiest to use and does the best job.

[Dewey Cox]

Anyone ever use a carbide tipped chain?
I've heard they stay sharp for a very long time.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Penner

Have a old chain that needs professional sharpening. Any recommendations around Edm? What’s the going rate?

might just be worth replacing...if not get the old one sharpened and buy a spare....therefore you are never without a sharp chain.

[CNP]

I sharpen mine by hand with a file also.......but it's hard to justify when I can buy 3 chains and an 18" bar for my saw ($39) from amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07N78ZDSJ/...v_ov_lig_dp_it

[JDK71]

good to know how to sharpen your saw when you are out in the bush it is a must

[Dolly’s Mom]

E

Originally Posted by Penner

Have a old chain that needs professional sharpening. Any recommendations around Edm? What’s the going rate?

Sorry, I don’t know where you can take your saw in the Edmonton area. If I lived closer I would offer to clean it up and sharpen the chain.

[Jerry D]

Yes those are professionals and its their career, if you have people running saws that aren't professionals giving them a new sharp chain is the way to go.

Say they are your landscape employees doing shrub removal or the odd storm damage blown over tree cleanup in a residential setting where nails and embeded objects are common in trees. Your paying these guys low 20 bucks an hour. Having spare chains for them is more effective than paying them to fart around with a file.

When the chain finally comes off, it needs a bench grinder and I would say a bench grinder would be more effective at sharpening most home owners saws that are duller than dull and if your paying a saw sharpening place to do your chains, I doubt their tool of choice is a file. They will find the worst tooth, and grind them all back to that.

A lot of times it may only be 1 side or the other that is dull and doing a couple strokes on each tooth doesnt fix the issue.

A grinder with a jig resets all teeth to be the same.

A file is great for touch ups if you know what your doing every tank of gas a couple strokes but you have be cutting clean wood. Dont know what your doing and you could make it duller.



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[Penner]

Appreciate all the feedback. Have a newer chain that I’m using as my primary. This was the original chain that came on the saw. Have a jig and the files which I use to maintain an edge on things however 14+ years and countless trees has taken its toll. Like to get it done properly and use it as a back-up.

[TBark]

It’s already been mentioned,
Chains are $25-$30 ea and sharpening is aprx $20 now.
I just buy new but know how to file in a pinch.
Then again, some day I’ll have a dozen chains that I’ll have to do something with.

TBark

[catnthehat]

How to properly Sharpen chainsaws , knives, chisels and axes are just some of the things I was taught at a very young age, along with how to paddle and pole a canoe , skull a sneak box , and trim a boat .
Some of these skills are lost to newer outdoorsmen , but I feel blessed that I was taught them .
Cat

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

How to properly Sharpen chainsaws , knives, chisels and axes are just some of the things I was taught at a very young age, along with how to paddle and pole a canoe , skull a sneak box , and trim a boat .
Some of these skills are lost to newer outdoorsmen , but I feel blessed that I was taught them .
Cat

Spot on....I say if you can't then learn....taking the easy way out will catch up on you eventually...it's always the little skill sets that make life easier.

Nowadays there is YouTube to spoon feed you on things.....trust me I have worked on equipment not even a clue how it operates but fire up you tube and break it down to simple stupid, the way I like it, and you learn a few things and save a few dollars too!

I am a firm believer that you have the two files on hand and touch up your saw along with cleaning it too...I learnt this the hard way but eventually caught in...15 minutes saves you hours....

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

How to properly Sharpen chainsaws , knives, chisels and axes are just some of the things I was taught at a very young age, along with how to paddle and pole a canoe , skull a sneak box , and trim a boat .
Some of these skills are lost to newer outdoorsmen , but I feel blessed that I was taught them .
Cat

It does seem a lot of skills are becoming less common. I am not even old enough to be over the hill yet and I am surprised at the skills I believe should be common amongst outdoorsman are not.

Maybe more people need to take the time to learn a thing or two from the old farts out there instead of thinking they know everything

[FishOutOfWater]

Originally Posted by Penner

... 14+ years and countless trees has taken its toll...

As was said, if it's 14 yrs old, buy a new one... Sharpening will cost you more than half the price of a chain.

[TreeGuy]

I suppose I should wade in.

The last tree rig I ran hauled (on average) 10 saws with at least 6 replacement chains for each machine.

Too many hours to count spent on the industrial grade grinder. I hated that thing nearly as much as I despise Huskys. It gets the job done recovering badly damaged chains, but at best could only produce a functioning edge around 60% as sharp as I could achieve with a file.

If you’re gonna run a saw learn how to sharpen it. Rocket science it is not.

Tree


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[Big Grey Wolf]

I agree with Tree Guy, Husky terrible saws, a 300 year old company just cannot build good equipment. My two Husky 61's still going strong, one around 30 years old other 20 years. Terrible saws ran small saw mill with them, built log home and cabins on trapline, hunted with them, cut trees and wood on ranch, worst investment I ever made.

[Bigrib]

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

I agree with Tree Guy, Husky terrible saws, a 300 year old company just cannot build good equipment. My two Husky 61's still going strong, one around 30 years old other 20 years. Terrible saws ran small saw mill with them, built log home and cabins on trapline, hunted with them, cut trees and wood on ranch, worst investment I ever made.

Yes they are the worst saw EVER . I picked one up in 1985 darn thing doesn't know when it is done . Wish it would die so can buy a Makita . Oh well if the 61 outlives me , won't be surprised

[CaberTosser]

Originally Posted by Bigrib

Yes they are the worst saw EVER . I picked one up in 1985 darn thing doesn't know when it is done . Wish it would die so can buy a Makita . Oh well if the 61 outlives me , won't be surprised

I've never had a Husky but wouldn't hesitate. That being said you dun mocked my Makita! I have a Stihl MS260, but around my yard I tend to use my electric 16" Makita so that I don't reek of 2-stroke exhaust or have to mess with fuel. Makita bought Dolmar in 1991 so they've got Dolmar's history in chainsaws going back to 1927. The Makita is nice in that it has a soft-start and current protection, it's 14.5 amp motor is no slouch either.

[220 Swift]

File and purchase a new one as mentioned for a two chain supply.

[tri777]

Originally Posted by TreeGuy

".. I hated that thing nearly as much as I despise Huskys..

Bought my Husk 455 in Sept/2006, only ever bought bars and blades,
gas & oil & one pull start cord. Starts on 3-6th pull every time.

[Battle Rat]

Invest the few minutes of your time to learn how to use a file.
Practice a few more minutes with it.
That will save you a lot of time driving somewhere to get someone else to sharpen your saw.
Once you can sharpen a chainsaw you also partially qualify for a Man Card.