bech mount chain sharpeners

[the intimidator]

http://www.tscstores.com/CHAINSAW-SHARPENER-P33421.aspx

I'm wondering if anybody has had any luck with these units? I'm not looking to replace my hand filing but for really bad chains or a quantity do they do a good job?

I typically get my chains "professionally" reground at the half way point of their life to restore factory angles then continue hand filing till their used up. I got a price on ten chains for 75$ to resharpen but I can get this for 175$ currently with tax threw a employ and figure I could sharpen a few of my buddys chains quick at 5$ a pop to make up the difference. Are these a worthwhile investment or will I be unimpressed with the results?

Any other recommendations under 200$ in Canada thanks guys

 

[larry4406]

I'm sure I will get flamed but I have had decent experience with the cheap one from Harbor Freight (~$30 USD). Mine is a bit different looking than this one that is currently on their website. It has its issues, but once you tinker with it and learn it, it works ok. I lagged it to the 1.5" dimension of a piece of 2x4 and clamp it in my bench vise when I need to use it.

I do use hand files first, but at times I need to use the sharpener.

https://www.harborfreight.com/electric-chain-saw-sharpener-68221.html

 

[the intimidator]

Thanks I've never used one before I do have enough "stumping" chains i wouldn't mind wrecking during the learning curve haha I think I'm going to bite the bullet so to speak and pick one up over the weekend ill post my results later

 

[bob15]

For that price I would look at the Tecomec "jolly" or "midi jolly". They can be found cheap enough on e-bay or internet saw shops like Bailey's or Amicks or PSEP.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Never used the unit in question, but I used the Oregon unit that one is a blatant ripoff of back in the 90s when I worked in a shop. Once the angles and depth of cuts were set, you could blaze through chains rather quickly with a little practice--just a couple minutes each.

No idea if that one works as well as the original.

 

[Kenskip1]

Larry, I also had this unit.At first I did not like it but with practice and a fair amount of cussing I learned to hate it.Tossed it out in the garbage and bought a "Jolly Star" made by tecomec. Great piece of equipment. At first I made mistakes but I am now able to sharpen a chain better than one out of the box. It only take time and patience along with plenty of brew. Not at all sorry for my purchase.

 

[the intimidator]

Thanks for the idea on the tecomec baileys has it on for 111$ so I should be able to keep my 200$ budget even with converting and shipping.

The one i referenced does seem pretty close to the old oregons which made me think it might be okay as they are the ones I regularly see around here but id much rather have a Italian made unit which I hope will increase the tolerances and longetivity

 

[bob15]

Tecomec makes them for Oregon. I would inquire and not assume about if it is still made in Italy or not (if you care about COO). I know the Tecomec top of the line grinder is made in Italy, just not sure on the cheaper model. If you find out, please post your findings so other will know.....

 

[chrispyny]

I had to come in here to post about my experiences with these. I am a homesteader in a suburban neighborhood. I have about 10-12 cord of stacked hard woods, and another 2 on a pile i havent stacked yet.
I have used all kinds of sharpeners, from round hand files, to the harbor freight style grinding wheel type sharpeners, form both harbor freight and somewhere else.

I never had very good luck with these. They do sharpen the chain but it doesn't last long and never is as sharp as the chain is out of the box. I never enjoyed sharpening chains.

Until one day i was on hearth.com and EVERY GUY on there was raving about the timberline chain saw chain sharpener. So i cringed and spent the $130 for the unit and one carbide sharpener. A few days later i received the sharpener and went to it after having watched a youtube video on how to sharpen it.
IN FRIGGIN CREDIBLE.
I can now sharpen my chains SHARPER than out of the box.

The problem with grinder wheel type sharpeners is they sharpen a Ninety degree cut into the tooth. The timberline puts a nice curve back into the tooth like from factory.

Im talking RAZOR sharp folks. This is not an advertisement. Just what i think. I LOVE my timberline.
Its WORTH it. Good luck.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the HF unit also, and I have no complaints about it.. I honestly can't t see buying a premium version unless u expect to go into the chain sharpening business or if u were a lumberjack.
For MOST average people's needs, the HF unit is a great step up over hand sharpening.

What's a 90 degree cut on a sharpener?? I'm not understanding that.

 

[Treeman]

I never had very good luck with these. They do sharpen the chain but it doesn't last long and never is as sharp as the chain is out of the box. I never enjoyed sharpening chains........

The problem with grinder wheel type sharpeners is they sharpen a Ninety degree cut into the tooth.

Then, you either had a lousy sharpener, you didn't, or could not set it correctly, and/or you didn't use it correctly. The Oregon chain sharpener styles can be adjusted to maintain all factory angles.

I went through some advanced training with our local Stihl distributor and the motor powered sharpeners "can" be fantastic once you get them tweaked. It takes some knowledge of grinding wheel size/shape and machine settings to achieve ALL factory angles. Its actually easier to get correct factory angles with a proper hand file jig vs. the machine (I know, its counter intuitive). Its not unlike torque wrenches where you need to understand the principles of torque to get good results, whether you are using a HF or a Snap On model.

Of course, the advantage of any machine type sharpener is that you can maintain each tooth at the exact same length, often a problem with hand sharpening.

Having said that, the Timberline sharpener you recommend appears to be an excellent product for the saw operator that does not do dozens of chains per month. It looks to be simpler to set up correctly, and using a round grinder vs. a wheel with a shaped edge should guarantee excellent results.

Kudos for turning us on to the Timberline! Does it maintain raker height also?

 

[Finky198]

I have the Timberline that's Chris mentioned. It's a really nice unit and no power need, but I've had issues with it. they redesigned the pawl and fixed that since free of charge. It makes super sharp chains especially under 24" It's great for my climbing saws (16"). anything over that I've found it to be an issue. Theirs to much play it the tool with that many teeth and even thought their very sharp the small inconsistency will cause it to cut crooked or curved. Even after repeated attempts to correct it. While it might not be a big issue for some as this is on my 25" and 36" chains... it should be mentioned.

I should add I use it professionally and run 5+ saw with Apox. 15 chains.


And no it does not do the rakers....