Anybody sharpen their own chainsaw chains with a guide file?

[Smart]

I usually just buy a new one when one gets dull because I don't cut that much wood through the year except for the deer lease. Now that I am going through it with the new offset, I need to sharpen a few.

I have four sitting here at the house and after calling around it seems like $15 is the going rate for a chain sharpening when I can get a new one at Lowes for $18. Then my inner "do it myself" thing kicked in and I realized I have a file with a guide on it. I figured if it isn't too much of a beating, I could have 4 usable chains for the price of a little learning and labor versus one new one for $18 or 4 professionally sharpened ones for $60. Always looking to learn something new anyway.

Anybody do their chains with a guide file like so...and how is it?

[systemnt]

easier to take them in.

[Brett A]

I think it is easier in the long run to pay the $18.

[2050z]

I have that tool and it works fine. Never had any problems with it

[Snakelover]

Yes, I file mine. I thought everyone did. It's easy, easy. Just count strokes so you take the same amount of metal off each blade. Usually there is a place in the chain that has two blades in a row on the same side. Use that place as a reference... start and end there. Do all the blades on one side first, turn the saw around and do the other side. Takes maybe five minutes.

Edit: Make sure the file size matches your chain.

[BrianL]

DO yourself a favor and get this. Not like the $2-600, but works. I have one and use it regularly.

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-chain-saw-sharpener-68221-8346.html

You can catch them on sale for $25

[super_dave]

The tool works , but I like to grind down the shark fin in front of the tooth. It will eat like you've never seen!

[Texas Bill]

I've done it Skack, but take it to Lowery's in Lewisville for $7

[Smart]

Yes, I file mine. I thought everyone did. It's easy, easy. Just count strokes so you take the same amount of metal off each blade. Usually there is a place in the chain that has two blades in a row on the same side. Use that place as a reference... start and end there. Do all the blades on one side first, turn the saw around and do the other side. Takes maybe five minutes.

Edit: Make sure the file size matches your chain.

That's good to hear David. The file came with the saw so I am assuming it does, but I'll check.

[panhandlehunter]

I'm lucky, my neighbor is a tree cutter and can sharpen them quick. I take my 4 chains over there with a case of beer and he sharpens them for me. I've tried it myself, and would rather buy new chains.

[BrianL]

The tool works , but I like to grind down the shark fin in front of the tooth. It will eat like you've never seen!

You know that is there to keep the chain from getting too big of a bite on the wood don't you? You do have to grind it down a little as you sharpen the blade each time.

[TXMark]

I use the file to touch up the chain and get more time out of it. Make sure you use the same # of strokes on each tooth and get it at the right angle each time. It don't take much to get it back sharp. You will know if you mess it up because the saw will start to cut at an angle. When this happens you need to get it resharpened at a shop or get a new chain. I have messed up a couple.

[dpg481]

I use my dremel. Just put the chain sharpening stone in the dremel and sharpen it while still on the saw. It only takes a couple minutes and your back in business without ever removing the chain. I have two different sizes of stones, for bigger and smaller chains.

[finz]

Yep make sure every tooth gets the same number of passes or one side will be sharper then the other and the saw will want to cut crooked and eventually cut itself into a bind. Make sure you file the guide teeth down too ( not too much) or your cutting edges won't make contact. Using a bench mounted vise makes this super easy.Put the bar in the vise and tighten her down,obviously allow the chain to be able to move while in the vise..

[dadogg]

I use my dremel. Just put the chain sharpening stone in the dremel and sharpen it while still on the saw. It only takes a couple minutes and your back in business without ever removing the chain. I have two different sizes of stones, for bigger and smaller chains.

x2 Here as well. They also have a guide that mounts to the dremel tool