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[mecktom]

I have used several differnt types of sharpeners and was wondering what do some of the members of this board use? Thanks in advance.

[jerkash]

I put my saw in a vise and sharpen it by hand with a file.  Commercial sharpeners get the chain so hot that it makes it hard to sharpen by hand after that.  Not sure about the smaller ones.

[BoilerHouse]

I tried by hand but I always seemed to rock the file slightly and didnt get a good edge.  Next I tried the jig style which clamped to the bar and I found it to be a major piece of cra*. I now use a 12 volt dremel style with the grinding stones and find I get the best results. Just a quick touch to the tooth is usually enough.

[mikenc]

I use Oregon 511ax. Takes awhile to get use to but works great.

[BIGDIESEL20S]

I use the Stihl USG (bench mounted). I really like it, but like said before if its done wrong it will over heat the chain and cause it not to hold an edge or make it hard to file by hand. But we sharpen chains here since we are a Stihl dealer so its nothing for me to go sit at the sharpener and sharpen 10 to 30 chains a week. So Ive got plenty of practise with it. The big thing is dont try to take it all off at one time, you got to take a little off at a time and go around the chain a few times so it dont get too hot. So my advice if anybody gets a sharpener like this is to start with older chains first in case you burn it up.

[Daped01]

I now use a 12 volt dremel style with the grinding stones and find I get the best results. Just a quick touch to the tooth is usually enough.

+1

[oldchenowth]

Hand file.  I can't seem to get anything else to work as well.  Tried an electric one and got dust, hand file throws chips off the same chain.  It just takes twice as long

[beeman]

i use a chain saw sharpner from harber fraight , the only draw down is you have to take the chain off of the saw but it will take it back to like knew

[bigbird1]

I also like the oregon 511, put a dimond wheel on it and it will out last me . 

[MattyNH]

Hand file.  I can't seem to get anything else to work as well.  Tried an electric one and got dust, hand file throws chips off the same chain.  It just takes twice as long

I agree...I can get my chain way sharper then have a machine  etc do..Ive been taught by a logger on how to sharpen a chain and keep it sharp.. After all loggers don't need machines/ stones etc.. All u need is a file..Also file your rakers down.. Bites into the wood more.. Hand file way to go!

[martyinmi]

MattyNH-
Right on Brother!

[woodisgood]

 Theres a bunch of us that cut wood together and are thinkin about buying a oregon 511ax sharpener does anyone know anything about them? Will they sharpen all brands of chains. And before anyone says it I know a file by hand is the best way! LOL!

[MattyNH]

Theres a bunch of us that cut wood together and are thinkin about buying a oregon 511ax sharpener does anyone know anything about them? Will they sharpen all brands of chains. And before anyone says it I know a file by hand is the best way! LOL!

Well not knowing a whole lot about that sharpener..I did google it and looked at the pic lol.. Seems neat.. Well what I got to say those "other brands" of chains has to fit your saw like the "oregon brand"..I don't see why that sharpener wouldn't sharpen "other brands" of chains..

[tbone]

Good thread...I always wondered why my chains were never the same once I went to the bench mount.  I always try to hand sharpen as long as I can.

[tree climber]

i hand sharpen also unless i hit concreate or metel in tree. then grinder