Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

This sharpener has saved me chains I used to throw out, the chain once sharpened cuts like brand new.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

Just sharpened my first chain. This tool worked great. I'll never sharpen a chain by hand again. The comments in the other reviews helped a lot and a friend that owns a Chicago sharpener recommended some on-line how-to videos on these sharpeners. Seeing it in operation really helped too.
I do not have a lot of bench space to mount this sharpener full time. I mounted it on a piece of 2x6 long enough to properly support it. I then can put it in my bench vice when ever I want to use it.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

This tool works good once you get it put together and figure out how it works.The other reviews helped

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

Many HF products require tweaking to perfect their operation, and this one is no exception. Once a few minor modifications are made, however, this sharpener will far exceed expectations, especially considering its price point.

The largest complaint I've seen, and one experienced by myself as well, is the chain clamping mechanism. Out of the box, the chain clamp is not fully assembled and no instructions are provided to attach the cable (instructions in last paragraph of this review) When operating, the clamp plate which applies pressure to the chain hits the chain too high, often on the rivets. Because the cable attaches at a lower point, the pressure plate will twist with more cable tension in such a way that causes the chain to lift and tilt slightly to the side.

The best workaround for this, which was posted in another review, is to remove the bottom screw on the pressure plate (directly below the cable adjustment knob) and use small washers to shim behind the pressure plate approximately 1/4" and replace the screw. Doing this will cause the pressure plate to tilt in the opposite direction it did originally when the clamp handle is squeezed, which will cause the top edge of the plate to not only come in contact with the chain at a lower point, but will tend to pull the chain downward.

I have also noticed there to be some play in the hinge which the grinder assembly is raised and lowered on. This is not too much trouble as long as you either are careful not to put any sideways pressure on the grinder handle or are consistent in your motion.

One problem I had with mine that I did not see listed elsewhere is that the plane of the griner wheel is not perfectly parallel with the center line of the base. I suspect it is due to imperfect moulding of the plastic, but presents a real problem in that using the angle guide to cut a 30 degree on one side does not produce the same angle as a 30 degree cut in the other direction. In my case, doing accurate 30 degree cuts requred setting 25 degrees on the left side of the scale and 35 degrees on the right.

If you encounter this problem, the workaround is similar and just as easy as the chain grip. There are two larger screws that secure the chain guide to its plastic base. Remove the screw on the side where the LOWER angle is needed (be careful not to lose the washer which separates the two plates) and shim between the guide and plastic mount enough to correct the angle. In my case, about 1/8" shim was enough to correct the 5 degrees.

I've seen complaints about the plastic knob which secures the grinding wheel, but this should not be a problem as long as 1) make sure it's properly secured out of the box and 2) do not overstress the tool which could cause the plastic to strip. Gentle grinding is key and you should not be generating too much sparks. The motor RPM should only drop a little when grinding.

For operation, there are good online videos for the Oregon sharpener which is very similar in function.

(Assembly of the clamp cable: remove the rubber O ring, unscrew the yellow knob and pull off the washer at the end of the cable. Feed the threaded end of the cable through the back side of the chain guide and out of the pressure plate. Slip on the washer. Screw on the yellow knob until the clamping plate is roughly aligned with the front guide plate. Slip the O ring on the threaded end and push it into the little gap on the yellow knob, this will keep the knob from backing out)

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

I ran this unit for one half of an 18" chain saw and it seemed to work fine. However, when I went to sharpen the other side, It wouldn't start. I let it cool (even though it wasn't hot nor running long) and then it worked. I suspect that the unit is defective. Anyone have that problem?

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

I bought and use it to sharpen saw chains. I will use an inverter so i can sharpen chains in the woods. Easy assembly and easy setup, I never even read the instructions and it works perfectly. Nice and quiet. Thr chain clamp needs some tweaking but is usable.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

This is a great tool for the money. As seen with other reviews, the instructions leave alot to be dersired. However you should be able to figure things out. The cable vice lock has no real instructions. I sharpened two blades and it was real easy once you set it up. I found that if you walk the teeth up to the wheel when it is off and the then turn the stop in slightly it it sets the wheel to just skim off enough to sharpen the blade. Probably one of the best tools I purchased from Harbor Freight.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

I cut alot of firewood a,d I use this sharpener several times a week for a year now. Love it, its faster than a file, just take your time, lightly grind the chain and dont grind your chain away!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

My shop is very small so instead if bolting this to my work bench a clamp worked great and realy did not get in the way. My chain was duller than a bowing ball. Ran it through the sharpener and i was cutting like a hot knife through butter!!!! sharpening time was nuthing and my chain has not needed sharpening since....

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Chain Saw Sharpener, Electric:

Last year I was discouraged by mixed reviews of the old, orange version (93213) and stuck with a file w/guide. Yesterday I bought the newer, red version (68221) and am very impressed! It takes under ten minutes to remove the 18" chain from my saw, sharpen it and replace the chain. What a difference in cut! Now it pulls itself straight through logs and leaves nice big shavings. No more filing for me! Definitely five stars at this price point.