Chainsaw chain sharpening machine - overview, features, types and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Intensive work with chain saws inevitably leads to the loss of working qualities of cutting equipment. With a conventional tool, only experienced craftsmen with proper dexterity can restore the geometry and the former sharpness of the saw segments. But even they, with the help of a file and a grinding disc, eliminate only minor flaws. A full-fledged dressing with optimal grinding characteristics is performed by a chain sharpening machine, which has a suitable design and functionality for such purposes.

Design features of the unit

The equipment is compact and ergonomic enough for home use. On a solid frame there is a control panel with a start button, a sharpening depth limiter and a marked scale for adjusting the processing angle. A movable head with a disk has a direct mechanical effect. The functional body with an abrasive adjusts to the required sharpening parameters and, after starting, begins processing. Since the chainsaw chain sharpening machine performs operations at high speed, the design also provides for a set of protectivefixtures. These include a shroud towards the operator, a wedge with chain lock, and heavy duty set screws to keep the equipment stable.

Before processing, the chainsaw chain is fixed in a special holder, after which the user adjusts the angle of abrasive action. Next, the circle is sent to the chain from the upper part by the handle and sharpening begins. After that, the master only needs to move the links in a timely manner - each segment is processed separately.

Varieties of the machine

The entire modern range of this equipment can be classified according to two criteria: installation method and degree of automation. As for the first sign, mobile and stationary units are distinguished. In large workshops and manufacturing enterprises, the tool is serviced on stationary, that is, devices permanently fixed in one place. The mobile chain sharpener has the advantage of being able to be used away from the maintenance site. Such equipment can be useful in the country, in logging conditions, etc. This is a unit that is independent of the network and must be operated manually.

And here you can move on to the second sign - the degree of automation. Manual models are installed on the saw blade, after which the master independently sharpens with an abrasive bar, making reciprocating movements. Automatic machines with an electric motor, as already mentioned,they connect to the work a sharpening circle, which rotates due to the drive mechanism.

Equipment performance

Machining speed is the most important parameter of the machine, which determines not only the rate of sharpening, but also the quality of the result. This value depends on the number of revolutions of the spindle, which varies on average from 3000 to 7000 rpm. For infrequent jobs in the household, you can buy a model with a low speed, but regular maintenance of chains in production will require a high frequency of sharpening.

The diameter of the grinding wheel also matters. The dimensions of the metal segments depend on it, which, in principle, can be processed by a machine for sharpening saw chains of a particular model. In this case, we are talking about equipment for gasoline units, and these are, as a rule, large-format elements. For example, 400mm discs can handle blades up to 105mm.

Considered in the choice and engine power. In principle, high-performance grinding equipment is not required. For domestic operations, a unit with a power plant of up to 100 W will suffice, and industrial stations rarely reach 850 W in power. As for voltage, almost all representatives of the segment work with single-phase 220 V networks.

Reviews about the model "Track SZ-150-250"

Domestic small format unit that can be used in small workshops and households. As user reviews show, the equipment is qualitatively assembled, has a high workingresource and provides decent sharpening in terms of characteristics. In particular, many point to the exposure of the correct angle and the absence of random deformations. The pluses include the cost of the machine for sharpening chains. The price is one of the lowest in the segment and is about 1800 rubles. At the same time, the power potential reaches 250 W while maintaining a maximum speed of 7500 rpm. But that's not all. The machine comes with a wide range of equipment, which includes an adjusting key, fixing bolts and an abrasive disc.

Rezer EG 180-C reviews

Also a budget model, which can be considered as a universal tool for sharpening saw chains. The owners of the machine point to its technical reliability, productivity and ease of operation. In terms of physical ergonomics, this is one of the best models in the segment. Added to this is the presence of a cast support in a design with holes for bolts. However, as practice shows, a reliable bed, even without special fixation, without deviations and fluctuations, is able to hold functional equipment in the process of work. The high quality of the processing result is another significant plus, which is noted in the reviews. The EG 180-C chain sharpener can be rotated with the working platform, which also increases the user-friendliness of the machine. If we talk about the shortcomings, then among them there is a low level of maximum speed and overheating during long sessions of use.

Reviews about "Caliber EZS-220"

Model with a higher class, whichcan be used in critical maintenance work on chain saws. And not only equipment for gasoline models, but also canvases from electric models. The design also provides a turntable, and the size of the grinding element is 100 mm. Reviews note confident operation at high speeds up to 7500 rpm, the correct holding of the sharpening angle and the effective function of the limiters that strictly regulate this machine for sharpening chains. The price of the unit is about 2 thousand rubles. Given the rich set of accessories, this is an acceptable amount. Another thing is that the owners explain the low cost of the model by the use of plastic in the construction. Therefore, many decide to refine the design with metal overlays and soles.

Reviews about Einhell GC-CS 85

Einhell is well known to those who work with garden equipment and power tools. In this case, a low-power, but confident and reliable machine for sharpening chainsaw chains is offered, the price of which is 2.5 thousand rubles. Immediately it is necessary to emphasize the combination of a modest power potential of 85 W and a circle speed of up to 5500 rpm. But, despite these indicators, the model is highly valued by the owners for accurate assembly, high quality parts and precise grinding.

DDE Reviews MSC-104-95

The most expensive model in the review, available on the market for almost 3 thousand rubles. What does the manufacturer offer for this money? Compact machine for a single-phase network with voltage deviations up to 10%. Apparatus widelyit is used both in domestic conditions and at specialized enterprises - logging, construction sites, repair shops, etc. This chain sharpening machine also does not indulge in high power rates (95 W), but it facilitates the operator's tasks in adjusting and controlling actions. Users put ergonomics in the first place in the lists of advantages, followed by sharpening speed and compact size. Among the shortcomings, there is a limited maintenance of large-format equipment.

How to make a DIY chain sharpener?

In a garage, you can make a machine from a metal platform with a work table, an electric motor and equipment for attaching a grinding wheel. For the bed, you need to take a thick sheet or several brazed stainless steel panels. Bearing elements for the engine and related electrical engineering are welded to this base. An asynchronous motor can act as a motor. Next, you can proceed to the regulating equipment, which will provide the possibility of installing a fixing structure.

The workpiece is supplied with an inverter welding machine or mounted on hardware with your own hands. The machine for sharpening chainsaw chains during operation will be controlled mainly by manual manipulations without automation. For example, the contact of the abrasive with the supply to the chain segments is entirely the responsibility of the operator, so the quality of processing will also depend on him. The power plant is responsible only for the operation of the grindingdisk.

Tips for working with the unit

Start sharpening only after checking the technical condition of the equipment. Electrical connections, mechanical fasteners, as well as the condition of the abrasive are checked. The line of links is fixed in the loading chute and, depending on the design of the machine, is clamped or simply pulled under sufficient force. At the same stage, you should accurately align the sharpening angle, having previously assessed the condition of the links. These parameters affect not only the intensity of the mechanical action on a certain side of the segment, but also the dressing geometry. After the end of work, the chain sharpening machine is turned off, the serviced workpiece is removed and, if necessary, disassembly is performed. Many manufacturers recommend removing the protective cover, tooling and guides after each operation - this makes it easier to check the condition of the functional organs and equipment systems.

Conclusion

The special shape of the tooth in the cutting blades of chain saws is the key to the effectiveness of their application. From harvesting firewood in the country to felling the forest - all these operations with wood are best performed by this particular technique. Therefore, the instrument serving it is of no small importance. Which chain sharpener do you prefer? For everyday tasks, you can limit yourself to simple budget models with a low power of about 100-150 watts. In the workshop and in production, it is better to use productive stationary models, which are also provided with modernprotective systems and the latest ergonomic functionality. However, their cost will be higher.