Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16" Carbide Cutter (for .325" pitch chains)

I very rarely write a review, and when I do, it's usually due to a negative experience, but the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener is the exception. I was hesitant to order this product due to the price, but finally decided to give it a try. I ordered it 3 days ago, and received it today via USPS. I took it straight out to my workshop, slapped it on my chainsaw and went to work on my chain. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to get it properly aligned (stop being manly, and read the instructions!), but once I did, the sharpening process was a piece of cake. I've used hand held sharpening files for years and the results are okay, but never what I would consider perfect. I couldn't believe the difference after using the Timberline. Those teeth are perfectly ground, and razor sharp. Took me maybe 20 minutes to sharpen an 18" chain, but I was going really slow, making sure everything was lining up and doing what it's supposed to. I have no doubt that the next time won't take more than 10-15 minutes, tops. The product is easy to use, does exactly what it's supposed to do, and appears to be very well built. If you frequently use a chainsaw and want to keep your chain razor sharp, I strongly recommend this product.

First, this is a very well made product manufactured right here in the USA. It took a very minor amount of fiddling to figure out the most efficient way to set it up. The product works as advertised and produces an accurate and sharp (better than factory) chain. It's very expensive for what it is, but I figure it will pay me back in the long run on reduced chain wear due to sharpening. Most home users simply don't have to time/practice necessary to learn to accurately file a chain and even if you do, you'll never be as accurate as this tool. The one thing I noticed and fixed on the 1st loop I ran through it was that it needed a scale on the slider. It's no big deal on a chain that spent life going through the Timberline, but a filed chain can be so far out tooth to tooth that the length is hard to maintain precisely because you hit a long tooth and have to back off the pawl and feed it back in and there is no way to tell exactly where you were set before. I remedied this by laminating a scale on the back side of the slide so I had registration marks to get me right back where I was, not just in the neighborhood. It also lets me see how much material I'm removing on each sharpening and how much has been removed over the life of the chain. Again, you take only what you need and will get a lot more sharpenings out of a chain and the carbide cutter. There is also no heat (like with a grinder) to ruin the temper on the chain if you aren't careful. A carbide bit will last a really long time if you realize you are working with a brittle material and don't force in without rotating it or worse yet turn it backwards (instant death for the tool). Moral of the story, take light cuts while constantly turning the cutter with nice light feed pressure both in and out of the cut! Your chain and your carbide cutter will thank you with long life and increased performance.

I use a chainsaw a couple of times a year and have used a file to sharpen the chain. I can always sharpen a chain with a file good enough to make it usable. I have a chainsaw tool box which I carry a extra chain so I don't have to sharpen in the field. The Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener has changed the way I sharpen chains. It has a small learning curve and produces fabulous results. It is slightly faster than a file, but creates a sharper better balanced teeth. Additional bonuses: Its small, easy to use, and doesn't require an electric source.Net result when using the Timberline sharpener: A chainsaw operator can let the chainsaw do the work like it was designed to.Quick Tips for using the Timberline Sharpener: Read the how to; Watch a You Tube video; Don't try to fix a bad chain in one pass; Use oil; Always turn the handle clockwise in and out; and use this tool don't abuse it.

I really like this tool. first a caution. There are many ways to use this tool improperly and get poor results. Do invest the time to read all Timberline's on-line instructions, tips-n-tricks and watch the video. Once you have the technique, the Timberline chainsaw sharpener produces sharpening much more consistent than you cannot get with a grinder or file. It takes more time but the results are much better than having a vendor sharpen your chains. Although it takes more time to sharpen than other methods, you get that time back when you start cutting. I called Timberline with a question and received useful guidance.

Nice rugged sharpener. This is much better than using a file. I did add 2 set screws to it to stabilize the floating/loose block. In hindsight only one screw is needed; right in the middle. Finger tight is fine. I used 8x32 tpi. Other than snugging up the block, I'm happy with it.

Works very well, but be careful when using it, the small aluminum guide can be ground down, if you are not careful. Wish that the company that made this item would make the small double tooth guide out of a harder material.

Shapens my chain to scarry sharp and even. Just follow the directions and use some machinist common sense. The tool is well built and excellent for getting a better than factory edge out in the wilderness. The guides are the only thing I would change, hardened steel instead of soft aluminum. Make sure you lube them and keep the fillings cleaned out.

I have a hard time turning things consistently as well as fine finger control due to nerve damage in my hands. My wife read the instructions and it worked like a charm for her. She is not with me most of the time when I am cutting wood so I really could not use it. I would recommend it to others if asked. Though the search goes on for a way for me to sharpen my saws right ever time.