Does anyone here have the saw chain sharpener that Harbor Freight carries?
Chicago brand
If so, are they worth the $30?
Have one? No
Are they worth it?
No........a lot of work for poor results.
Get the $89-119 one. From northern hydraulics and go to Arboristsite and search for how to threads.
To me, mine was well worth the thirty-thirtyfive bucks.
With a file, I can get a chain to about 30% of new condition. It will cut, but it throws sawdust instead of chips.
The saw shop can make a chain cut like new, but they charge half the price of a new chain to sharpen one, and it is half worn out at that time. No economy there.
The Chicago Electric grinder is a little sloppy. It does not grind a like new chain. But it will come within 90%.
For occasional use, like mine, 2 to 4 sharpenings per year, it is fine.
If a guy is sharpening a dozen chains every week, a $150 to $300 grinder would be good economics as it would greatly extend the life of the saw chain vs the cheap plastic imitation.
