Razor sharp: the best machines for sharpening chainsaw chains

Operating principle and classification

The design is similar to a mounting saw with a grinding disc in a hanging head mounted on a support frame instead of a cutting disc.

A rotary vice fixes the saw part, and each tooth is sequentially processed with a supplied sharpener. The required angle is independently set by the operator according to the step between the links. As a rule, the thickness of the circle is 3.5 – 4.0 mm.

Safety is achieved by securely securing the tool to the workbench.

In order to process each link as sharply as possible, the disk must be positioned perpendicular to the chain. You can extend the service life by individually editing each tooth.

It should be remembered that the machine also levels the chainsaw blade. For this purpose, the smallest tooth is selected, to which all the others are adjusted. With the same dimensions, the load on the internal mechanism is reduced. In addition, alignment prevents the links from falling apart.

Rating of chain sharpening machines

Before choosing one or another chain sharpening machine for rating, technicians conducted detailed testing of each unit and took into account its strongest points. Reviews from ordinary users and professionals were also studied. The following important parameters were taken into account during the selection:

• Brand authority;
• Characteristics;
• Equipment;
• No defects;
• Thread accuracy;
• Engine power;
• Sharpening speed;
• Functional;
• Dimensions;
• Safety.

A detailed examination of each characteristic determined that all parameters are subjective. The main indicator affecting the performance of a sawing machine is engine power. The selected models were divided into two categories: up to 200 W and more than 200 W. Regardless of power and dimensions, the difference between the presented units lies only in the speed of operation.

The best chainsaws

DDE MSC-104-95

Main characteristics:

• Grinding wheel rotation speed - 5000 rpm;
• Motor power - 95 W;
• Disc diameter - 104 mm;
• Circle thickness - 4.5 mm;
• The bore diameter is 22.2 mm.

Design features. This machine is designed to be installed on the edge of a table. Its cast silumin base has two holes for bolts with a diameter of 9 mm. The moving head is equipped with a 95 W electric motor. Grinding wheels with a running size of 104 mm and a seat diameter of 22.2 mm are used here. Their thickness can be selected from 3.2 to 4.5 mm. The weight of the tool due to the plastic body does not exceed 2.5 kg.

Functionality and ease of use. The working head of the machine moves easily in one plane. For ease of control, there is a removable rubberized handle and a screw stop that limits travel in the processing area. The vice is made movable. They can be quickly fixed in any position, focusing on the marks on the dial scale. The chain is clamped with one movement of the handle, which rotates 180 degrees. The grinding wheel rotates at a frequency of 5000 rpm. You can secure it to the shaft with a wide union nut, tightened by hand.

Safety. All live parts of the machine are protected by double insulation. A removable disc guard with a transparent cover protects the operator from sparks and crumbs.

Pros of DDE MSC-104-95

1. Thoughtful design.
2. High performance.
3. Reliability.
4. Comfortable handles.
5. Accuracy of setting angles.
6. Durable housing.
7. Good equipment.

Cons of DDE MSC-104-95

1. Very short cable.
2. The spring of the head rotating mechanism is too tight.

Which chain sharpening machine is best to buy?

Before you buy a unit, you need to accurately determine the frequency of its load. For infrequent use, it is better to take a compact, low-power model; for large amounts of work, you should pay attention to devices with a powerful engine. When you need to choose which machine is better, you can be guided by several factors:

• Whirlwind SZTs-200 is a good, stable machine with a protected shock-resistant body, according to reviews, a decent combination of price and quality.
• Rezer EG -85 CN – suitable for the home craftsman, the best choice when the saw is not sharpened often.
• Diold MZ-1.13 is a compact desktop unit, a good choice for a garage or home.
• Huter ECS -100 is a compact lightweight machine for sharpening chainsaw chains from the lightweight “loppers” series.
• Patriot MG 220 is the most economical power machine, a budget option for the home, garage, and garden.
• Champion C 2001 is the best model in terms of safety, reliable protective casing.
• Caliber EZS-220 is a machine with the fastest rotation speed of 7500 rpm, inexpensive and powerful.
• Soyuz TSS-60013 is a compact economy class model of good assembly, high-quality equipment, and high operating speed.
• Dnipro - M VSP-560 - Compact Machine with the Most Powerful Motor 550 W.
• SPEC-3244 SZ-150-250 is a good productive model for workshops, fast and accurate sharpening.

The review presented the best chain sharpening machines mainly for the household category. Each nominee has special parameters, pros and cons, and is able to cope with certain tasks.

What to look for when choosing

Let's consider the criteria that require mandatory fulfillment when choosing products of similar applications.

1. Power. The more power a sharpening machine has, the greater the load that can be placed on the grinding wheel without the risk of overheating the engine. The larger the tools and parts that are supposed to be sharpened, the more power is required. When sharpening thin and small tools (engraving or wood carving knives, thin drills and chisels), high power is not needed. Household use requires a power setting of 150-250 W, and a machine with the highest power output can handle sharpening axes, shovels and chains.
2. Maximum speed. The optimal rotation speed of grinding machines was selected a long time ago: 2700-3000 rpm. A lower speed leads to a decrease in productivity; at a higher speed, the material of the sharpened products will begin to overheat. High speeds are only necessary when sharpening carbide tools with fine abrasive (diamond) discs. The grain of such a disk is so fine that at normal speed its performance will be too low. Therefore, cutting elements made of hard alloys (heads of hammer drills, drill heads, brazing on circular saws) are sharpened with diamond blades at frequencies up to 15,000 rpm.
3. Circle diameter. The larger the tool you plan to sharpen, the larger the diameter of the wheel you need to use on the machine: a small wheel when sharpening scythes and axes will quickly wear off and require replacement. In addition, the large abrasive wheel has high inertia - this ensures smoother grinding and uniform load on the engine, which has a beneficial effect on its service life. At the same time, the diameter of the circle is directly related to the power of the machine and, accordingly, to its price. Accordingly, when sharpening small tools, the use of large-diameter wheels is impractical.
4. Circle thickness. Just like the diameter, it depends on the size of the tool being processed. When sharpening chisels and other cutting tools of small width, it is advisable to choose a wheel with a thickness slightly greater than the width of the tool being sharpened. Another reason for thicker wheels is that a thin wheel wears out faster or loses its shape, causing it to become unbalanced. In both cases, the circle will need to be replaced. But the greater thickness of the circle increases its mass, and, accordingly, requires more engine power.
5. Dimensions. Installing a tabletop electric sharpener does not take up much space. It can be placed on a table, workbench, or wide windowsill. The main thing is that it is a flat, massive plane that can absorb vibrations from the grindstone. In addition, it must be remembered that, despite the protective covers, when sharpening and grinding, fine dust from spent abrasive and ground metal flies around the sharpener. Some sharpening machines come with lights on a flexible arm to help illuminate your work area. If the purchased equipment is not equipped with such a lighting device, it must be purchased separately. Grinding equipment with a power of more than 500 W usually has two or four holes in the base for fastening to the workbench. If, in accordance with the machine passport, such installation is mandatory, in no case should these instructions be neglected.
6. Safety. Each sharpener is supplied from the factory with special instructions containing instructions for using the device. For example, before you start working with all machines, you must carefully read these requirements and never use the device if the wrong grinding wheel (diameter, thickness) is attached to it. Also added to this is the correct grounding of the body and motor of the product, for example, in European-type sockets this happens through the appropriate contact, and on other devices - through a special bolt.

Summarizing

Thus, the best machine is a device that meets the stated requirements in all respects and has positive reviews from users. By comparing the parameters of most products, you can choose an excellent option, new items from universal models at an affordable price.

It is important not to make mistakes when choosing. It should be remembered that the Russian supply market is almost 20% filled with counterfeits from China, copying the external forms of instruments from recognized manufacturers. Therefore, buying a cheap machine made by unknown craftsmen may turn out to be a bad purchase. In this case, it will not meet the requirements and will not provide warranty obligations.

The question of which company’s product is best to buy can only be resolved by contacting stores or representative offices of trusted companies that have the necessary licenses. The best manufacturers value their reputation.

Enjoy the shopping!