5 best machines for sharpening chains of gasoline and electric saws

Over time, the chainsaw chain loses its sharpness, so its effectiveness decreases. It needs to be replaced, but constantly purchasing new chains is impractical and expensive. Special machines for sharpening chainsaw chains allow you to quickly restore the functionality of the unit. There are many models on the market: from manual mechanical to fully automatic. Knowing which ones are considered the best quality can help you make a great purchase. The device will work for a long time, allowing you to sharpen the chains as needed.

CHAMPION (PROFFY) S2001

Main characteristics:

• Grinding wheel rotation speed - 3000 rpm;
• Engine power - 230 W;
• Disc diameter - 145 mm;
• Circle thickness - 3.2 mm;
• The bore diameter is 22.2 mm.

Design features. This machine is designed for professional chain sharpening. It should be firmly fixed on the desktop, for which fastening bolts are provided. The assembled dimensions do not exceed 25x38x35 cm, which allows the tool to be installed in a small workshop. The model is equipped with a powerful 230 W motor with good airflow and a textured outer surface. On its shaft with a diameter of 22.2 mm, disks of an available size of 145x3.2 mm are installed.

Functionality and ease of use. In normal mode, the abrasive wheel rotates at a speed of 3000 rpm. The working head has a rubber handle with a hand rest. There is a tilt angle regulator and a stroke limiter in the processing area for selecting the sharpening depth.

Horizontal sharpening scale.

Vertical sharpening scale.

The eccentric type quick-release vice facilitates easy switching and can hold the workpiece at the desired rotation angle.

Safety. The transparent screen protects the master from sparks and scattering of disc fragments in the event of its destruction. The built-in lamp illuminates the work area well even when the general lighting is turned off.

Protective cover.

Pros of CHAMPION (PROFFY) S2001

1. High power.
2. Reliability.
3. Convenient design.
4. Low noise and vibration levels.
5. Backlight.
6. The package includes the keys necessary for settings, a grinding wheel, a straightening stone and a template for controlling the shape of the disk.

Cons CHAMPION (PROFFY) S2001

1. It is better to immediately replace the plastic washer of the vice clamp with a steel one.
2. Relatively high cost.

Advantages of manual models

The compact manual sharpening device mounted on the saw set also provides a significant gain in autonomy. The standard kit includes a holder and a set of two files - cylindrical and flat.

• An economical and affordable factory-made chain sharpening machine is suitable for productive sharpening of models of different pitch standards.
• The easy-to-use design allows you to maintain the correct sharpening angles for chainsaw chains designed for cross-cutting and more complex longitudinal cutting of fuel and construction wood.

The manual machine, reliable in everyday work, is in demand in the private sector. Specialized forestry and construction organizations prefer more advanced models.

A significant drawback of the manual device is the difficulty of finishing chains with carbide saw links. To sharpen such models, stationary machines with corundum or diamond sharpening discs are used.

Einhell GC-CG 85

Main characteristics:

• Grinding wheel rotation speed - 5500 rpm;
• Motor power - 85 W;
• Disc diameter - 108 mm;
• Circle thickness - 3.2 mm;
• The bore diameter is 23.2 mm.

Design features. One of the smallest chain sharpening machines, it has dimensions of 21x21x26 cm and weighs only 1.9 kg. It must be attached to the edge of the table, for which a pair of holes with a diameter of 9 mm are provided on the steel frame for bolts or screws. The 85 W motor is enough for long-term operation with disks measuring 108x3.2 mm. Bore diameter 23.2 mm.

Functionality and ease of use. The rotation speed of the sanding wheel reaches 5500 rpm, which provides a good linear speed at the point of contact with the workpiece with a small diameter disc. The working head moves in one plane, and the vice can be rotated at an angle of up to 35° in any direction.

They have a side clamp and a lock that prevents longitudinal movement of the chain. Despite the ease of movement of the head, it clearly lacks a handle.

Safety. To protect the operator from flying debris, most of the abrasive disc is covered with a removable cover.

Protective cover.

Pros of Einhell GC-CG 85

1. Simple design.
2. No vibration.
3. High quality materials and good assembly.
4. Low noise level.
5. Low cost.
6. Good selection of discs of the right size.

Cons of Einhell GC-CG 85

1. There is no working head handle.
2. No backlight provided.
3. The threaded clamp of the vice is not for intensive work.

Eliminating the risk of purchasing a counterfeit

Less successful may be the choice of a cheap chain saw sharpener of unknown origin. This model does not fully comply with modern requirements and is not provided with warranties and spare parts.

On the domestic market, 15-18% of the total volume of offers for the sale of sharpening machines is made up of Chinese counterfeits, in some cases successfully copying the best examples of branded manufacturers.

The risks of purchasing a counterfeit are eliminated by purchasing the selected model in licensed stores or sales representative offices of dealer structures.

PATRIOT 220V PG-MG220

Main characteristics:

• Grinding wheel rotation speed - 4800 rpm;
• Motor power - 85 W;
• Disc diameter - 108 mm;
• Circle thickness - 3.2 mm;
• The bore diameter is 22.2 mm.

Design features. This machine belongs to household class equipment. It is intended for stationary installation on a horizontal surface, for which holes are made in the base. It has an 85W motor, which is the norm for 108x3.2mm abrasive discs. Mounting hole 2.2 mm. The power cable at the connection point has a thickening that prevents breakage.

Functionality and ease of use. The working head of the machine moves in one plane. To manipulate it, there is a raised protrusion on the body of the product. The start key is also located there. There is an adjustable stop that limits the stroke at the cutting site.

Adjustable stop.

Sharpening occurs at a speed of 4800 rpm. The vice is equipped with a side clamp and a longitudinal chain clamp. They can be set to any angle, focusing on a clear scale. Fastening in the selected position is carried out using a screw with a wide handle.

Side clamp with scale.

Safety. To protect the master, there is an emery wheel casing with a transparent insert in the working area.

Protective cover with transparent insert.

Pros of PATRIOT 220V PG-MG220

1. Light weight and compact dimensions.
2. High quality build.
3. Simple design.
4. Permissible noise level.
5. Easy to make settings.
6. Possibility of using grinding wheels with a common diameter of 108 mm and a width of 3.2 to 4.8 mm.
7. Reasonable price.

Cons PATRIOT 220V PG-MG220

1. Plastic body.
2. There is not enough local lighting.

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.

Whirlwind SZTs-200

Main characteristics:

• Grinding wheel rotation speed - 6000 rpm;
• Motor power - 200 W;
• Disc diameter - 100 mm;
• Circle thickness - 3.2 mm;
• The landing diameter is 10 mm.

Design features. The machine is a cast frame with a vice, the position of which can be changed by turning it in any direction by 35°. The working head is attached to the base using a pin, which simultaneously plays the role of an axis of rotation. A pair of holes are provided for rigid mounting on the edge of the workbench. With an impressive electric motor power of 200 W, the unit weighs only 2 kg.

Functionality and ease of use. A 100x3.2 mm cutting disc is installed on a working shaft with a diameter of 10 mm, rotating at a speed of 6000 rpm, which is a good indicator for a household-class tool. When manipulating the machine, the operator holds on to a wide handle, under which there is a start button.

There is a threaded travel stop. The vice is made of high quality steel. The chain is fixed with a hand screw while sharpening.

Safety. A casing made of durable plastic with a transparent screen, which can be installed in several positions, protects the disc from sparks and flying fragments.

Protective casing with transparent screen.

Pros of Whirlwind SZTs-200

1. High performance.
2. Power reserve.
3. Simple and reliable design.
4. Low vibration.
5. Fast and precise adjustment.
6. Affordable price.

Cons Whirlwind SZTs-200

1. Inconvenient location of the stop under the working head.
2. Short power cable.
3. The kit does not include mounting bolts or keys for assembly.
4. Not the highest quality workmanship. There are gaps.

Pro recommendations

The Russian market of household and professional equipment offers a large selection of sharpening machines of domestic and foreign production. When purchasing independently, it is recommended to give priority to products from well-known manufacturers.

The list of requirements for the machine:

• a fairly high level of versatility;
• drive power reserve;
• maintainability;
• Availability of a service network.

User reviews posted on the Internet and recommendations from service and repair service specialists will help clarify the compliance of the real capabilities of the machine with the factory specifications.

How to choose a chain sharpening machine

If you decide to purchase special equipment for sharpening chains, you should know how it works. This machine consists of an electric motor with an abrasive wheel attached to its shaft. There is a clamp in front of it to securely fix the chain during processing.

Important design features

From a general look at the tool, let’s move on to a careful consideration of its main components, because the ease of use and the quality of the result depend on the degree of design elaboration.

Wide base with mounting options

The machine must be stationary and not subject to vibration. This is facilitated by the wide base to which all other nodes are attached. For greater stability, it is installed on non-slip rubber feet. Maximum rigidity is achieved when bolted to a table or workbench, for which several vertical holes are usually made in the frame.

Machine base.

Availability of a scale with degrees

A chain with all teeth sharpened at the same angle works most efficiently. Most manufacturers of such cutting tools recommend grinding them with an inclination of 30-35o. The best sharpening machines necessarily include a rotating mechanism that allows you to accurately adjust the relative position of the workpiece and the abrasive wheel at the point of contact.

Sharpening angle adjustment scale.

Head with disk

The optimal design of the machine is one with a fixed position of the chain and a movable head with a rotating sanding wheel. For convenience and safety of work, it is equipped with an ergonomic handle and a protective screen.

Consequences of using non-standard equipment

Attempts to use an electric sharpener or grinder to fine-tune chains most often do not give the desired result. Even with certain skills, this technology does not guarantee the same sharpening angles and the same height of the stops.

Improper sharpening inevitably leads to decreased performance, increased vibration levels, and additional loads on the power drive. A slightly better result is obtained by a homemade machine made on the basis of a manual or electric sharpener.