10 best sharpening machines: review, advantages and disadvantages, price

High-quality and correctly sharpened edges on each chain saw link radically change the nature of the tool’s operation.It doesn't matter what type of drive, petrol or electric. You can, of course, use your hands, but the best sharpening machines are inexpensive, and by mastering the equipment, you can extend the life of your chains and chainsaw.

What to look for when choosing

Hand sharpening of chains is an art. You need constant practice and a tool, but even in this case, not everyone can thread a chain correctly without a machine. You can, of course, take the chain to a salon or saw repair shop for sharpening. This service is not cheap. It is more profitable to choose your equipment, for example, on the advice of friends, or choose from a rating of the best chain sharpening machines.

But even if you start sharpening the blades on a saw with your own hands, it is worth remembering that the cutting plane and cutting edge must be processed, maintaining 2 angles at once. It's difficult to do this in your hands. You need to buy a specially shaped vice, but it’s better to just buy a small machine.

What you need to pay attention to first:

1. The quality of fixation of the link in the machine vice. A fixed link should not change position, even if you try to pull it out with pliers. Many machines can cut metal at an edge angle during the sharpening process. In this case, the link is subjected to serious load from the pressure of the circle and vibrations of the drive. Therefore, high-quality sharpening is possible only with reliable fixation of the link in a vice.
2. Engine power.Conventionally, they can be divided into low-power models, 85-200 W, and professional ones, from 200 W and above. In addition to the power on the shaft, the number of revolutions matters. The best sharpening machines have at least 5000 rpm.
3. The rigidity of the base with a vice and the hinge connecting to the swinging spindle (motor plus circle). The moving system must rotate on its axis without play; all plastic parts must be rigid and not deform during sharpening of the chain.
4. Grinding disc thickness. Almost all machine models can work with grinding discs 100-150 mm, 3-5 mm thick. If you purchase equipment for sharpening only chains from a personal chainsaw, then you need to first clarify the width of the link and the size of the edge. The choice of grinding wheel depends on this.

If the machine will be used for sharpening chains of all possible sizes, then it is best to choose a universal, powerful machine with a quick nut for securing the disc to the drive and always with a protective casing. But you need to take into account that the more powerful the engine, the more noise, and the stronger the vibration on the shaft. That's why the best professional-level models are always quiet and well-balanced on the spindle.

The presence of a protective transparent casing may cause discomfort at first. But you can’t go anywhere without him. Sharpening with glasses is often even more inconvenient, but without protection it is impossible. Otherwise, a torn piece of abrasive may injure your face or eyes.

Most mini sharpening machines have a similar design. As a rule, this is a durable base frame on which a swinging support with a motor, spindle and disk is installed.

The accuracy of sharpening depends primarily on the strength of the hinge, the presence of play in it, and then on the rigidity of the frame and the runout of the disk.If the base can be strengthened - fixed on a workbench, the runout of the disk can be adjusted with paper spacers, then in the event of deformation of the hinge, precise sharpening will not be possible. Usually, after such a breakdown, the machine is simply sent for disassembly.

This will come in handy! Review of the best sharpening machines.

The best chain sharpening machines with power up to 200 W

The process of sharpening a cutting edge does not require an electric motor larger than 150 W. In this case, the speed should preferably be high. Then the surface on the cutting edge of the link will be even, almost smooth. Accordingly, the chain after sharpening will cut better than a new one.

DDE MSC-104-95

The design of the machine was developed in the USA and manufactured in China. One of the most reliable and quietest devices for straightening and sharpening chain saw links. Belongs to the category of professional tool. Price – 2900 rubles, 12 month warranty.

According to many craftsmen, the DDE MSC-104-95 machine can be considered one of the best low-power models. At a low price, the quality of the main engine components, the hinge, the vice for fixing, as well as the accuracy of the adjustment system is higher than that of competitors.

Characteristics:

1. Power 95 W at 5000 rpm.
2. Abrasive discs 104 mm. It is allowed to install circles with a thickness of 3.2 mm and 4.5 mm.

The adjustment system allows you to sharpen cutting edges at an angle of 30O, 32O and 35O. Weight is only 2.2 kg, but the engine is powered only from a 220 V network. Rechargeable batteries are not used.

Einhell GC-CS 85 E

Compact machine for sharpening all types of chain saws. You can cut the edge angle up to 35O. The model is one of the smallest and lightest - weight 1.89 kg, dimensions 17x22x25 cm. The manufacturer positions the machine as semi-professional equipment.But with a motor of only 85 W and 5500 rpm, the Einhell GC-CS 85 E is more of a high-end household appliance than a workshop tool.

One of the few models in which all the details are thought out to the smallest detail. For example, instead of a traditional vice, a “quick” clamp is used to install the chain, fixing several links at once. This design makes it easier to hold the saw while sharpening.

Characteristics:

1. Weight – 1.9 kg.
2. Table swing angle – 35 eachO in any direction from the axis.
3. The diameter of the circle is 108 mm, the fit on the spindle is 23 mm, the thickness is 3.2 mm.
4. Power supply – 220 V.

The design uses an aluminum base and a hinge on metal bushings. This means that even after sharpening several hundred chain saws, the turning unit of the machine will work without play.

PATRIOT SMG 220

Despite the relatively weak motor, only 85 W at 5000 rpm, the Patriot has earned a reputation as a convenient and reliable tool for sharpening the most worn chains.

The secret of the machine lies in its successful layout. It is somewhat reminiscent of the design of a cutting miter saw. The handle is located on top of the body, so there is no particular need to twist your hand to feed the disc into the sharpening zone.

The swivel joint is made on a polished, hardened steel axis, fixed in the lugs using spring washers. Moreover, the body is pressed in the upper position by a fairly powerful spring. If you accidentally release the handle from your hand while sharpening a link, the spring will simply return it to the upper safe position.

Characteristics:

1. Weight – 2.2 kg.
2. Dimensions – 20x16x18 cm, the base is mounted on soft rubber washers.
3. Abrasive wheel 104 mm, fit 22 mm. Disc thickness 3.2 mm.

The protective screen is small, but it is entirely sufficient for effective protection against sparks and abrasive dust.

Price – 4000 rubles, 24 month warranty.

Love this! 8 best lathes.

Resanta T-100

The machine was developed in Latvia and produced in China. Quite massive for a tool with a motor power of only 100 W at 5000 rpm. The developers of the mini-machine deliberately made the swinging support and bed heavier in order to improve vibration damping during the chain sharpening process.

The layout of the machine is classic, with a wide base and an inclined swinging support. For sharpening, 104x3.5 mm discs are used. Sharpening angle – 30O.

The design of the device allows it to withstand intense loads without compromising the quality of sharpening. A professional-class machine is often purchased by repair and service workshops and hand tool rental shops.

The price of the tool is 4,100 rubles, 5-year warranty.

BISON STs 200

Russian-designed sharpening machine. Refers to semi-professional instruments. It is distinguished by its beautiful appearance and successful assembly of components. The layout of the mini-machine is classic, somewhat reminiscent of the Patriot. A special feature of the model is the ability to use abrasive discs of 2 sizes for sharpening – 3.2 mm and 4.5 mm thick.

Machine characteristics:

1. Electric motor power – 95 W, at 5000 rpm.
2. Abrasive disc – 104/22.2 mm.
3. Weight – 2.75 kg.

The frame is made of a single casting of aluminum alloy. The pendulum support is made of plastic, the rigidity is great enough to carry out sharpening with increased force on the handle. There is a sharpening depth limiter, and instead of a standard vice, a “quick” clamp is used that holds several chain links at once.

Price – 3900 rubles, 5 year warranty.

Huter ECS-100

German brand, production moved to its own factory in China. The layout of the machine, like most European models, is focused on sharpening light high-speed chains with a cutting edge angle of 0-30O. The Huter cuts well, but it is recommended to take it in conjunction with the Stern or Huksvarna. Or change the bar and chain on a chainsaw.

Characteristics:

1. The power of the commutator motor is 100 W.
2. Rotation speed – 5200 rpm.
3. The external and seat size of the abrasive wheel is 108/23 mm.
4. Model weight – 2 kg.

The only drawback of the machine is the lack of a protective screen. That is, the grinding wheel itself is covered with a plastic cover, but this does not protect against the smallest abrasive dust. In addition, the process of sharpening quality chains with high-carbon forged steel edges usually involves a lot of sparks. Therefore, you will need to either install a shield, or sharpen on the machine only with glasses, which is not always convenient.

Price – 3400 rubles, 12 month warranty.

This will come in handy! Profile pipe bending machine.

The best chain sharpening machines with a power of 200 W or more

Most models with a motor of more than 200 W are professional-level devices with a high-quality chain fixation system and a convenient caliper location. But there are also household models that are powerful and accurate.

Whirlwind SZTs 200

Russian development, but assembled in China. Today it is considered one of the best domestically produced sharpening machines. The device turned out to be solid. With a weight of 2 kg, the base width is 18 cm, length 30 cm, height 21 cm. The power of the high-speed commutator motor is 200 W. Disc with an outer diameter of 100 mm, with a landing diameter of 10 mm.

The table with the attached chain can be rotated left and right, the scale is on the left side, the adjusting screw is on the right. Before finishing sharpening you will need to make several practice cuts.

The machine base and rotary table are cast from aluminum, the swinging body is made of plastic.

Whirlwind SZTs 200 has 2 features:

1. The hinge connecting the body and the base is made of a regular threaded bolt (stud), and the eyes are made of plastic. If you sharpen a chain by pressing hard on the handle, the plastic on the hinge will quickly wear out and play will appear.
2. The machine provides high quality sharpening only on a new disc. As soon as the abrasive wheel is ground down to 20% of its size, the accuracy of the cut decreases.

In any case, before finishing sharpening the chain, you need to check the work on at least 1-2 saw links. But the Whirlwind cuts well; it is often used to sharpen all kinds of household tools - from kitchen knives to chisels.

Price – 3300 rubles, 12 month warranty.

Rezer EG 235-CN

A new Russian brand, production located in China. Powerful desktop machine for household use. The body is made of metal, the layout is classic, with a spindle tilt.

The dimensions of the machine are 47x34x21 cm. The tool turned out to be huge, for sharpening the chains of powerful chainsaws. Engine power – 235 W at 3000 rpm. The drive is low-speed with high torque. Therefore, the machine uses abrasive discs of increased size - 145x4.5 mm.

In addition to sharpening chains, the machine can be used as a universal tool for straightening knives, saws, scissors, and any cutting tool.

Models EG 235-CN has one feature - for sharpening you need to use high-quality discs.And install them correctly without wobbling. Otherwise, the bearing on the spindle easily breaks, causing runout. As a result, the chain sharpening machine can only be used as a regular sharpener.

The price of the machine is 6600 rubles, 12 months warranty.

Caliber EZS-250

The appearance and design of the machine is inferior to imported models. But Caliber compares favorably with most competitors with its increased electric motor power - 250 W at an operating frequency of 8500 rpm. Moreover, the weight of the tool is only 1.6 kg. The design uses shock-resistant and wear-resistant plastics, so the machine is not afraid of shocks or strong vibrations.

To increase sharpening accuracy, the Caliber developers placed the engine in a double casing. As a result, noise and vibration have decreased and electrical safety has improved.

For sharpening, an abrasive wheel of 100x5 mm is used. Due to high speeds, the disc is covered with two shields. The first, metal, actually covers the abrasive itself from accidental contact with the worker’s hands. The second, transparent shield blocks the scattering of dust and the entry of foreign objects into the chain sharpening area.

The only drawback of the machine is the bracket-shaped handle. This design makes it easier to carry the tool, but it is not very convenient to control the drive and requires getting used to.

The price of the machine is 3200 rubles, 12 month warranty.

Article for you: 7 best planer-thicknesser machines.

CHAMPION (PROFI) C2001

One of the heaviest machines in the ranking of the best. Its weight is 5.8 kg. The swinging support and frame are made of metal. Therefore, the rigidity of the entire system is higher than that of plastic competitors. The machine belongs to the category of household power tools, but its capabilities are higher.You can sharpen not only chains, but also hand saws, and even cutting and miter cutters for turning.

Characteristics:

1. 230 W and 3000 rpm commutator motor.
2. Abrasive disc 145x3.2 mm, fit 22.2 mm.
3. Dimensions 50x36x23 cm.

Of particular note is the successful design of the quick clamping of the chain links. Of all the options discussed in the review, this one turned out to be the most reliable and easy to set up. The locking system allows you to quickly secure and release the link after sharpening. It takes several times less time to attach the chain than competitors.

The disadvantage of the machine is its price, 9,400 rubles, with a warranty of only 1 year.

Sturm BG6060

Machine from a well-known brand of hand power tools. German design, made in China. It looks quite modest, the design and color schemes are clearly inferior in expressiveness to models from Angel or Champion.

But the machine was a success by all criteria. According to user reviews, the biggest drawback concerned only the complex system for attaching the device to a workbench. Otherwise, the machine was considered convenient and easy to operate, regardless of the link sharpening scheme.

Characteristics:

1. Electric motor 250 W at 5000 rpm.
2. Weight 2.16 kg.
3. Dimensions 17x26x18 cm.
4. Abrasive with outer diameter 104 mm, thickness 3.2 mm.

The device is distinguished by its quick-grip design. The Sturm BG6060 has one of the most accurate, although in terms of sharpening class the mini-machine belongs to the household class.

The mini-machine turned out to be quite quiet for all types of sharpening, due to the good balancing of the spindle and disk. The cast aluminum base makes it possible to mount the device on any flat surface. True, for this you have to use a bolted connection, and not a clamp or quick grip.

The price of the machine is 5200 rubles, 12 months warranty.

The best sharpening machines should not only be accurate and reliable, they should also be easy to use. Therefore, it is better to postpone the final choice of model until you can look at the mini-machine “live”. This is the only way to determine whether the model is suitable or not.

Healthy: DIY metal cutting machine.

Tell us about your experience using mini sharpening machines. Which of them turned out to be the most convenient to use?