Razor sharp: the best machines for sharpening chainsaw chains

Criterias of choice

Some automatic machines have useful functions that cannot be found in mechanical representatives. For example:

• Self-closing vice system;
• Tension control;
• Devices for wet grinding;
• High-quality circuit cooling;
• The presence of protective covers, which reduces the risk of injury.

In addition to chainsaws, the machines can be used for sharpening other garden tools; the efficiency will still remain at a high level.

One of the main indicators is the diameter of the grinding wheel; it is important to consider it when purchasing a sharpening machine. The scope of application of the device depends on this value; for a summer cottage, products up to 115 mm are suitable, while in industrial enterprises the diameter should not be lower than 400 mm. Knowing this nuance will allow a person to save money.

The optimal disk rotation speed is from 3000 to 7500 rpm. If a person does not plan to use the device every week, then it is necessary to choose products with a power of up to 200 W. It is not recommended to buy devices with 500 W, as this increases electricity costs. In addition, such designs are more intended for factory operation.

Which is the best machine for sharpening chainsaw chains?

There are several principles that allow you to choose the optimal model:

• spindle speed and grinding wheel diameter. It is important that the maximum linear speed is 30-35 m/s;
• unit power. The optimal value starts from 100 W. Models with this parameter over 400 W are industrial;
• equipment. Not all devices come with a screen protector;
• the presence of additional functions, including tensioning the chain, moving it to a new position, quick clamping, etc.

These are the main parameters that allow you to choose the optimal machine. By choosing from the above models, you can purchase a device that will work for a long time. However, new devices are constantly appearing on the market, which may also turn out to be quite good. Thus, before purchasing, you should definitely look at the offers on the market and read reviews.

Video - Which chain sharpening machine to choose

Voting for the best chainsaw chain sharpening machine

Which chainsaw chain sharpening machine would you choose or recommend?

QPT ZS-325

2.50 % ( 1 )

STIHL USG

32.50 % ( 13 )

OREGON 519789

17.50 % ( 7 )

OREGON 620-230

2.50 % ( 1 )

OREGON 220 590181

10.00 % ( 4 )

CALIBER EZS-220

7.50 % ( 3 )

REZER EG85-CN

7.50 % ( 3 )

VORTEX SZTS-200

12.50 % ( 5 )

Proton TE-130

5.00 % ( 2 )

DDE GT010B (647-697)

0.00 % ( 0 )

OREGON 23736A

0.00 % ( 0 )

REZER HSB-303

0.00 % ( 0 )

Review of popular models: characteristics and prices

There are many more or less well-known brands on the Russian market that promote their devices for sharpening saw chains. The professional equipment segment is dominated by the famous manufacturers STIHL and Oregon. And household and semi-professional machines are offered by at least three dozen brands, mainly specializing in gardening equipment. Next, a brief overview of popular models of machines in the lower and middle price segments will be made.

"Foreman" Professional GM4P

The manufacturer positions GM4P as semi-professional equipment. The machine has a stable cast base, and its engine power is 6300 rpm. is 650 W (the largest in its class). The diameter of the GM4P grinding wheel is 104x22 mm. The weight of the machine is 3.3 kg, and the average price is 3200÷3400 rubles. As disadvantages, users most often note an inaccurate desktop scale and poor backlighting.

VIEW Chainsaw sharpening machines on AliExpress →

Sadko SCS-85 PRO

The Ukrainian brand of gardening equipment Sadko supplies the market with several models of sharpening machines, among which they declare the 85 PRO as professional equipment. Its motor has a power of only 85 watts at a rotation speed of 5000 rpm. This machine uses 104x22 mm abrasive discs and weighs 2.5 kg. Among the features of the Sadko 85 PRO are a button for quickly adjusting the sharpening depth and a convenient chain reverse lock. Its price is 2500÷2700 rubles.

"Proton" TE-130

TE-130 is a lightweight sharpening machine on an aluminum base made in Ukraine, weighing 2.2 kg. However, its motor power is 400 W at 3000 rpm. The machine is designed for using circles with a diameter of 100x10 mm. It comes complete with three grinding wheels, fasteners and special keys. Users note that this machine has an accurate worktable scale, and one of its main drawbacks is the lack of service centers in Russia. The price of TE-130 is in the range of 2200÷2400 rubles.

VIEW Chain saw sharpener on AliExpress →
Sharpening machines from the world-famous manufacturer of Oregon gardening equipment on the Russian market are considered one of the best and always receive only positive reviews. The compact saw chain sharpening machine Oregon 590181 is the youngest in the Oregon line of sharpening equipment and is intended for use by private owners of chainsaws and small workshops. The drive power of this model is 85 W at a rotation speed of 5000 rpm. The grinding discs used are 105x22.3 mm with a thickness of 3 to 4.5 mm. The machine weighs only 2 kg, and its cost from Oregon dealers is 7700–7800 rubles.

"Zhuk-220"

This machine represents a Russian brand of power tools, which is produced in China. The main feature of the Zhuk-220 is that it is attached with clamps directly to the chainsaw bar. The engine power of the machine is 85 W at a rotation speed of 5000 rpm, and 105x22 mm wheels are used for sharpening. This model weighs about 2 kg, and on the Russian market it is offered for 2600–2700 rubles.

Champion 2001 PRO

Champion is a Russian brand that entered the market in 2005 with consumables for power tools. All products of this brand are made in China. The 2001 Pro sharpening machine is positioned as a professional one. Probably for this reason it is quite expensive - about 6,700 rubles. 2001 Pro has a work table with an adjustable saw blade inclination and a rotation angle of 0÷35º, and the diameter of its grinding wheels is 145 mm. The 2001 Pro's engine outputs 230 watts at 3000 rpm and weighs 5.8 kg. The machine is supplied with two abrasive discs, calibration gauges and special keys.

VIEW Professional chain saw sharpener on AliExpress →

"Caliber Master" EZS-130M

The Caliber brand has existed since 2001 and supplies the Russian market with household tools made in China. “Master” EZS-130M is a small-sized sharpening machine weighing 2 kg and costing about 2,500 rubles. Electric motor rotation speed is 3000 rpm. at a power of 130 W. The machine uses 100x10 mm sharpening discs. Manufacturer's warranty - 12 months.

Rebir IKA1-85

The Latvian brand Rebir has a rich history, which dates back to Soviet times. The company produces power tools at factories in Latvia, and also orders them according to its documentation in China. The IKA1-85 is positioned by the manufacturer as a portable machine for sharpening saw chains for household use. Its drive power is 85 W at 4800 rpm, and its weight is 2.2 kg. The price of IKA1-85 is slightly higher than that of its classmates - approximately 3,700 rubles. But Rebir machines have a good reputation and therefore are still popular.

"Whirlwind" SZTs-200

“Vikhr” is one of the oldest Russian brands that produces its machines at Chinese enterprises. His model SZTs-200 is quite popular in Russia, but it seems that this is mainly due to the low price (2000÷2100 rubles) and a wide network of dealers and service centers. Otherwise, this is a fairly ordinary machine, moreover, with frequent complaints about quality from users. The power of the SZTs-200 engine is 200 W, the rotation speed is 6000 rpm, and the weight is 2.6 kg. The diameter of the grinding disc is 100x10 mm.

Rezer EG-180-C

The Rezer brand belongs to Perm, known for its Parma power tools. The equipment of this brand is manufactured in China according to Russian documentation. The EG-180-C drive power is 180 W at 6000 rpm. The machine has a massive cast base with holes for mounting with bolts. Its weight is 2.6 kg, and the average price is 2100÷2200 rubles. One of the undoubted advantages of the EG-180-C is that there are Rezer service centers in almost all regions of Russia.

Stern CSS-220

Sharpening machines from the Austrian brand Stern are manufactured in China and are widely represented on the markets of Ukraine and Belarus (it seems that it is not officially supplied to Russia). Despite the rather low price (about 2000 rubles), the CSS-220 leaves a very pleasant impression. The machine has a stable metal base, and its engine power is 7500 rpm. is 220 W. The CSS-220 uses an abrasive disc diameter of 100x10 mm and its weight is 2.5 kg. In addition, the machine is equipped with a transparent protective casing, has double insulation and a very low vibration level.

"Kraton" CSS-180

“Kraton” is a Russian trademark registered in 1999, which offers its customers a variety of hand and power tools, power equipment, mobile generators, etc. “Kraton” produces all its machines for sharpening saw blades in China, and CSS- 180 is no exception. It is equipped with a 180 W electric drive with a rotation speed of 3000 rpm. The diameter of the grinding wheels on this machine is 100x10 mm. The weight of the CSS-180 is 2.2 kg, and it costs about 2200 rubles. The popularity of this model is also explained by the fact that Kraton has about 140 service centers throughout Russia.

VIEW Electric chain saw sharpener on AliExpress →