9 Best Chain Sharpening Machines

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

When the chain on a gas or electric saw becomes blunt, the operator has to spend more time and energy cutting wood. You can correct the situation on your own with the help of a grinding machine. Unlike a conventional grinder, this chain sharpener has a special groove for attaching equipment, and the abrasive wheel is not at a right angle, but diagonally. This design allows sharpening quickly and correctly.

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a product, it is important to understand its key characteristics, which will help the advice of our experts. We have also prepared the TOP 9 best models that have already been tested by time and received positive feedback from customers. Perhaps among the described goods you will immediately find what you need.

Tips for choosing chain sharpeners

Starting to search for a machine, pay attention to the following equipment parameters:

1. Power. The indicator varies from 85 to 235 watts. The higher it is, the more stable the equipment maintains speed under load. If the chain tooth is worn off or bent, then it will be possible to give it the correct shape the first time with a power of 200 watts or more. For low-power machines, you will have to repeat several visits. Even increased power allows you to operate the device for longer without overheating. For example, models with 85-100 W are practical to sharpen 3-4 chains per week, and machines with an indicator of 150 W are adapted for such a load every day.

2. Rotational speed. The abrasive wheel of the machine can develop revolutions from 3000 to 7000 per minute. The higher the speed, the faster the chain sharpening process. For home use, this is not so important, but for commercial use, we recommend choosing devices with an indicator of 5000 rpm or more.

3. Circle diameter and thickness. The machines can have a maximum abrasive disc diameter of 100 to 150 mm. The increased size allows you not to change the equipment for longer, which is important if you have to sharpen often and a lot. The 3.2 mm abrasive diameter is the most common, but it is less suitable for chains with a thickness of 1.5 mm. In this case, a circle of 4.5 mm is required. It can also be used as a regular sharpening machine for straightening knives, scissors and other cutting tools.

4. Adjustment options. All machines are equipped with a swivel base for fixing the chain for double-sided sharpening. For some chainsaws, the manufacturer requires teeth with a 30º edge, while for others 35º, so pay attention to the capabilities of the rotary block. Some machines are able to change the angle of entry of the disc, which expands the possibilities for shaping the configuration of the cutting part. But these models are more expensive.

5. Safety elements and equipment. If the machine has a transparent protective casing with low sidewalls that protect against abrasive flying out, then you can work with it without glasses. Units without such a cover will require additional PPE. The handle with an emphasis increases the reliability of holding the moving part and the accuracy of the execution of movements. Illumination from the LED diode directly under the casing provides better visibility of the process. Usually the machine is sold with one disc, but some manufacturers put two consumables in the kit at once, which is more beneficial for the buyer.

Rating of the best chain sharpening machines

Now let’s look at specific models that have proven themselves well with users. In this category you will find machines for professional use, designed for everyday use and sharpening of 6-10 chains.

Oregon 220 WAS 590181

Rating: 4.9

The machine from the American brand Oregon heads the list. The sharpening machine is powered by 220 V and produces 85 watts of power. Despite the relatively low rate, the model confidently spins the abrasive wheel and maintains a constant speed under load. A disc with a diameter of 105 mm lasts a long time. A clear scale is provided in front of the bed with adjustment of the sharpening angle by turning the base. Blade lowering handle and stop screw with lock nut are ergonomically shaped. In the reviews, the tool sharpening model is praised for its lack of play and low vibration, which makes using the machine a pleasure.

According to experts, the product stands out not only for its high build quality and reliability, but also for the ability to operate at a speed of 5000 rpm, which increases productivity. We recommend the machine for professional workshops. The sharpener will last a long time and will cope with any chains, since the thickness of the circle here is up to 4.5 mm.

Rezer EG 235-CN

Rating: 4.8

Among professional machines, the Rezer chain sharpening model stands out with worthy characteristics and quality. It confidently delivers 3000 rpm and is equipped with a backlight to better see the process, regardless of external lighting. The metal frame makes the structure more reliable and durable, and the fully transparent casing protects the operator and does not require the use of other PPE. To replace the tooling, you will need a circle with a bore diameter of 22 mm, which is the most common.

In the reviews, the owners like that on the machine you can set not only the angle of sharpening the tooth along the cutting edge, but also set the degree of entry of the saw blade onto the chain. Taking into account the abrasive thickness of 4.5 mm, this expands the possibilities of the device for professional use. Our experts also noted the machine for one of the highest power – 235 W, which ensures that the set rotation speed is maintained under load and continuous use during the day without overheating the winding.

CHAMPION (PROFI) C2001

Rating: 4.7

The model from CHAMPION also belongs to the professional class, delivering a stable 3000 rpm. It has a weight of 5.8 kg, because the body is cast from metal. This design contributes to good vibration absorption and quiet operation. The motor impeller quickly cools the winding, which extends the time of uninterrupted use. The disc lowering handle is endowed with an emphasis so that the operator’s hand does not accidentally slip down. Like the previous unit, there is a work area illumination. In the reviews, buyers note that the machine works “out of the box”, i.e. does not require modifications and lubrication before commissioning. The owners like the rotation of the grinding wheel without play and runout.

This is another machine with a high power of 230 watts and a 145 mm wheel that can be changed much less often than a 105 mm tool. Thanks to two degree adjustments, the device is suitable for sharpening chains of any thickness, both for small and large saws.

Einhell PXC GE-CS 18 Li-Solo

Rating: 4.6

The review continues with an ergonomically shaped machine that does not have a separate handle, but only a protrusion for pressing by hand. The device works with discs 108 mm in diameter and 3.2 mm thick. The angle of rotation of the base is adjustable by 35º. Masters in the reviews note the convenience of the latches and the ergonomic arrangement of the buttons. The chain guide bar is made of durable metal and will not wear off even with regular use of the tool. It is not difficult to pick up circles for the machine due to the landing diameter of 23 mm, but the protective cover here is opaque, which makes it difficult to monitor the sharpening process.

The experts drew attention to the machine due to its operation from a battery with a voltage of 18 V. Taking into account the weight of 1.7 kg, the sharpening machine can be taken with you to the forest, to the country house and other places where there is no electricity. But the battery is not included. True, given the cost of the model, this is highly expected. Another device spins the equipment up to 6500 rpm, which significantly increases productivity.

The best household chain sharpeners

Here you will find products for use in the garage or home workshop to sharpen the cutting part of the power saw equipment on your own. This is true if you often cut firewood for country heating, barbecue or are building a bath.

Resanta T-100 75/10/1

Rating: 4.8

The machine from the Resanta brand is endowed with a 100 W motor capable of spinning the disc up to 5000 rpm. The angle of rotation of the base is possible up to 30º. A circle diameter of 114 mm lasts a little longer than a snap of 108 mm. The sharpening scale is engraved on the base and will not wear off over time. To control the machine, a comfortable handle with an anti-slip coating and an emphasis is provided. The manufacturer allows the use of the device at temperatures down to -10º C, so the product serves perfectly in winter even in unheated workshops. The weight of the machine 2 kg makes it easy to move it to another place and transport it to the country. LED lighting in the casing makes the work more comfortable.

The machine is distinguished by the presence of an additional wheel to support the chain. This makes it easier to pull the links along the guide and slightly speeds up the sharpening process. The roller rotates with the base, so it acts in both directions for sharpening in one direction and the other.

Caliber Master EZS – 130 M

Rating: 4.6

For domestic use, pay attention to the product from the Caliber brand. The machine has a power of 130 W and spins the disk up to 3000 rpm. The angle of rotation of the base for setting the angle of the sharpening edge is possible up to 35º. The equipment is capable of working with circles with a diameter of 100 mm and a thickness of 3.2 mm. The plastic casing is transparent on three sides, which increases the operator’s visibility. The bed is made of metal and is easily fixed to the base. The start button in the form of a toggle switch is located on the back and is convenient to reach by hand. The mains wire is protected from refraction by a thick insert.

This machine has the highest number of sales and leads the popularity ratings in online stores. In the reviews, he is praised for quiet operation, lack of vibration, and convenient handling. Experts appreciated the model for its compact design, thanks to which the unit takes up little space on the workbench. The motor part does not protrude high, which saves space in the workshop and facilitates transportation.

RIGHT MSC-104-95 647-758

Rating: 4.5

Among household models for the home workshop, the DDE MSC-104-95 with a power of 95 watts is a worthy competitor. The machine is designed to work with circles of 104 mm and a bore diameter of 22 mm, which makes it easier to find equipment. The bed is easily attached to the base with two bolts, and the weight of 2.5 kg allows you to freely transfer the sharpening device to another place. The angle of rotation of the vise is possible up to 35º, and the scale is engraved on the metal and does not wear off over time. The volume of the machine is 90 dB, which is quite quiet. It is allowed to operate the equipment even in frost down to -10º C.

Experts noted the machine as the best in terms of price-quality ratio. Despite the relative cheapness, the sharpening machine has a metal frame, develops up to 5000 rpm and is adapted to install circles with a thickness of 4.5 mm. There is an LED light under the cover. In the reviews, the owners report that the machine is assembled smoothly and without obvious backlash.

Einhell GC-CS 85 4500089

Rating: 4.4

The machine for sharpening the saw part of the chain is made on a metal base cast from silumin. The motor has a direct drive to the disc and transmits torque well up to 5500 rpm. Power of 85 W contributes to low power consumption. Base with chain slot can be rotated 35º left or right to set the desired sharpening angle. A plastic cover is provided to protect the operator, but it is not transparent. The maximum thickness of the circle is 3.2 mm. According to reviews, the machine is low-speed, and the motor is able to maintain constant speed under load. The teeth on the chain do not overheat during the sharpening process, which prolongs the life of the cutting part of the saw.

This is another of the most compact machines, the dimensions of which are 30x21x15 cm and it weighs 1.9 kg. If there is almost no space in the garage or workshop, then definitely choose this model. If necessary, it is easy even to remove it from the workbench after work.

Rezer EG 85-CN

Rating: 4.3

The review is completed by a household machine from Rezer with a power of 85 W, equipped with a circle with a diameter of 104 mm. The model has a classic design on a base with an inclined arm and a descending vertical block. The operator can adjust the immersion depth of the disk and the angle of sharpening. All flywheels are equipped with plastic overlays with reliefs, which increases the comfort of the grip. To lower the circle, a full-fledged handle with an emphasis is provided. The lower part of the casing is made of transparent plastic, so you can work with the sharpening machine without goggles.

We recommend this machine for infrequent home use, so as not to waste time going to the workshop to sharpen saw equipment. This is a budget device that will pay off after 10-13 sharpenings, instead of contacting a master. Although the power here is not the highest, but after three clamps, you can even cut a half-worn chain tooth. In the kit, the manufacturer includes two abrasive wheels with a thickness of 3.2 and 4.5 mm, which makes the purchase even more profitable.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.