Chainsaw Repair

Each type of file guide or sharpener has its advantages and disadvantages.  If you understand these, they all work.  Matter of preference.

The basic, Oregon, flat file guide only hold the correct sized file at the proper depth.  It is up to the user to maintain the desired top plate angle.  They are sized for specific files, and should not be used with a 'down angle'.

The Granberg style file guides allow the user to dial in top plate angle, file height, and down angle.  They work with any size file and chain, but take a little time to get used to.

The Husqvarna roller guides work with many, but not all chains.  They are chain specific, and set the file height and down angle.  The user must maintain the top plate angle.

The Pferd combination guides set the file depth and depth gauge ('raker').  The user still has to control the top plate angle and down angle. Need one for each file size.  I'm told these do not work on skip tooth chains.

Better grinders allow the user to set all three angles at whatever they want. Cheaper grinders fix some of these (e.g. only grind 30°/60°/0°).  Better grinders also allow the use of different thickness wheels for different pitch chains.  When you profile the right wheel to a round edge, and take it down only as far as a file, you can go back and forth between the two.

The Timberline fixes each of the angles, so cutters are consistent, but you have little choice if you want to change or customize your cutters.

Philbert