Has anyone sharpened the blades? Is it difficult and timeconsuming? Is it better to just "replace" chain?
1994567
Sharpen them, and learn how to do it. It is much easier than changing a chain. I use my dremel with the correct sharpening bit. Ask at hardware store.
1994568
My advice would be to replace the chain when it gets that dull. It takes a long time. Keeping it oiled is the key. You can buy a "sharpener" if you want, but even my mechanical husband finds sharpening by hand is time consuming. If you have an Ace Hardware, they could probably help you. We have used it many many times since we've bought it and it doesn't show any signs of needing sharpening yet. Good Luck
1994569
You need 2 files to do the job and 20 to 30 minutes. The guy at the store can tell you which ones you need, also use your computer to look on You-Tube to see how it's done. You know if it needs sharpening by looking at the stuff on the ground after cutting something. If you see small chips of wood your OK, if you see saw dust IT NEEDS TO BE SHARPENED.
1994570
My chain has not yet gotten dull enough to have to sharpen it. There is a chainsaw sharpening tool made by Timberline that is somewhat expensive at $124.95 (http://timberlinesharpener.com/). It looks to be very easy to operate and seems to do an expert job even by a novice. It would be totally up to the consumer as to whether or not you would benefit by purchasing this tool or simply purchasing a new chain every time it gets dull. The timberline sharpener would pay for itself after purchasing 10 -- 10" chains. Less if you sharpen larger chains. You might also want to consider that this sharpener would sharpen all size chains with the purchase of different size carbide cutters in case you purchase other chain saws in the future. Hope this helps.
1994571
Check with your local hardware store about sharpening. My local Ace store said it can sharpen the chain for $7.
2093197
There's an arrow on the sharpening attachment - make sure it's pointing up when on the bar. I've used mine a couple times now and the chain sure seems sharper afterward.
1546365
I understand the CutterPillar blade does not need replacing, at least not "for years." I have not tried one, though, and they seem to be currently sold out. Just thought I'd add- they do sell some refurbished models on ebay.
1159917
I have them done locally, and they do a great job for $5 per bladeset. Once sharpened, though, the lifespan drops dramatically, so I only sharpen them once then chuck them. You can try doing it yourself with a grinder, but it's tricky and a good grinder is expensive. Watch for sales (pet supply stores, vet supply, horse supply) and stock up when you can.
260917
Yes. I've only had to sharpen mine once so far. Puts it back to its original sharpness. Agree, with RWG, just love this knife.
1570872
Danny,I assume that you have a stone to sharpen it during use. If that doesn't do the trick here is my plan. I'll be facing this problem myself on my next siding/flooring job. I plan on buying a replacement blade for 44.95 and then take the used blade to a sharpening facility. If they can't sharpen the blade once they see it, they might suggest someone else or try sharpening it myself. Again maybe 44.95 is the easiest and might be the cheapest answer. If you plan on doing the sharpening yourself I for sure recommend a replacement blade just in case (for backup). Sorry I can't be more definitive but I hope this helps.Regards,John Livingston Danny,I assume that you have a stone to sharpen it during use. If that doesn't do the trick here is my plan. I'll be facing this problem myself on my next siding/flooring job. I plan on buying a replacement blade for 44.95 and then take the used blade to a sharpening facility. If they can't sharpen the blade once they see it, they might suggest someone else or try sharpening it myself. Again maybe 44.95 is the easiest and might be the cheapest answer. If you plan on doing the sharpening yourself I for sure recommend a replacement blade just in case (for backup). Sorry I can't be... » Read More Danny,I assume that you have a stone to sharpen it during use. If that doesn't do the trick here is my plan. I'll be facing this problem myself on my next siding/flooring job. I plan on buying a replacement blade for 44.95 and then take the used blade to a sharpening facility. If they can't sharpen the blade once they see it, they might suggest someone else or try sharpening it myself. Again maybe 44.95 is the easiest and might be the cheapest answer. If you plan on doing the sharpening yourself I for sure recommend a replacement blade just in case (for backup). Sorry I can't be more definitive but I hope this helps.Regards,John Livingston « Show Less
13970
The blade I received seemed sharp, I have been using it over a year. I had the original blade sharpened for $6 and can put it on when the replacement blade gets nicked up.
2009894
They have a terrific guarantee policy: http://www.tweezerman.com/free-sharpening/ I haven't had mine sharpened; just bought another because everyone in my family has their own now! They do require sharpening, and can get out of alignment if dropped. Otherwise, they work great!
1053934
Sorry, I have looked and looked and cannot find someone who offers a replacement blade. I saw one for $900 but that is 4 times the cost of the machine. Someone said you may sharpen the blade yourself. Lay it on a flat surface and use a very fine sand paper wrapped around a solid block of wood. Be very careful with the sanding strokes and you will be able to achieve a sharp cutting edge. I haven't tried that myself but I intend to.
2190660
The blades can't be sharpened, but some sharpeners can replace the cutter for much cheaper than the replacement cost of the whole blade. I send mine to Northern Tails Sharpening, he charges $10 to refurbish 5-in-1 blades.
634586
The blades are very difficult to sharpen, I suggest new blades. I have had 3 of these knives and the trigger has broken before the blades need to be replaced.
536703
Get the shun whetstone, and youtube some videos on how to use it. Then you're going to need a honing steel, I recommend the shun one because it's designed for their blades... I wouldn't do it any other way because machines and "professional" knives sharpening companies aren't going to take the time to sharpen the knife properly and in the long run you'll shorten your cleavers blade / life .
1182747
Mihara, I bought this the middle of Feb 2015 and I am still using it every day and haven't sharpened it yet. No, it is not as good as the first day but it is cutting just fine so far. I like it. Hope this helps.
2242328
Besides the already mentioned advice the only time I've had the chain slip off was when I twisted it while cutting. Sometimes the angles can get a little awkward or you get a little rushed and you just need to be patient and keep the saw perpendicular to the cut until it's complete. It's only slipped off very few times for me and each time I knew it was my fault and not the saw's. Fortunately it only takes about 5 minutes to reset the chain even if it does slip loose.
1911560
Have them sharpend at a machine shop or cutlery place,if true replacement is needed,your best option is having a shop make you a new set,its just carbon steel....
584392
I spoke with our technician and the electric chainsaw sharpener can turn 10 degrees to the right or left. I do not have any information on the length of time it would take to sharpen the blade but the technician did say that the sharpening stone is up against the steel blade. Let us know if you have any other questions.
1920420
You cannot sharpen the blades - this is why this is a $40 tool and not a $240 tool.However I've had mine for something like 4 or 5 years now, I use it regularly, and it is still super scary sharp. So ... you probably won't ever need to sharpen it in normal household use.