Sharpening the twelve chains for my chainsaw through hand became a onerous and time-eating task. Using a hand held spherical report felt like an countless cycle of wasted effort. I knew there needed to be a higher solution, so I started getting to know bar-installed chainsaw sharpeners.
Following extensive research, expert consultation, and a careful evaluation of all available options, I was able to reduce my options to only four viable models. Timberline distinguished itself with its enormous appeal and generous compensation for artistry.
I started by meticulously inspecting each sharpener because I had a stack of dumb chains that needed to be sharpened. My goal was to provide manual future purchasers with comprehensive opinions about Timberline chainsaw sharpeners. I examined each candidate closely, enthusiastically, and assiduously in an effort to find the best fit.
Best Timberline Chainsaw Sharpeners Comparison Chart
Name | Speciality | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter | 3/16″ Carbide Cutter | 6 x 4.2 x 4 Inches | Check Price |
Chainsaw Sharpener with 7/32″ Carbide Cutter | 230-W | 14.7 x 11.3 x 10.3 Inches | Check Price |
Chainsaw Sharpener with 1/8″ Carbide Cutter | 1/8″ Carbide Cutter | 11.4 x 5.8 x 4.5 inches | Check Price |
Chainsaw Sharpener with 5/32″ Carbide Cutter | 85-W | 6.4 x 9.8 x 13.2 Inches | Check Price |
Best Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener – Reviews
After reading all the reviews, studying the tips and tricks on the company’s website, doing extensive personal research and testing, I’m glad to offer you my personal review of the 4 Timberline chain saw sharpeners to make your own choice easier.
1. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter
This was the first Timberline sharpener that I tested and I immediately liked the way it was designed. It’s easy to hold, easy to mount and easy to use. It’s made out of high-quality aluminum and makes an impression of a very durable tool. This one comes with a 3/16” carbide cutter so I proceeded to test it on the .325’ pitch chain.
This is a medium-sized chain. In fact, most of my chainsaws come with it, so I tested this one on a couple. I can say that this sharpener did an excellent job on two of my relatively new but dull chains. However, I had one rather old one that I damaged a little when it hit a rock. I was hoping that the bar mounted sharpener will revive it but, unfortunately, it didn’t. So I would recommend using this sharpener on saw chains that didn’t sustain any damage.
Overall, I would give this sharpener a high rating. It is recommended for people who have mostly .325’ pitch chains.
- Durability
- High sharpening speed
- Great design
- Comes with a carrying case
- Easy to use
- Portability
2. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 7/32″ Carbide Cutter
This Timberline chainsaw sharpener comes with a 7/32” carbide cutter. I used it on the chains that were 3/8’ in size. I can say that the job this sharpener did was excellent. I only had two chains of the according size to try it on and both of them stayed exquisitely sharp even after a day’s cutting job.
I highly appreciated the portability of this tool. It can be carried back and forth between the work sites. However, it needs a stable platform to be used on. You won’t be sharpening your chains in the air with this one comfortably. But if you have enough experience, it’s possible.
I can’t say that this tool is extra fast. In fact, it’s not much faster than a file. However, the results are truly fascinating. As a person who spent many years using a handheld file to sharpen his chainsaws, I was truly impressed and delighted with the way this tool did its job.
This chainsaw sharpener is recommended for people who have mostly 3/8” and .404” pitch chains that were not manufactured by Stihl (this manufacturer creates slightly smaller 3/8” pitch chains as explained on the Timberline website).
- Great design
- Moderate speed
- High precision
- Easy to install and use
- Long lasting
3. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 1/8″ Carbide Cutter
The extra small carbide cutter is recommended for 1/4″ pitch chains. In other words, if you have a smaller tool to sharpen, this one is your best bet. It worked like a charm for me. The cutter is made of tungsten carbide, making it incredibly durable. Once you get the hang of it, it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to get the job done.
Again, using Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener is much more effective than using a file. Even though it might seem to be a little high-priced, it’s a great replacement for a file. I definitely didn’t regret switching to it. My hands said thank you too.
And as you might know, sharpening smaller tools can be tricky if you don’t have the patience or time to really dedicate to the process. Thankfully, this sharpener does all the heavy lifting for you, ensuring that every tooth is sharpened to the same length and angle.
Portable and user-friendly, you can carry the sharpener with you with minimal hassle and make sure your small tools are in excellent shape day after day.
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Fast
- Precise
- Portable
4. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 5/32″ Carbide Cutter
I used this tool to sharpen my saws with 3/8” P, low profile and micro chains. I had 4 of those and proceeded to test the sharpener on each one. I had some trouble adjusting it on the saw at first, but once I had that done, the work was fast and easy.
This sharpener is a wonderful alternative to both handheld and electric chainsaw sharpeners and comes at a very fair price.
I really like the fact that the chain doesn’t need to be removed from the saw in order to sharpen in. So while the sharpener might not be as fast as electric ones, you save plenty of time you would otherwise spend on taking the chain off and then putting it back in place.
This sharpener by Timberline is recommended for people who have mostly 3/8” P and low profile pitch chains.
- Easy to mount and use
- Hard grip
- Long lasting results
- Doesn’t require taking the chain off
- Long-lasting carbide cutter
Why Choose Timberline Chainsaw Sharpeners?
Timberline is a company that specializes solely in manufacturing top-quality chainsaw sharpeners, unlike competitors that offer them as part of a broader woodcutting product line. By focusing on this niche, Timberline has perfected the art of creating extraordinary sharpening tools.
Their sharpeners are meticulously designed, offering a comprehensive solution tailored to various chainsaw sizes. With different carbide cutters available for each chain size, you can easily maintain sharp blades, even if you upgrade to a new chainsaw. These cutters are remarkably durable, lasting through 30-40 sharpenings.
Timberline’s sharpeners are not only portable but also versatile, compatible with nearly all chains that can be sharpened with a round file. This all-purpose functionality makes them an excellent investment for any chainsaw owner.
What sets Timberline apart is their commitment to customer education. Extensive instructions, videos, and an FAQ section on their website ensure that even novice users can confidently operate their sharpeners. The company goes a step further by offering tips and tricks to extend the life of their carbide cutters, encouraging customers to buy less frequently – a testament to their customer-centric approach.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose Timberline is the importance of maintaining a sharp chainsaw. A dull chain not only slows down your work and increases strain but also poses a safety hazard. By keeping your chainsaw razor-sharp with a Timberline sharpener, you’ll extend its lifespan and ensure efficient, safe operation.
Oregon vs Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener
After reviewing both Oregon and Timberline sharpeners (you can read our Oregon chainsaw sharpener reviews), I am ready to provide a comparison for the readers who are not sure which tool to choose.
Brand
Oregon is highly respected brand with a long history that dates back to the middle of the 20th century. Some of the products this company created almost 100 years ago serve as a sample for modern chainsaws and sharpeners.
Timberline doesn’t have such a rich history of manufacturing chainsaw related products. However, the brand is still popular and earned a decent reputation among various chainsaw users.
Oregon specializes in creating chainsaws and other related equipment while Timberline focuses on specifically creating sharpeners.
- Timberline: 8/10
- Oregon: 10/10
Speed
Oregon produces all types of chainsaw sharpeners but mostly specializes in electric ones. Meanwhile, Timberline only offers bar mounted sharpeners. Electric chainsaw sharpeners are much faster than bar mounted ones. However, Timberline sharpeners are mounted straight on the chainsaw so the chain doesn’t need to be removed. Meanwhile, Oregon sharpeners require the user to remove the chain and place it inside the tool for sharpening.
- Timberline: 7/10
- Oregon: 9/10
Learning Curve
When it comes to using a chain sharpener, many people pay attention to the learning curve. Timberline sharpeners have a much lower learning curve than Oregon products. The bar mounted sharpeners are easy to set up and need fewer adjustments. Oregon stationary electric sharpeners require assembly and installation which can take up to 2 hours.
- Timberline: 9/10
- Oregon: 5/10
Portability
The portability of a sharpening unit is important if it’s used on a work site and not just in the garage. The ability to carry it from one place to another can become a deciding factor when choosing this tool. Oregon electric sharpeners are rather heavy. They weigh up to 22 pounds. Also, they need to be installed every time they are moved to another place. Timberline bar mounted sharpeners weight less than 2 pounds and take minutes to install on the chainsaw itself.
- Timberline: 8/10
- Oregon: 3/10
Price
If cost is one of the main concern, then Timberline is a winner. It costs about $100 less than Oregon electric sharpeners.
- Timberline: 8/10
- Oregon: 5/10
Durability
Both products received a high rating for their durability. They are made from metal, aluminum and sturdy plastic that makes them last a very long time without any breakdowns.
- Timberline: 10/10
- Oregon: 10/10
Power
Oregon electric sharpeners have powerful motors. They don’t require too much effort on the part of the user to do their job while Timberline sharpeners are manual. Oregon sharpeners are powerful enough to restore old and damaged chains while Timberline can’t deal with hard cases.
- Timberline: 6/10
- Oregon: 9/10
And The Winner Is….
- Timberline: 9.6/10
- Oregon: 9.1/10
Overall, both products get about the same rating. Oregon sharpeners are designed for people who value speed and power and don’t require portability. Timberline sharpeners are designed for users who want to save money and don’t care as much for speed. When it comes to sharpening qualities, both products produce similar results
Final Verdict
The Timberline chainsaw sharpener has beyond expectations, according to a detailed assessment. Because of its adaptable construction, one sharpener can handle chains of all sizes. Users only have to choose the right carbide cutters for their chain size; the sharpener itself stays unchanged. All carbide cutters are compatible with all chain sizes, which simplifies the sharpening procedure.
The Timberline sharpener is distinguished by its accuracy, robustness, ease of use, portability, and ability to maintain sharpness over time. For chainsaw owners looking for a quick and inexpensive sharpening solution, its bar-mounted style and modest price make it a great option. The Timberline chainsaw sharpener comes highly recommended.