Best Chainsaw Sharpener Test? Timberline vs Knockoff
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2023
- I bought a chainsaw sharpener from Amazon about two years ago. Many people shamed me for buying a Chinese knockoff of the Timberline chainsaw sharpener. In my defense, Timberline is not sold on Amazon and I had no idea they were a company. Still, the little Chinese knockoff version worked well, so I made the video. The results speak for themselves. It just works. Over the last year, many people have bought the Chinese sharpener after watching my video and many people told me it did not work for them. I heard this enough, I thought I should make a comparison video. Here it is.
Note: There are about 25 different Chinese Manufacturers of this product. I just picked one with highly positive comments. This video can't speak to every chainsaw sharpener of this style. It only represents the one at this link: amzn.to/3IUP5DU
See the shop link for Timberline Sharpeners in the Video
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Good vid. Love the experts in the comment section. Guy who changes his angle per species and season takes it to a whole new level.
Love videos like this, looking forward to getting a timberline.
you had me at "this is not sponsored". Like and a new subscriber. Thank you for the video.
When you wonder why fewer companies are putting the effort into bringing new products to market, it's partially due to the fact that the Chinese waste no time in coming out with an inferior copy. It's criminal what they do as they have no qualms about stealing someone's design.
Under patent laws the owner of patents can get fakes seized at Port of entry if patent in home nation. Obviously the govt internal affairs and patent lawyers ain't doing their job. I think fines can be issued too.
Simply don’t buy them. That will stop production!
It is still surprising that the Chinese don't make a larger one that could clamp on and then file 4 teeth without moving the chain with the four different handles.
Great cheer for Sinaphobia
You can blame companies like Amazon for supporting these Chinese knock-offs, as well. In the end the higher price is from the quality of design and workmanship; usually means less headaches.
Great review, whether intended or not you convinced me to buy the Timberline. Your demonstration clearly shows this to be a well engineered product. Thanks for posting.
It was definitely my intention to steer you away from the Chinese version. I don't make any sort of commission on the timberline.
A good follow-up video Tony. Timberline for sure.
I updated my old video's description too. I would hate someone to buy the knockoff version.
Thanks for the comparison video.
Awesome stuff, as always
Thank you!
I have a Gamn sharpener from back in the 80s, no longer produced but looks like both of these sharpeners. Just used it yesterday for the first time in years.
Still works great
i made a mistake in my earlier comment. it was gamn, not zorn. still unable to find out anything about it.
Great video and straight to the point. Plan to buy one for sure…
Thanks,
Sam
Tristar Diggin’
Is the Timberline not made in China
Nice informative video. Well done Captain!
Thank you my friend. The Timberline is a step above.
I ordered a timberline with out even knowing that the knockoffs existed. Freeze this vid at say 12.05 (timberline). Even with this tighter tolerance USA made product I wasn’t happy with the amount of slide anvil unsupported in the channel.(little over 50% ) , and this is on a chain that has nearly all the tooth life on it. Once you sharpen to the end of the chains life only 30% in channel !
What I did is punch out the roll pin and turn both swing arms around.
This improved things in two ways.
1) A more consistent back stop reference, (vertical surface vrs a sloping surface)
2) Allowed far more channel engagement of sliding anvil, thus more precise and consistent sharpening.
I run small saws with 4mm chains so I just got away with modifying my timberline this way. Larger chain operators might find minimum extension on anvil still isn’t enough to allow sharpening on relatively new chains.
Without knowing better I honestly thought Timberline made a mistake in assembly of this tool on my particular build.It makes no sense to have an angled surface for a reference?! Perhaps the angle helps to keep the chain pushed down to the bar so it doesn’t rise with respect to the reamer ?
Which ever way the backstops are used Timberline should lengthen the channel (one side) and slider by half inch . Then dial in the stroke / roll pin relationship for real application usefulness across sharpening life for various chain sizes.
‘A great quality tool but falls over on the execution’
If you want to bookmark a time in a video for reference, you just do it like this 12:05 you just need to use the colon :
@derek75116
Sounds like good ideas to me.
I've had the Timberline for several years and really like it! Not super fast, but top quality build, and makes the chain very sharp, and evenly sharpened so it cuts straight. I recommend it!
I bought the Chinese knock-off because I didn't want to spend a lot. I've never sharpened a chain saw and don't use it much. Didn't take long until the race was scored up and it wants to bind, and the cutter doesn't cut very well (but maybe I'm expecting it to do more than I should).
I was going to get the Dremmel tool type that I saw my brother-in-law use back in the day, but I figured the spin would cause too much heat. I'm just puzzled at this point, with a still-dull chainsaw blade.
Nice video Tony!
Thank you!
This helps clear up questions I had on these cutters and good video quality to see it. Thanks
I am glad it was helpful.
immediately went and bought a Timberline after this video. I've been looking for a better way to sharpen for a long time. I appreciate your review so much, thank you!
Glad you seen the video.
Can you sharpen the rakes with those sharpeners or just the blades?
Like your chain saw holster
Same thing happened to me with Amazon. I bought the cheap Chinese version and didn't realize, they even look the same. I will be buying a Timberline after your review. The Chinese version works, but it does have the faults you highlighted.
I couldn't tell, but was the grinder bit welded to the handle? If it's a bolt on you could use a handheld drill; could speed things up even more. Excellent demonstration.
Great demonstration Tony! 😎👍 It will definitely help you cut those cookies!
Thank you my friend
Great video by the way
Glad you enjoyed it. That means more than you know.
Am seeing Timberline at $124 without extra carbide sharpeners. Ebay knock offs at around $35 dollars. Am going to buy the Timberline because my saws are used a lot. Did a really good video that answered my questions.
Thanks for that eBay tip.
How much are they ???
Never heard of it or the brand ❤
Thanks
I've owned the timberline now for four years and recommend it's use. It can keep each tooth the same size. And cut true.
I use the Timberline to put my chain back in perfect shape and I use my round file out in the woods. It seems to make my chain last longer.
Well, my chainsaws HAVE been sitting around in recent years - since we moved into town where trees are small enough to maintain with a cordless sawzall. My Stihl 020 is adequate for most stuff, but recently I had to pull out my 084 and discovered that, in its years of lethargy in my garage, it had put on nearly as much weight as I have! Unfortunately, its square chisel chain would be seriously de-fanged by your handy-dandy little sharpener, but it would be FINE for my 020s and my electric pole saw. Tools to maintain tools - what a glorious concept!
Have a Timberline and really like it. I will touch up a couple of times with a hand file sharpener but then use the Timberline to bring back to factory sharpness.
That is what I do many times.
Well I was thinking about ordering from Amazon Im rethinking my options and I will buy from timberline with the cost stores not online wants for new chain differently worth the investment thanks for your review tony keep on sawing buddy
I appreciate your positivity. Tony
I wasn’t aware of this kind of sharpener and have been manually doing it. I like the idea of giving the Timberline a try, but there are a gaggle of knock off brands on Amazon.
Thanks for suggesting this video, you addressed the problems I was having. Like yourself, I was unaware of Timberline and I purchased mine from Amazon as well. The anvil play is definitely an issue. Thought it was me not adjusting correctly. I certainly will be looking at the Timberline product. Thanks!
My original Chinese knockoff worked well.
@@TonysTractorAdventure well, after attempting another try at it, seems the anvil screw on the back is short. It will not connect with the right side teeth. I've tried different things. Maybe put a wedge between the rocking arm and the tooth. That's where the limit of my thinking takes me. Thanks for your advice, it's been very helpful! 👍
What’s better- file, this tool, or the bench chainsaw sharpener
Can you tell me if the timberline bits will fit the knockoff version. Also, on the knockoff, maybe bringing the stop as far back as you can will make it less sloppy?
Yes and it looks like a purpose I dont know for what, or he dont understand an optimal position when fastening it with the 3 screws.
I bought the cheep on on Amazon. I reversed the finger that holds the back of the tooth. Only took 30 seconds to take out the screw and turn it around. It works much better now. When I run over this on I will replace it with the Timberline.
Brilliant, I'll try that.
In ignorance I bought an eBay knock-off.
In my defence, my little Poulan 14in blade chainsaw cost me $50 second hand, so $125 still seems steep to sharpen it😅
Wow. That was a really thorough comparison. Should help a lot of people make an educated choice.
I changed the video description in the old video.
Came here after seeing the Timberline in the comments on a video of yours. How funny
Sir, it was easier for me to buy new because I was intimidated to try and sharpen myself, that was until I watched your video, thank you 🙏
Thank you. I appreciate your comment.
I’ve noticed even in all the photos online that the Chinese one needs the backing tooth stopper adjusted almost right out of the housing to push the tooth far enough to meet the file.
The first one I got was spot on out of the box.
Maybe that is why it is adjustable?
Thanks!!! I'm a caveman, and had no idea that tool was available. Merry Christmas!!!
PS: after reading other comments...people, pocket your ego. You are the personification of the Good Idea Feiry: not original enough to think the ideabut egomaniac enough to critique the idea.
Happy holidays!
@@TonysTractorAdventure Thanks Brother. you do the same!
I bought the Chinese knock off, not knowing about the Timberline! After watching your video, I turned the drop bar, so the flat edge is against the chain. This sorted the fact that when you tried to extend the pressure bar, the screw did not pull out... Result👍🐰
Do these work on an size saw tooth, I work with a hydraulic polesaw trimming trees for the county, and the teeth on the saw are smaller
You have to buy the cutter to fit your chain. That is my understanding.
I thought I had read the directions wrong the paw (piece that applies the pressure) would not maintain its hold and the file was cutting into the paw, so i never got to sharpen the chain tried a few different ways, I guess I'm going with the timberline.
Great video. How long does it take to sharpen a complete chain?
Once I became proficient with the sharpener, I am able to sharpen a 20-in bar in about 5 minutes. Obviously my 36-in bar takes longer. I find myself using this sharpener about every third sharpening to put the tooth back in perfect condition.
Huh. I saw your first video yesterday, put the unit you tested in this video my cart but didn't order yet. Out of the cart! Sharpeners that look like the old one are still available, so maybe....? I wish there was a guide like this that would accept a dremel instead of just the hand crank.
I have a hand electric chain sharpener. It does a good job, but it eats a lot of the cutter away fast. I think the chains lasts at least twice as long doing them by hand. It hurts my feelings every time I buy a chain. The prices are crazy.
i just tried out my amazon chainsaw sharpener today , i could sharpen ons side only, when i tried to sharpen the other side it fell apart , the part that locks the chain , so i sent a return request today, i will order a timberline next or just continue to sharpen by hand
i use a flat file for my rakes
No question the one which is heavier built and has a more appropriate wear material will serve you better and longer. Even if you get a good knockoff it'll still have cut corners in manufacture.
The truth of the matter is if I had known timberline made one, I would have just ordered it. They don't do a great job of marketing even though they have a very awesome product.
For field sharpening I would use a battery dremmel type file (much faster). Then, If you notice the chain cutting crooked or at the end of the day, touch it up with the timberline. Nice video, Thank You.
I agree. You can clean your chain up at the end of the day with the timberline and then touch it throughout the day with a file.
The battery sharpeners overheat the teeth. Not a good thing
How do you think chainsaw chain companies file new chains, by hand?????
What the prize of both?
Yeah I'd probably get that timberline I do mine usually by hand. But yeah to get it perfectly factory that would work. My husky 460 rancher with go through that would faster though. Even my 4:45 it's pretty fast
The play your getting is due to how far you have the chain stop adjusted out. If you move the sharpener up some you can make the adjuster more solid. Yea it does have some decent play but that makes it much better
It doesn't work that way. You can't move the hole that the grinder goes through. You have to bring the chain to the hole.
@@TonysTractorAdventure i see. I like my 2 in 1 stihl sharpener. I can do a 24 inch full chisel chain in about 8-10 minutes depending on the condition of the teeth.
The old addage " you get what you pay for" is always true.
I bought a little different one and tried it on a 0.325 chain. One way worked, but on the other side the lock tounge missed the tooth and then it's worthless. I will use my motor grinder instead and it's much faster. And it's tricky to find the hight. Too low and you can't slide the chain.
Is it optical illusion? the end of the log looks grooved not smooth like most chainsaws cut wood. I've wondered how it worked. Certainly looks simple enough.
I am not sure what you are talking about.
He says about the handle, how strong does it have to be. Well, if you run over it with a tractor, I would think it needs to be pretty strong! 😂
You know it. LOL!
You have the top sliding piece to far out that’s why there is so much slack twist the nob backwords then move the whole thing forward it should not have that much slack you have it all the way out
Thank you for your input.
Super videó király vagy ❤👌✌
Observing your setup between the two re: movement of the adjustment, the US one is only pushed out by half. The Chinese one is 3/4 hence its not a great comparison. It would be interesting to see both at half adjustment
It is a great comparison. You have to push it out to meet the sharpening holes. There is no other way. I can't help it the holes on the Chineses model are further out.
so how many twist u do to sharpen
Depends on how dull it is
Bought Chinese version on e bay,,,,one of the sharpers didn't have screw thread ,machining very ĺoose,sharpener surface wore off before I'd finished 1st time round ,,, messaged supplier through e bay asking for full refund not fit for purpose still waiting reply!!
The timberline I just found on Amazon was made a little different and it said that it’s made in china
They are stepping up their game My lady got me one 15 dollar knock off it came with the same bits that the U. S. made has, not that diamond bit he had. This one works good im sure it will wear out fast but hey I didn't pay for it.
i bought the timberline off of amazon but for some reason it looks EXACTLY like the knockoff, matter of fact it is the knockoff with a timberline sticker
You have been scammed. Timberline doesn't sell on Amazon.
I would imagine if you have to adjust the timberline when switching teeth direction, it’s from inconsistencies made when sharpening by hand. Assuming a good chain, the tool and chain are machined to have “perfect” mirror dimensions. I’m thinking on previously hand sharpened chains, the initial sharpening will take longer to remove those inconsistencies. It’s likely you’ll have to go back and forth until you get each tooth down to the lowest ground tooth. Just a thought and great video. Will be going with timberline and experiment with my theory.
I have had the Timberline for a number of years. I must adjust the stop everytime when switching from left side to right side cutters or vice versa. If not it‘s either cutting too much or not enough when switching sides. In my measurements all cutters are within .005“ of each other and the chains cut great! The PITA is setting the depth gauges after. Works best with newer chain. It‘s a lot of work with used chain with irregular teeth to get everything down to the smallest sized cutter. Feels like you‘re sharpening thousands of pencils!
i am missing my right arm, do you have with left hand opperations ,no joke, also when you sharpen the blade do you do all the teeth, i enjoyed the show
I do all of the teeth on both side. I guess it would work turned around.
The timberline is definitely better and lasts longer but in my opinion it’s not needed, learning to hand file i easy and way cheaper, and saw teeth don’t need to be the exact same, if you rock one tooth you don’t need to take them all back, you just take that one tooth back to sharp and take down that one raker. When I first started I was obsessed with getting them all perfectly the same but it’s not needed and it wastes a lot of chain life. I also can get a much sharper chain hand filing than that will get because I can change my angles for different wood species and time of year. Don’t get me wrong those are decent tools but I really don’t think they are necessary
i am not reading through comments so if it has been said then I am sorry but you have the knock off version adjusted to the very end of its travel,if you screw it back in I am sure it would work much better.
by the time you got that set up, i could almost have had one of my saws sharp using the stihl sharpener and that includes the drags
That's awesome!.
FYI, Bailey's sell the Timberline. Pricey little hussie's.
How do you like the Neo-Tech brand chainsaws?
To this point, both NEO-Tech saws have been spot on. Starts every time. The 72cc has got a good bit of use.
Also the reason one turns the handle clockwise is the turning action forces the chain back against the stop. Saw some other idiot trying to determine if clockwise was from the handle or the bit side. He was demonstrating the Chinese POS. I saw that the sharpener only worked on chain saws up to 22". I have a 25" and really dont see much difference? Any comments?
We can see the difference the timberline is much better great video thanks Tony and Tanya
You had the chain stop extended too far, if you move the rig forwards, more of the chainstop "keyway' will be engaded and make it more stable
That is not the way it works. The chain has to be in line with the grinding tool. Nothing would happen the way you described.
What type of saw? Echo? Has now power for the size
Thank you for your opinion.
So what type of saw are you using? I'm seriously curious. No bad intention.
I own two Echo saws and two NEO-TEC saws.
Thank you. Do you actually prefer them over the "name brands"? Buddy told me the big echo is actually good now. I have husqvarna saws with one craftsman 14 inch. Wich I'm actually impressed with.
I have found, good maintenance is the life of any brand. I had an old Pouland Pro for 8 years. I gave it to a friend. He still uses from time to time.
I bought the "knockoff" and it works fine. I think for someone who doesn't require the use of a chainsaw daily, it's the more sensible buy.
Mantap, sangat membantu 👍🤝🙏
Thank you very much
Your original knock off works I just bought your original knock off from Temu it has the large steel inserts ie looks cheaper than the current knockoff you used in this video
That bug on your hand is driving me crazy.
Just watching it looks like the Chinese version would work better if the anvil wasn't pushed out so far.
There is no choice it the anvils location for the user. The chain has to line up with the file. It would be even worse for a worn out chain.
I agree
IF THE BOLT WOUD BE LONGER TO GIVE TENSION FOR GRINDING WOULD HELP ALOT BOLT IS TOO SHORT
What about the teeth on the other side?
Sharpen the otherside the sam way. If you look close, I am sharpening both sides by moving the cutter to the opposite hole.
Yes you have to go the American way mate all the way.
Just remember you still have to file your rakers down
Like normal
This tool doesn't appear to address the height of the rake. As the cutting tooth gets sharpened it gets lower in height. The rake needs to be filed as well or soon the sharp teeth will not cut.
I talked about that in the video.
If you do not adjust the raker, you will lucky to make sawdust
Ordered yesterday and it is coming from china thought it was made in the USA will not order again
So I see that the timberline is available from non Amazon resellers for over $100. The one that I see Amazon pushing, with the Timberline brand, is $39 to $49. So either these are knock-offs with a timberline stamp on them, or the non Amazon resellers are gouging.
The Amazon ones are fake if they say Timberline. Timberline doesn't sell on Amazon.
heavy tools for heavy duty
Lean your high jet out a little!
It is about as lean as I want it. It run great. Mics don't always give the viewer the right sound.
Learn to use a file!.. how long does this take if you tap a rock..I would rather be cutting than frigging around with this thing!
Thank you for your opinion
The old Chinese sharpener was just as good and much cheaper, American made definitely looks more quality but, I can buy 4 sharpeners for the price of 1
I appreciate your opinion ; however, there are literally tons of examples where the Chinese version fails. China make some good stuff and some bad.
Just checked Timberlines price...$120???
From the factory $124 plus I will need another size carbide sharpener for $20 because have two different sized saws. Am still going with Timberline. This tool will get used a lot. Ebay knock offs $35. Am I nuts. LOL
TIMBERLINE IS BETTER. I messed up and bought the other junk. Threw it away and bought a Timberline.
I’m curious If anyone has tried these with a low speed drill instead of a hand crank?
Imo diamond is a highly overrated sharpening technology in some applications.
I would guess it would over heat the races and wear out fast.
Not a single Timberline marked sharpener shown on Amazon on 3/3/2024 looks like yours. Crank handle different. Sharpening file spurs are all like your knockoff with a diamond coating and not with auger flutes. Not with replaceable guide shafts. Not with twin tooth holding tabs, etc. Looks like either they’re all counterfeits on Amazon or Timberline has made a bunch of design changes.
Timberline doesn't sell on Amazon. I put a link in the description.
Really you should have leather gloves on messing with the chain
Just my experience 😊
Thanks for the tip
I sharpen all 3 of my chainsaw's chains with a file and guide. I ain't never messed up one yet. Except after sharpening a chain on one of my Husqvarna's it began to cut crooked. I forgot to sharpen the other side. Duh! I knew immediately what I'd done. There's no way I'd ever pay that for a chain sharpener when a file will do the same thing. Cheers from eastern TN
Thank you for your point of view. It is not for everyone. Love East TN.
No way can you hand file a chain as good as the Timberline. IMPOSSIBLE CANT BE DONE!!! Unless you're a legend in your own mind
timberline never invented this tool. it was sold 40 years ago under the Name ZORN. i have one and it is almost identical to the timberline one. i tried to find information about the manufacturer but was not able to.
First I ever heard of that brand.
90% of accidents are cuts to the lower legs. He should have own leather chainsaw chaps.
Is that a Chinese saw !
I believe it is
Why cut with teeth into the teeth that's backwards
That's the way the cookie crumbles
with the chinese copy, he specifically did everything wrong to promote timberline
I think you may be basing your comment on your own internal integrity compass. I personally am not for sale. The first video I put out about the Chinese version works perfectly. I bought a new one and the timber line to compare because so many people complained about the Chinese version they bought after watching my first video. Good luck with your integrity.
It's so disappointing to see a great American such as yourself buying so many cheap made in china products. It may seem like a good idea at first, but in the long run, if you don't value your county, it will not value you.
I feel the same way. So many people rebuke me on their Chinese made phones, tablets, and computers. The true irony is they watch my channel on their Chinese made TV drinking coffee out of their Chinese made coffee maker. It is a crying shame.
A year later and you're all done.
Some people are smarter than others. I don't judge.🤣🤣🤣