I need something that is easy to use. I have a Stihl file guide, but I can't seem to get a blade sharp with it. I have checked the rakers and they are the right height. Any reccomendations for a good fool proof sharpener?

I bought an electric sharpener, on sale for about $25 last year at Harbor Freight. I figured, What the heck. This thing works great! It is by no means a truly precision tool, but it certainly gets the job done. Once you get it set up, it is easy to operate. I'm guessing you can do a chain in less than five minute, if I remember right. I'm not good at adding links. Just go to Harbor Freight website and search for "chainsaw sharpener" It might be what you're looking for.

Stihl also makes a portable sharpener that uses 12v power from your truck battery. Sharpens great. Make sure you buy the sharpening stone that matches your chain.

I have an older model of this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-511AX-Chain-Grinder-Sharpener/dp/B0000AX0CY/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1417974541&sr=1-1&keywords=chainsaw+bench+grinder



Even with a jig of that quality, I still check the cutter length between left and right hand cutters, and it will still take some finessing to get them the same length.

Hand files aren't that bad, and I do most of mine freehand on the bench vise with no jig. Most of your chain profiles are 30-45 (my rip chains is typically 10-15) and are purely a yaw with no roll. I only use the jig on chains that I hit nails/rocks/etc, as they need significant metal removal to get back to a fresh cut face, and I find they remove too much if the chain just needs a touchup.

For my larger chains (214 links of 3/8") I can touch it up with a file in about 20 minutes. I probably spend as much or more time wire brushing off the pitch/tar from the chain as I do sharpening it. With good files and the proper technique, it takes maybe 2 passes with a file to get to a good edge (this assumes you are just touching up the cutter, not trying to remove damage and get back to a clean edge.

What agrams posted is what I used on fire rehab. After messing up my knee, I'd sharpen 15-30 chains a couple times a week with that grinder. Worked great.

I like to keep 2-3 chains handy, and will file sharpen at lunch time. Once you get the right feel and sound, it's pretty easy.

Northern tool has a clone of that Oregon for 100 bucks. For me, I use my saw many times a year and keep it sharp with a Pferd. Check bailey's online. I wouldn't use a grinder until I hit a buried wire or dip her in the dirt and needed back to spec really quick.

I also keep multiple chains on hand and sharpen during downtdowntime. I hit with the Pferd every time I use it.

I like the pacers files too. When i mill i usually show up with 6 chains. I hate sitting around sharpening 12' chains when I could just swap one and keep cutting.

I am going to check out the Pferd. Seems to get a ton of positive reviews. I appreciate the help guys.