[Tom911]

Got a SawShark a few weeks back. Works fine for keeping the chain from going dull, but I feel like I have to push down harder than I expected to actually get the file to bite. Is that just how manual guided sharpeners go, or is my technique off?

[Sarh_Kompress]

Mine felt a little stiff at first too but I figured it’s just the file seating into the groove properly. I noticed if I don’t keep the angle dead straight it wants to skate more than bite. Does the job once you get the hang of it though.

[Sarah J]

I’m still on the fence about getting one, so this is kind of helpful to hear. I’ve been wondering if the guide just makes it easier to mess up the angle if you’re not careful.

[northshore]

I noticed the same thing when I first got mine. It eased up after a few uses once the file settled in, hasn’t been an issue since.

[pixelnomad]

It’s probably fine. The guide does require a little more downward force than freehanding, but that’s mostly because the file is being held at a consistent angle instead of letting it skate across the tooth. If the file isn’t new, that could add to it too.

[Lisa Hall]

Mine took a little bit of effort at first too. It’s not going to feel as effortless as freehanding but it’s way more consistent. Just give it a few more tries, it settles in.

[Jordan Hayes]

I wouldn’t overthink it. Mine needed a little extra pressure at first too, but after a few sharpenings it sort of settled in and felt more natural. As long as the chain is cutting better after you use it, it’s probably doing its job.

[Owen21]

Mine felt a bit stiff for the first couple chains too, but it’s been fine since. I just figured the file was seating in.

[Tom Bill]

Mine didn’t need much pressure at all. Maybe your file is junk or you’re forcing the angle wrong.

[Mar__kus]

I think you’re overthinking it. Mine worked fine right out of the box without any extra pressure, so maybe your file is seated wrong or you’re hitting the angle off.

[Max Connor]

Mine didn’t take much extra pressure, so maybe it’s the file or how the chain is sitting in the guide. Could just be a bit of a break-in thing though. It’s still way better than freehanding for me.

[Sarah Kos]

Huh, I almost picked one up but went with something else in the end. I remember wondering about that though, like how much force is normal with those guided things. Does it feel like the file is actually cutting or more like it’s just scraping?

[Tom911]

Guess it’s just one of those things that varies. Mine’s been fine after a few passes, so probably nothing to worry about.

[Author]

Posts