Innovation - Chainsaw stump vise makes for easier sharpening of chains

Not long ago, I wrote a brief piece on the SURE SPLIT® WEDGE from Estwing. It’s that time of year when I am cutting and splitting to put up more logs for the next season. Since I have a large number of felled trees at this point, the workload is pretty heavy in the chainsaw department.

I decided last week would be an ideal time to get some work done. A sharp cutting chain can reduce the effort and provide for more safety when cutting. I watch the discharge looking for any indication that the teeth are getting dull. The folks at Oregon Cutting Systems describe it best with, “Keep in mind that a sharp chain will cut large-size chips. A chain that is dull or has abrasive damage will create sawdust. It's time to sharpen when you're having to push on the saw or the saw is no longer self-feeding.”

What I have been looking for is an easier way to file a chain while down in the woods. I had come across a chainsaw stump vise while poking around for better sharpening techniques. There are a number of them available; the Husqvarna Stump Vise looks sturdy, but for the more seasonal user, the one from Northern Tool may be adequate. Husqvarna has a good video on their site for using the vise and filing chains, as well as other related topics.

There are enough trees to keep me busy on the weekends for many weeks to come. Since I will be cutting all the felled trees in close proximity, I chose to do a ‘quick and dirty’ model of my own. The pictures here convey the story. I put together a simple clamping unit made of wood and a pair of c-clamps. The wood bottom plate is screwed into an upright cut log, which is part of an assembly to create something like a ‘fence’ on a table saw. I clamp the saw’s guide bar between the “L” of the bottom plate and a spare piece of wood. I use the c-clamps to hold it tight at each end.

I can sharpen the chain in 1/3 increments, in both directions of the teeth; I use the Oregon 5/32" File Guide with File (Model: 25894) - be sure to get the right size file and guide for your chain and look at the chart for the proper filing angle. I have to release the clamps, move the chain, then re-clamp to begin again.

That’s where the commercial stump vise would be a preferable option. Once mounted, with the chainsaw bar in place, you can move the chain and keep filing until you are done. Plus, you can easily take it with you wherever cutting is required. I guess it won’t be long before I add one of these to my toolbox. And, I am giving some serious consideration to upgrading my factory guide bar and chains to the more advanced ones from Oregon.