Silvey Chain Grinder Review (5 Expert Tips for Sharp Chains)

The rhythmic thud of splitting wood, the satisfying scent of freshly cut timber – for me, these aren’t just tasks; they’re a connection to nature and a source of immense satisfaction. But beyond the rustic charm, working with wood offers tangible health benefits. The physical activity strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces stress. The focus required sharpens mental acuity, while the end result – a warm fire on a cold night – provides a sense of accomplishment and well-being. And to get the most out of this rewarding pursuit, a sharp chainsaw is paramount. That’s where a reliable chain grinder like the Silvey comes in.

Why a Sharp Chain Matters

Before we delve into the Silvey grinder, let’s understand why a sharp chain is so critical. A dull chain isn’t just inefficient; it’s dangerous.

• Increased Kickback Risk: A dull chain requires more force to cut, increasing the likelihood of kickback, a sudden and potentially violent upward movement of the chainsaw.
• Reduced Cutting Efficiency: Dull chains produce sawdust instead of chips, wasting energy and time. I’ve personally experienced a 50% reduction in cutting speed with a dull chain compared to a freshly sharpened one.
• Increased Wear and Tear: A dull chain puts extra strain on the chainsaw engine and bar, leading to premature wear and tear.
• Poor Cutting Quality: Dull chains produce rough, uneven cuts, making precise work nearly impossible.
• Higher Fuel Consumption: You’ll burn through more fuel trying to force a dull chain through wood.

The Silvey Chain Grinder: An Overview

The Silvey chain grinder is a well-regarded tool known for its precision and durability. It’s a bench-mounted grinder designed to sharpen chainsaw chains quickly and accurately. The Silvey stands out due to its robust construction, ease of use, and consistent results. I’ve used several grinders over the years, and the Silvey consistently delivers a superior edge.

Key Features

• Precision Grinding: The Silvey grinder allows for precise adjustments to the grinding angle and depth, ensuring consistent sharpening.
• Durable Construction: Built with heavy-duty materials, the Silvey is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use.
• Easy to Use: The grinder is relatively straightforward to set up and operate, even for beginners.
• Versatile: The Silvey can handle various chain sizes and types.
• Consistent Results: With proper setup and technique, the Silvey delivers consistently sharp chains.

Technical Specifications

• Motor: Typically a 1/4 or 1/3 horsepower motor (depending on the model).
• Grinding Wheel Size: Usually 5-3/4″ diameter.
• Voltage: Available in 110V or 220V.
• Weight: Approximately 20-25 lbs.
• Grinding Angles: Adjustable for various chain types and cutting conditions.

Setting Up Your Silvey Chain Grinder

Proper setup is crucial for achieving optimal results with the Silvey chain grinder. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

1. Mounting the Grinder: Securely mount the grinder to a sturdy workbench. Vibration can affect the accuracy of the grind, so a solid mount is essential. I recommend using heavy-duty bolts and washers to ensure a stable connection.
2. Installing the Grinding Wheel: Carefully install the grinding wheel, ensuring it is properly seated and tightened. Always use the correct wheel for your chain type. For most standard chains, a 5/32″ or 3/16″ wheel is suitable.
3. Adjusting the Grinding Angle: Consult your chain manufacturer’s specifications for the correct grinding angle. This is typically between 25 and 35 degrees. Use the Silvey’s angle adjustment mechanism to set the angle precisely. I use a digital angle finder to double-check the accuracy.
4. Setting the Depth Stop: The depth stop controls how much material is removed from each tooth. Start with a shallow setting and gradually increase the depth until you achieve the desired sharpness.
5. Chain Positioning: Carefully position the chain in the grinder’s vise, ensuring that the tooth is properly aligned with the grinding wheel. The Silvey’s chain vise is adjustable to accommodate different chain pitches and gauges.

Expert Tip #1: Mastering the Grinding Angle

The grinding angle is arguably the most critical factor in achieving a sharp chain. The correct angle ensures that the cutting edge of the tooth is properly aligned for efficient cutting.

Understanding Grinding Angles

• Top Plate Angle: This is the angle of the top plate of the cutter tooth relative to the horizontal plane. It typically ranges from 55 to 65 degrees.
• Side Plate Angle: This is the angle of the side plate of the cutter tooth relative to the vertical plane. It typically ranges from 5 to 15 degrees.

Finding the Right Angle for Your Chain

Consult your chain manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended grinding angles. This information is usually found in the chain’s packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re unsure, err on the side of a slightly shallower angle.

Using an Angle Finder

I highly recommend using a digital angle finder to accurately set the grinding angle on your Silvey grinder. These inexpensive tools provide precise measurements, ensuring that you achieve the correct angle every time.

Adjusting for Different Wood Types

The optimal grinding angle can vary depending on the type of wood you’re cutting. For hardwoods like oak and maple, a slightly steeper angle (closer to 35 degrees) may provide better cutting performance. For softwoods like pine and fir, a shallower angle (closer to 25 degrees) may be more effective.

Case Study: Angle Optimization for Oak

In one of my logging projects, I was cutting a large quantity of oak. I initially used a grinding angle of 30 degrees, which resulted in decent cutting performance. However, after experimenting with a steeper angle of 35 degrees, I noticed a significant improvement in cutting speed and efficiency. The steeper angle allowed the chain to bite into the hard oak more aggressively.

Takeaway: Experiment with different grinding angles to find the optimal setting for your chain and the type of wood you’re cutting.

Expert Tip #2: The Importance of Consistent Depth Control

Consistent depth control is essential for achieving a uniform and balanced chain. Uneven tooth lengths can lead to vibration, poor cutting performance, and increased wear and tear.

Setting the Depth Stop

The Silvey grinder’s depth stop allows you to control how much material is removed from each tooth. Start with a shallow setting and gradually increase the depth until you achieve the desired sharpness.

Using a Depth Gauge

I recommend using a depth gauge to accurately measure the depth of each tooth. This ensures that all teeth are ground to the same length.

Maintaining Uniform Tooth Length

After grinding each tooth, visually inspect it to ensure that it is the same length as the surrounding teeth. If necessary, make slight adjustments to the depth stop to achieve uniform tooth length.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Grinding Too Deep: Removing too much material from each tooth can weaken the chain and reduce its lifespan.
• Inconsistent Depth Settings: Failing to maintain consistent depth settings can result in uneven tooth lengths and poor cutting performance.
• Ignoring the Depth Gauge: Neglecting to use a depth gauge can lead to inaccurate and inconsistent grinding.

Practical Example: Correcting an Uneven Chain

I once encountered a chain that had been sharpened improperly, resulting in significant variations in tooth length. The chain vibrated excessively and produced rough, uneven cuts. To correct the problem, I used my Silvey grinder and a depth gauge to carefully grind each tooth to the same length. The result was a smooth-cutting, balanced chain that performed like new.

Takeaway: Use a depth gauge and maintain consistent depth settings to achieve uniform tooth lengths and optimal chain performance.

Expert Tip #3: Understanding Grinding Wheel Selection

The type of grinding wheel you use can significantly impact the quality of the grind. Choosing the right wheel for your chain type is essential for achieving a sharp, durable edge.

Types of Grinding Wheels

• Aluminum Oxide Wheels: These are the most common type of grinding wheel and are suitable for general-purpose sharpening.
• Ceramic Wheels: These wheels are harder and more durable than aluminum oxide wheels, making them ideal for sharpening hardened chains.
• Diamond Wheels: These wheels are extremely hard and are used for sharpening carbide-tipped chains.

Wheel Size and Shape

The size and shape of the grinding wheel should be appropriate for the size and type of your chain. Smaller wheels are typically used for smaller chains, while larger wheels are used for larger chains. The wheel’s shape should also match the profile of the cutter tooth.

Wheel Maintenance

Keep your grinding wheels clean and properly dressed. A dirty or glazed wheel will not cut effectively and can damage the chain. Use a dressing tool to remove any buildup and restore the wheel’s cutting surface.

Case Study: Wheel Selection for Hardened Chains

I once tried to sharpen a hardened chain with a standard aluminum oxide wheel. The wheel quickly wore down and produced a poor-quality grind. After switching to a ceramic wheel, I was able to achieve a sharp, durable edge with minimal wheel wear.

Takeaway: Choose the right grinding wheel for your chain type and keep it clean and properly dressed for optimal performance.

Expert Tip #4: Mastering the Art of Light, Consistent Passes

When grinding a chainsaw chain, it’s tempting to apply heavy pressure to remove material quickly. However, this can lead to overheating, which can damage the chain and the grinding wheel. The key is to use light, consistent passes.

Why Light Passes Matter

• Reduced Heat Buildup: Light passes generate less heat, preventing damage to the chain and the grinding wheel.
• Improved Grinding Accuracy: Light passes allow for more precise control over the grinding process, resulting in a sharper, more consistent edge.
• Extended Wheel Life: Light passes reduce wear and tear on the grinding wheel, extending its lifespan.

The Technique

1. Position the Chain: Carefully position the chain in the grinder’s vise, ensuring that the tooth is properly aligned with the grinding wheel.
2. Apply Light Pressure: Gently lower the grinding wheel onto the tooth, applying only light pressure.
3. Make a Smooth Pass: Move the grinding wheel smoothly and consistently across the tooth, following its contour.
4. Repeat as Needed: Repeat the process two or three times, removing a small amount of material with each pass.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying Excessive Pressure: Applying too much pressure can overheat the chain and the grinding wheel.
• Hesitating During the Pass: Hesitating or stopping during the pass can create uneven spots on the tooth.
• Grinding Too Quickly: Grinding too quickly can result in a poor-quality edge.

Practical Example: Preventing Overheating

I once overheated a chain by applying too much pressure during grinding. The chain turned blue, indicating that the metal had been tempered. The overheated chain quickly dulled and was prone to breakage. I learned my lesson and now always use light, consistent passes to prevent overheating.

Takeaway: Use light, consistent passes to prevent overheating and achieve a sharp, durable edge.

Expert Tip #5: The Final Touches: Raker (Depth Gauge) Adjustment

After sharpening the cutter teeth, it’s essential to adjust the rakers, also known as depth gauges. The rakers control the depth of cut and prevent the chain from grabbing or chattering.

Understanding Raker Function

The rakers are the small, ramp-shaped pieces located in front of each cutter tooth. They limit the amount of wood that the cutter tooth can bite into. If the rakers are too high, the chain will not cut effectively. If they are too low, the chain will grab and chatter, increasing the risk of kickback.

Adjusting Rakers

1. Use a Raker Gauge: A raker gauge is a simple tool that helps you determine the correct raker height.
2. Position the Gauge: Place the raker gauge over the cutter tooth and the raker.
3. File the Raker: If the raker extends above the gauge, use a flat file to carefully file it down until it is flush with the gauge.
4. Maintain Consistency: Ensure that all rakers are filed to the same height.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filing Rakers Too Low: Filing the rakers too low can increase the risk of kickback.
• Uneven Raker Heights: Uneven raker heights can cause the chain to grab and chatter.
• Ignoring Raker Adjustment: Neglecting to adjust the rakers can significantly reduce cutting performance.

Practical Example: Improving Cutting Performance

I once had a chain that was cutting poorly, even after sharpening the cutter teeth. After inspecting the chain, I noticed that the rakers were too high. I used a raker gauge and a flat file to carefully lower the rakers to the correct height. The result was a dramatic improvement in cutting performance.

Takeaway: Adjust the rakers after sharpening the cutter teeth to ensure optimal cutting performance and prevent kickback.

Maintaining Your Silvey Chain Grinder

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your Silvey chain grinder. Here are some essential maintenance tips.

• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean the grinder to remove dust, debris, and grinding residue.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Lubricate the grinder’s moving parts with a light oil to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect the Grinding Wheel: Regularly inspect the grinding wheel for wear and damage. Replace the wheel when it becomes worn or cracked.
• Check the Electrical Connections: Periodically check the electrical connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion.
• Store it Properly: Store the grinder in a dry, protected location to prevent rust and corrosion.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with proper setup and maintenance, you may encounter some common problems with your Silvey chain grinder. Here are some troubleshooting tips.

• Chain Not Sharpening Properly: This could be due to a dull grinding wheel, an incorrect grinding angle, or inconsistent depth settings.
• Grinding Wheel Wearing Down Quickly: This could be due to using the wrong type of wheel for your chain, applying excessive pressure during grinding, or grinding hardened chains.
• Chain Overheating: This could be due to applying excessive pressure during grinding, using a dull grinding wheel, or grinding too quickly.
• Grinder Vibrating Excessively: This could be due to an unbalanced grinding wheel, a loose mounting, or worn bearings.

Conclusion: Sharpen Your Skills and Reap the Rewards

Learn more