squarejig sharp

Sharpening Square-Ground Chain Just Got Easier

We are proud to introduce the SQUAREJIG, a simple yet groundbreaking attachment that transforms your universal round grinder into a square grinder. The SQUAREJIG clamps securely into the grinder’s vise, allowing you to sharpen square-ground teeth without losing any of the grinder's original functionality.

Key Features:

• No permanent modifications required.

• Maintain the versatility of your grinder while enjoying the performance of   square-ground chain.

• Simply  turn your grinder’s wheel to a vertical position and shape a double bevel  on the grinding wheel to emulate the profile of a square file.

Made in the USA Every component of the SQUAREJIG is proudly sourced and precision-machined in the USA. From steel to thumb screws, our commitment to American craftsmanship ensures exceptional quality and customer service. As a family-owned business in the Pacific Northwest, we are dedicated to supporting the chainsaw community with reliable and innovative products.

Benefits

1. Quick Installation: Can be installed or removed instantly without      modifications to your grinder.
2. Compatibility:    Works seamlessly with 3/8 and .404 pitch chains.
3. Cost-Effective:      Designed for use with common, affordable grinders and grinding wheels,   including CBN wheels.
4. Efficiency:      The grinding wheel spins into the teeth for both left and right-hand      cutters.
5. Versatility:      Perform most chain maintenance tasks with one machine.
6. Clear      Visibility: Offers a streamlined, efficient workspace for sharpening.

Customer Feedback

“The general consensus is that it’s awesome!”

Common Questions

Will it work with .325 or 3/8 LP chain?
Yes! While it's optimized for larger pitches, smaller pitch chains can also be sharpened. Dress one side of the wheel and flip it for best results, using a 3/8-inch grinding wheel.

Which grinders are compatible?

• Tecomec   Jolly Evo: The top choice for accuracy and ease of use.
• Oregon   410-120: Another excellent option.
      For questions about specific grinders, contact us. While some grinders,  like the USG, may require modifications, many common models are  compatible.

Why square ground over round?
Square-ground cutters feature razor-sharp side plates, which slice wood fibers more efficiently than round-ground cutters, resulting in faster, smoother cuts.

Square-ground chain is a game-changer for anyone looking to maximize cutting efficiency. Known for delivering faster and smoother cuts, it has been a preferred choice among  timber fallers and race chain enthusiasts but is now available for the skilled firewood cutters, arborists, and sculptors. Its precision and performance make it ideal for demanding tasks, where every cut counts.

However, mastering the use of square-ground chain requires more than just enthusiasm; it demands skill, patience, and a commitment to learning the craft. Unlike round-ground chains, square-ground chains require specialized tools and techniques for sharpening and maintenance. For those willing to invest the time and effort, the rewards are unparalleled—resulting in cleaner cuts, improved productivity, and an overall superior cutting experience.

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1. Saw Power and Efficiency
   
   • Smaller Saws: Use full-skip chains, higher depth gauges, and sharper cutters to reduce power demands and maintain chain speed.
   • Square-Ground Chain: Its square-edged cutters slice wood fibers more efficiently than round chain, optimizing performance.

1. Performance When Sharp
   
   • Square-ground chain excels when sharp, cutting cleaner and faster. However, like all chains, it becomes ineffective when dull, especially after hitting dirt or rocks.
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Square grinding requires precise angles and a different technique than round filing. For those already familiar with square or double bevel files, tools like the SquareJig can simplify the process. Learning takes time, but the results are worth the effort.

• Speed and Efficiency: Cuts faster with less effort, reducing strain and fatigue during long cutting sessions.
• Versatility: Durable for tough conditions or sharpened for peak performance in clean wood.
• Optimization for Larger Bars: Enables smaller saws to handle longer bars efficiently with proper setup.

Square-ground chain is ideal for professionals willing to invest in the tools and skills needed to master it. If you prioritize cutting speed, efficiency, and smoother operation, it can elevate your saw’s performance significantly.

A chainsaw chain tooth, or cutter, works similarly to a wood planer, removing thin shavings of wood. Each chain tooth has a depth adjustment mechanism, commonly called depth gauges, rakers, or drags, which determines the thickness of the shaving.

When operating, feedback from the chain provides crucial information about depth gauge performance. If the chain is sharp and the shaving is thin enough, the chain operates smoothly. However, thicker shavings require more power, potentially causing the chain to grab, chatter, or bog the engine.

Depth gauges are typically set to 0.025 inches (25 thou). Ensuring uniform depth gauge height across all teeth optimizes cutting performance. 

Chains bog or slow down when the energy required to remove wood approaches the engine's power output. Factors contributing to bogging include:

• Too much force provided by the operator
• Depth gauges set too low.
• Using a bar that’s too long for the engine’s power.

Solutions include using full-skip or semi-skip chains, reducing bar length, or sharpening teeth to lower chip thickness.

Kickback is a sudden, forceful recoil that often causes injuries. It occurs when the engine’s force drives teeth and rakers deep into the wood without operator control, particularly at the top quarter of the bar tip. This results in the saw nose escaping the wood and rotating violently toward the operator. Preventive measures include avoiding cutting with the bar’s nose and staying out of the kickback zone. 

The top plate angle impacts cutter performance:

• Flat Top Plate (0 degrees): Durable and ideal for ripping.
• Angled Top Plate: Faster cutting, better for cross-cutting or bucking.

Angled top plates create an inverted “V” at the kerf’s bottom, enabling mid-kerf fiber severing. This reduces the workload on subsequent cutters, increasing efficiency.

The SquareJig is a simple attachment that enables square grinding on universal round chain grinders. It clamps into the grinder’s drive link clamp, requiring no machine modification. Key features include:

• Compatibility with 3/8 and .404 pitch chains.
• Adjustments for precise sharpening angles.
• Use of standard or CBN grinding wheels.

Compatible Grinders

The SquareJig works best with:

• Tecomec Jolly Evo
• Oregon 410-120/410-230

Other grinders may require modifications, and heavy springs in some models can affect useability.

Dressing the wheel with a diamond file serves three purposes:

1. Removes Oil and Metal: Ensures a clean cutting surface, preventing overheating.
2. Defines Corners: Maintains a sharp wheel profile for accurate tooth shaping.
3. Adjusts Cutter Side Plate Angle: Controls feeding characteristics and operator effort.

Tip: Avoid dressing the wheel’s sides as it damages the wheel. Cutting should primarily occur at the wheel’s front.

Tooth length is set by the jig’s clamp. Ensure consistent tooth length by aligning the jig accurately. Flip the chain to sharpen opposite cutters, checking side-plate alignment for uniformity.

The SquareJig is a groundbreaking tool for maintaining square ground chain, offering precision and efficiency. With proper understanding of chain mechanics and geometry, users can achieve the fastest and smoothest cuts in the industry. Manufactured in the USA and patent-pending, the SquareJig stands out as a high-quality, reliable solution for forestry professionals and enthusiasts.

Yes, but it requires dressing one side of the wheel and flipping it. Use a 3/8 wheel for best results.

Square ground cutters have razor-sharp side plates that cut wood fibers more effectively than round cutters.

The Tecomec Jolly Evo and Oregon 410-120 are highly accurate and feature light springs for easy operation.

Full-skip chains have fewer cutters, reducing drag and increasing chain speed. Semi-skip chains balance cutting speed and smoothness. They have more cutters than full- skip and less than full comp. 

The SquareJig and its components are precision-machined in the USA using high-quality materials. This commitment ensures exceptional performance and durability for years to come. As a family-owned business based in the Pacific Northwest, we take pride in serving the chainsaw community with innovative solutions and unparalleled customer service.