Automatically In Love: The Dinasaw TREX Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

In the Logging and Tree Service Industry, the chainsaw has stood as the cornerstone of operations for about 100 years. Reducing the labor and time to fell trees, trim branches, and shape timber, it quickly became an indispensable tool. However, its effectiveness, usefulness, and how well it cuts, ultimately hinges on the sharpness of its chain. Enter the slue of chainsaw sharpening methods, tools, and schools of thought on the best ways to do it. However there have not been any major innovations, until now.

The TREX Automatic Chainsaw Chain Sharpener from Dinasaw®, a device engineered to streamline the sharpening process with precision, efficiency, and value, has forever changed how we maintain our chainsaw chains. In this review, we dive into its features, performance, and overall value; as well as share your experience with this machine for the last 5 years to give our honest “two cents” to help you decide if this chainsaw sharpener would work for you.

INTRODUCTION:

After scouring the web for weeks looking for something that would speed up our chainsaw chain sharpening, we found a small forum where someone mentioned a little company located in Australia who had created a machine that after a few adjustments, would automatically sharpen any style and size chainsaw chain, hands free. We quickly reached out to Dinasaw® and ordered a TREX.

SET UP and FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Navigating the intricacies of chainsaw sharpening can be daunting for novices and often still difficult for even seasoned professionals, so an ideal machine would need to be easy to operate and have simple instructions. And this is where the TREX hit a bump for us. At the time, almost half decade ago, Dinasaw® had not made the manuals very user friendly, this has since been addressed with the company under new ownership, we found the TREX a bit tricky to fine tune and operate. Resulting in some trial and error, that cost us a chain or two, but we were determined to get this rig up and running. Casey, being the wizard that he is, soon had the machine full in command, flying through the piles of chainsaw chains with ease.

PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES:

After a short time what we found that what truly sets the Dinasaw® TREX apart is in its consistency and that is allows the operator to double their productivity. This is possible because the cutter head and chain feed are all operated by electric motors and precision gearing to keep all movements stay consistent and predictable. The adjustable settings allow users to tailor the sharpening process to their specific chain requirements, accommodating various chain types and sizes. Moreover, with efficiency at the core of its functionality, this sharpener is equipped with magnetic sensors that indicate the chain position, giving the TREX a precise stopping point for sharpening. This means it will stop at a set given point so you don’t have to “babysit” to ensure it sharpens properly or stops when it it supposed to. Freeing you up to prepare the next chain or do any other task you have on your list simultaneously. One of the more noteworthy features is the speed at which a chain can be sharpened. We found the TREX lives up to the estimated 30 teeth per minute with a slight time variance between our pico chains and the 3/8” chains on our larger saws. All things being equal, a chain being sharpened in less than 90 secs hands free is pretty great. The TREX will grind raker down to proper depth but on a different sharpening cycle.

VERSATILITY:

Recognizing the diverse needs of users, the TREX Chainsaw Chain Sharpener caters to a wide array of chainsaw models and configurations. From low-profile chains to full-chisel variants, it accommodates diverse chain pitches and angles, ensuring compatibility across different brands and applications. With sharpening capabilities ranging from small arborists chains to 3/4” processor chains the versatility renders it a valuable asset for almost all tree professionals. We find it’s best to sharpen your chains in batches by size to reduce the time in-between for adjustments. This sharpener is also equipped with the ability to choose between different voltage settings, 110v as well as 220v for shop usage and even 12V portable power capability. The idea of being able to take the TREX into the field and power it with a car battery is a feature, as far as we know, unique to Dinasaw® machines making it even more useful than it competitors. Hands free chain chain sharpening, anywhere? YES PLEASE!

VERDICT:

While the Dinasaw TREX Chainsaw Chain Sharpener commands a premium price tag, around the $5,000 mark, its ability to compound the effort and productivity of its operator as well as portability, for us are enough reasons justify the investment. By streamlining the sharpening process and enhancing consistency, it ultimately prolongs the lifespan of chainsaw chains, saving both time and money in the long run. For those prioritizing efficiency and precision, the TREX proves to be a worthy addition to their arsenal of tools. In a landscape inundated with chainsaw chain sharpeners, the Dinasaw TREX distinguishes itself as a standout performer. Its blend of automation, efficiency, and portability makes it a compelling choice for logging professionals, arborists, and DIY enthusiasts alike. While its initial cost may give some pause, the TREX’s unmatched performance and long-term value make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to optimize their chainsaw maintenance regimen.

Sidenote: * We will be posting another article about the specialized grinding wheel created by Dinasaw® that have allowed us to sharpen all of our chainsaw chains for our tree service for almost 5 years on a single grinding wheel! So be sure to subscribe below to our newsletter for new articles coming soon.

More information: the Dinasaw® TREX Automatic Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

For our video review and demo click the image below!