Stihl USG Offset grinding the next level in chainsaw grinders

We look at 4 grinders and see how offset grinding works on each grinder.

Offset grinding is simply grinding away from the centre line of the grinding wheel.

If both sides of the chain are ground identical with offset grinding then the chain left and right cutters will be ground uniform in shape and length.

The method of offset grinding is used in 10° downward tilt where the chain is ground higher up the wheel away from the center line.

10° downward tilt on a grinder will thin out the working corner with a reduced C type shape
( no hook )

The newer chainsaw grinders have slideable vices that enable 10° tilt.

Another function of the sliding vice is you can easily make a wheel alignment so the grinding wheel center line, is lined up with the chain rails on the movable top plate vice.

The Stihl USG grinder takes offset grinding to another level and is much better setup for a more uniform offset grinding for all chains semi and full chisel chains.

The grinder once set up will grind uniform with offset grinding even when the grinding wheel wears and gets smaller.

The offset grinding will ensure both left and right cutter are ground uniformly.

As the grinding wheel wears down the grinding wheel, will grind away from the center line and grind up the the wheel away from the center line a few degrees, This is where it will no longer grind 100% uniform on both sides. The more the wheel wears down the error is greater.

By making the grinder grind offset, away from the center line on both sides will minimise the center line error.

This can be achieved in the design of the grinder. This is why the Stihl USG grinder uses -15/+15 on the B scale on the vice.
Also 17mm offset on the C scale pivot point will give offset grinding evenly for both cutters.