a sharp chain!

[PILOON]

While I have the 'Harbor' style sharpener I fount it a bit to sloppy as it wants to take varied cuts. Also missing some adjustments that should be there. OK for a really beat up chain as it saves a lot of wrist action.

I get best results by 'touching up' my chain with a light stroke every second tank filling or so.
Also the rakers want an occasional touch up for happy cutting.

I have at times had access to the professional sharpener and that is a real joy to use as it sets all the angles 'just right'.

 

[TomSeller]

I feel I gain quite a bit using my Oregon 511 sharpener with CBN wheels. I couldn't file two teeth at the same angle if I had to.

 

[prs]

PRS what you write makes sense,,,,, in theory. I understand what you are saying if it was machinery, or a motorcycle, bicycle.

Still,,,,, in practice, I have never changed a cog on my chainsaws, and never had trouble tightening a chain, never noticed chain stretch. As far as I can tell ,,,,, and running on old cogs, my chains have are worn out when there's no longer enough "tooth" to be sharpened, not stretch.

Maybe I'm not paying attention. I dont cut wood for a living probably bought about 10 chains (&zero cogs) in my lifetime. And I run a chain to the bitter end so maybe the normal guy woulda bought more chains.

Interesting. I guess its just the way I was taught as a young'n. Three chains worn-out, get a new cog. It was my idea to go ahead and buy all three chains at once and rotate. By the time all three chains are down to the nubs, the cog will be deeply rutted by the drive links. Put a new chain in it and it will run rough as a WV dirt road. I do not think it is wasteful at all, those three chains will last a LONG time, even in our hard wood trees where one needs to touch-up the cutters every tank of fuel or two. The maybe 10 chains you have worn-out, all on same saw or cog? Wow.

prs

 

[prs]

A sharp chain is easier on the saw, easier on the gas, and easier on the operator. I did not use to worry so much about that last factor, but age has a way of changing minds. lol

If using a file, like I do, keeping it clean is a bit advantage. WD40 or mineral spirits is good for cleaning the dirt and metal filings out of the file, using a cutting oil on the file like Brownelles' Do Drill makes the file cut fast and stay clean -- just a little stinky.

prs