Chain sharpening difference?

[2manyrocks]

I get good results with the Pferd. Also have the Oregon electric grinder with a CBD wheel which also puts a good edge on the chain. But for convenience and on the spot sharpening, I use the Pferd quite a bit.

 

[BlueKnife]

Any ideas?

Swap the bars and chains and see if the problem follows. It's possible you've got a bowed bar or that the guide rails are spread a bit. Also, throw the green label chains in the garbage and get yellow label.

 

[dodge man]

Both of my saws have 18” bars but the MS261 must have a slightly taller bar because the chain has more teeth.

 

[airbiscuit]

Swap both the bar and chain

 

[Jstpssng]

I served a wood patternmaker apprenticeship at Caterpillar in another life. Sometimes wondering over to the metal side of the shop, the journeymen would really watch a wood guy ;<) and offer help! "Everyone strokes a hack saw and file too fast!" they'd say.

I think of those guys all the time when I file a chain. If I get just a little too fast... it skates. Slow the stroke and you'll hear/feel it chooching better. Easier to keep both sides of the chain consistent too.

What used to drive me nuts when we were sharing files is people who apply pressure on the back stroke. All they accomplish is to dull the file faster.

 

[BlueKnife]

Both of my saws have 18” bars but the MS261 must have a slightly taller bar because the chain has more teeth.

Doesn't matter, as long as the pitch is the same.

 

[dodge man]

I get it now, I guess the bar is different between the MS250 and the MS 261 but if you swap both the bar and chain they would work.

 

[BlueKnife]

I get it now, I guess the bar is different between the MS250 and the MS 261 but if you swap both the bar and chain they would work.

Correct. You'll need to verify, of course, but more than likely they both have .325 pitch sprockets.

 

[dodge man]

Correct. You'll need to verify, of course, but more than likely they both have .325 pitch sprockets.

They do.

 

[dodge man]

I’ll update this thread. To recap my MS250 chain always seems sharper than my MS261. I used the MS261 a couple of days ago and it was cutting so-so and then it started curving as it cut. My normal sharpening technique is about 2 passes per tooth. I did 5 this time, it cut great then.

My conclusion is I use the 261 on larger wood that also in this case was a little dirty. It also has a larger fuel tank so it cuts longer on a tank. I just need to sharpen it more often when I notice it cutting poorly. Not exactly earth shattering news to anyone but I initially thought one saw was cutting better for some other reason. Sometimes I also notice it will be throwing good chips but some saw dust mixed in. I assume that just means some of the teeth are dull.