I was always the one who would drop off my chains at the local dealer to be sharpened. They set the machine up, chuck the chain and hit the button, automatically. I would pay 6 dollars to Sharpen one chain. On occasion I would pick up a chain and find out it's just not cutting correctly or the way I want it to cut. Take the chain off and look at it knowing it's not cut correctly. So, I find out the depth gauges are inconsistent. How? I really don't know why after having them sharpened at the dealer. They have boxes of them waiting to be cut for customers. I started reading more about sharpening and gaining more knowledge through manufacturers websites and yes , you tube. Talked to a few people and they told me about buying a chainsaw chain sharpener from harbor freight. 29.99. I laughed and asked how well does it work? Shopped around and priced them, read reviews. Some units can go up to 200 dollars. Do I want to spend that much? Maybe if I had a shop. So, what do I do? Downloaded a coupon from harbor freight 20 percent off, go and pick one up to give it a try. Honestly, for the price you can't go wrong for 20 dollars. Bought my own depth gauge and saved myself money and eliminated guessing if my chains were sharpened correctly. Honestly, I am very happy. A little hand filling and now my chains are throwing good wood chips. It's like a science.
A "professional" saw sharpening should include setting your depth gauge. As much wood as I cut, I'd be broke at $6 a pop. I used a 12 V sharpener for a while, for me, it's just as easy to use a file, especially when I'm in the woods. I give the chain a few stokes every couple tanks of gas. That way it's always sharp, until it decides to become a divining rod for rocks.
A "professional" saw sharpening should include setting your depth gauge. As much wood as I cut, I'd be broke at $6 a pop. I used a 12 V sharpener for a while, for me, it's just as easy to use a file, especially when I'm in the woods. I give the chain a few stokes every couple tanks of gas. That way it's always sharp, until it decides to become a divining rod for rocks.
Yeah, I agree. I cut quite a bit too. I got sick of dropping chains off, plus the gas wasted to get there. I'm happy with what I got. Maybe in the near future I will get something better.
I use a Harbor Freight sharpener and I've sharpened maybe 100, paid for itself. Still need to file down the rakes to the gauge, it only sharpens.
Rebuilt the 028 Stihl Carb and tuned it today then cut down a small tree today.
Yep, faster, cheaper and way more convenient to do it yourself. lol Especially now that we (NY) shut down everything that isn't essential, you learn to get by with what you have.
