[AT] Chain saw sharpening

[Spencer Yost]

I used to work for the forest service (as a teenager) and our work leaders were yoga masters in sharpening.  But alas, I was a teenager and didn't pay close attention.   I fortunately married a woman whose father was good at sharpening too.  

Between the time of the yoga masters and father-in-law I was inept at sharpening and tried every gadget and device under the sun.  Bottom line is if you can't sharpen with just a file, You can't sharpen with this year's super gadget", dremel, guide,etc.  

Here is what i finally learned from them:  Great sharpening is all frequency and consistency.  Those are learned through practice and patience.   

I used to stink at this because I have alway stunk at things that can't be a acquired without cleverness, brute strength and speed.   Marriage and chain sharpening taught me to appreciate the role of zen in my life.  

I swear:  You don't need a guide or electricity.   I don't use a handle either because I like to feel how the file is cutting.

Like the others mentioned too:  Do it  every tank of fuel.

As was also mentioned before; Don't sharpen a damaged chain though.  Give that to a professional (or just buy a new one as I do).

Hope this helps, 

Spencer

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 31, 2012, at 21:49, "Dick Day" <ddss at telebeep.com> wrote:

> Greetings.
> 
> I can get the chain sharpened locally for $18.  I've seen manual file sets that mount on the bar and allow you to sharpen the chain. I've also seen electric, both 12-volt and 110.   The reviews I've read about the electric ones are quick to point out that the cheap ones don't last. I cannot justify $150 and up for a decent one, so I figured I would try my hand at manual sharpening.
> 
> I have an 18" electric Worx chain saw and love it.  The specifics of the chain are gauge=.05  length=18"  links=63  pitch=3/8"
> 
> Can anyone suggest what I should get to sharpen the chain?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Dick Day
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at