In reply to carguy123 :
It takes a max of 2 minutes to sharpen using the stihl tool. There are videos on youtube on how to use it, it will take longer to watch the video then it will to sharpen.
I touch mine up frequently and it is very noticeable when it is sharp. I have never had a chain stretch out of adjustment range but I don't do that much cutting.
^ Yea that. If your chain has never been sharpened and you've cut for more than a handful of hours, it's dull enough for a touch-up. Dull chains run hot and grab more causing them to stretch. Inadequate oiling will only compound the issue, making even a sharp chain run hot, which means it won't be sharp for long.
Run your finger over the cutting edge of the chain, especially the leading point - does it dig into your fingertip? Like 'cut you' dig into your fingertip?
Put a piece of paper on the ground and point the end of the bar at it. Spin the chain up a few inches away. Is your chain throwing oil on the paper?
What do your chips look like when you're cutting?
Find any guy who runs a saw for a living and ask him if he's got a chain file or spare sharp chains in his box. I'd bet you a paycheck he does.
On the subject of "sharp for life" chains, do you ever sharpen the blades on your lawn mower? I know the ones on my mower are much beefier than the cutting edge of a chain, and the hardest thing they cut are buckhorns, yet I still have to sharpen them every few mows.
KyAllroad (Jeremy) (Forum Supporter) said:In reply to carguy123 :
Again, I've spent a LOT of time swinging a chainsaw. The only time the chain ever stretched was when the oiler wasn't working.
Agree x10. As I said earlier, I cut 5 full cords a year, for the last 25 years, and have never had a chain stretch. There's something wrong here if it's stretching that quickly.
In reply to KyAllroad (Jeremy) (Forum Supporter) :
Getting plenty of oil and since it's happened on at least 4 other chain saws the same way I've got to think that's a norm for our area (wood, size & type of saw, etc)
Mine is a 16" and they were using 2 14" and 2 18"
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