Author Topic: Oregon PowerSharp  (Read 946 times)

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Offline HMLT360Pro

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Oregon PowerSharp
« on: April 27, 2013, 07:22:11 am »
Hi. Anybody own or have used an Oregon PowerSharp? Thanks! HMLT360Pro
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Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2013, 09:55:10 am »
I tested 2 of their chains. 1 on the powernow system and 1 I put on the PP260.   http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/chainsaws-not-listed/oregon-powernow-battery-powered-trim-chainsaw/msg5358/#msg5358

Offline HMLT360Pro

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2013, 12:20:39 pm »
This seems like a good thing to have while wood cutting... The video looked good... Every time when you tank-up sharpen with it! I will have to try one out! Thanks!
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Offline Philbert

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2013, 11:21:36 pm »
I have tried it on a number of saws: STIHL 021, Dolmar 45(?), Makita UC4000 (electric), and Oregon 40V (battery).  I tried it side-by-side with a new STIHL chain on the 021, and with a couple of other, new Oregon chains on the battery saw.  Have been using it for almost 3 years now on some saws, and cut several cords of wood with it.

Bottom line: it works.  It is actually a fairly aggressive chisel chain, eventhough the bevel is on the top of the tooth.  It is currently available only in 3/8 low profile pitch, and you have to buy the starter kit (bar, chain, stone, cassette) to start out, so that scares some guys off.  But I have seen these kits on sale for as little as $35, and typically selling for under $60. 

After that, replacing the chain and the stone (comes as a kit) is around $26 (assuming that a 'regular' chain costs you $20).  But compare that to the cost of paying someone to sharpen your chain ($7 for one sharpening and you are 'even').  And, as Oregon promotes, the time it takes to take the chain to the dealer, wait, then go pick it up.

So, it you are someone who sharpens your own chains, or if you are really fussy about how they are filed exactly, this system is not for you.  If you (or someone you know) is not really good about filing their chain every couple of tanks, or 'just wants to cut' firewood, storm clean up, etc. It is worth considering.

Philbert

Offline Philbert

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2014, 02:34:46 pm »
PowerSharp Bump (and Opportunity)

I like the PowerSharp system. I understand that it is not for everybody, but I think that a lot of folks who would really benefit from having it on their saws are not aware of it or 'don't get it'. That's a marketing issue for Oregon. Anyway, I have been able to score several PowerSharp starter kits (guide bar/sharpening cassette/chain/stone) and replacement chain/stone kits on clearance for under $20 at several 'big box' retailers. I have seen similar deals on eBay. In Minnesota, we call this 'a heckuva deal'!

So, if you have been curious about PS, or know someone who would benefit from a low maintenance cutting/sharpening solution, this might be a good thing to look for (even to squirrel away for a holiday gift). As some others have noted, even if you decide after trying it that you prefer conventional chain, you still get a guide bar in the deal!

I'm still waiting for the .325 version to come out . . .

Philbert

Offline aclarke

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #5 on: October 03, 2014, 06:01:13 pm »
Does this system sharpen from the outside of the cutter?

Offline Philbert

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2014, 07:21:27 pm »
Does this system sharpen from the outside of the cutter?

Special cutters.  Sharpens the bevel off of the top.  And the top plate is angled, so there is no side bevel - only the top and the corner.  I have used it for several years now on a few saws, and find that it is actually pretty aggressive chain, even when compared side-by-side with similar (3/8, low profile, low kickback) chains.

Philbert

Can't find the good illustrations right now, but if you skip through some of the sales stuff in these videos, there is also some detail information on how they work:




Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2014, 07:29:19 pm »
Adam I got some close pics of the chain somewhere. Still digging. http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/cordless-battery-ope-corded-electric/oregon-powernow-battery-powered-trim-chainsaw/msg33343/#msg33343

Yep in above thread were pics. Sharpens from on top.







Offline aclarke

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2014, 09:31:58 pm »
Kevin, than you.  Was trying to visualize standard chain getting ground from the outside and didn't get it!   That chain looks quite interesting.   Lots of futile attempt at "autosharp" over the years, looks like Oregon got it right...

Offline Philbert

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Re: Oregon PowerSharp
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2014, 10:00:02 pm »
I had an earlier version in the late 80's - also known as 'barracuda chain'.  It came built into a Sears electric saw.  It worked for a while.  Then I learned about 'real chain' from the local STIHL dealer, who could barely control his contempt for the self-sharpening stuff.

Fast forward a bunch of years and Oregon released this updated version - same concept (sharpen a bevel on the top of the top plate), but totally different tooth shape/design.  The 2 systems are not compatible.  I was skeptical, but open minded enough to give it a try, and was impressed. Have cut more than 2 full cords of mixed oak, maple, ash, and misc. wood with it.

Downsides include: you can only use the default angles (only a problem if you want to customize); the chain is more expensive to buy, compared to conventional chain; the odd cutter shape makes it harder to break/spin using conventional tools and anvils (only sold in loops - not by the roll) so repairs or re-sizing is tricky; you have to start with a 'starter kit' (guide bar, sharpening cassette, chain, stone).

Upsides include: it cuts really well; sharpening is really fast (less than a minute, total, including mounting and removing the sharpening cassette); no down time for swapping chains, setting up a stump vise, walking back to your truck, etc.); the extra cost is more than covered if you pay to have your chains sharpened; etc.

If you intentionally drive the chain into concrete just 'to test it' (very hard to resist!), it will not last as long as conventional chain.  If you treat it like conventional chain, and try to keep it out of the dirt, away from stones, etc., it will last as long.

So guys who are really fussy about hand filing their chains, and driving manual transmissions, probably won't like it.  Guys who just want their saws to cut, and especially those who are not satisfied with their own sharpening ability, or who pay others to sharpen their chains, probably will like it.

I think that it is a good option to have.  I especially like it on my corded electric saw that I use mostly at home: it is my 'low maintenance combination'.  It comes standard on the Oregon 40 volt battery saw, that has a built in sharpener for it (but you can still run conventional chain if you want).

I really expected to see this offered on Craftsman saws, because Sears is always into features.  But Efco was the only company I saw offering it as an OEM option (cheaper because you don't have to buy the new guide bar).

Philbert

 

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