Chainsaw Repair

New style (top photos) and Old style (bottom photo) PowerSharp chains.  Both cut left to right in these photos.

Notice the difference in the tooth shape/geometry, and the prominent, dual depth gauges (rakers) on the new chain which help to align it to the curved sharpening stone.  The new version also has a diamond grit link (gold color) to dress the stone with each pass.  The stone also adjusts the depth gauges.  The shape of the cutters, the curve of the bar tip, and the shape of the stone have to all match precisely for this to work, which is why they require you to use their bar in the starter kit.

Philbert

I think I have a video of it on a 35cc or 40cc poulan.  Back to back testing in spruce.   Let me dig.

I was using the best 3/8LP offered at the time stihl 63PS3.  So if the new loop of that powersharp was even close that says something. I cant remember. 

I did cut a brick with powersharp chain and touched up in few seconds and kept cutting.  Couldnt say that about regular chain.

A few years back I tested a used, sharpened, PS chain side by side with new loops of Oregon 91VG and 91PX on the Oregon 40V battery powered saw.  These loops were comparable, conventional chain: all Oregon, 3/8 inch low profile, .050 gauge, low-kickback chains.  Cutting cookies from a 5 inch knotty, box elder trunk that had been down for a while.

Subjectively, the PS chain was a couple of seconds faster in each cut.  Of course, this was subjective, and changing any of the variables could affect results.  I was also not comparing it against STIHL PS3 chain (I don't think it was available then?).  But it is not 'wimpy' chain, despite the 'automatic sharpening' feature.

I have also noodled with it, and cut through some gnarly crotch sections with it, with good results.

Even though I am comfortable grinding and filing, etc., I have no problem using this chain, and would recommend it to anyone who is not good at, or who does not like to sharpen on their own.  That's why I think it could be a good gift for a friend or relative that is an occasional saw user, or just not that good at filing.

I would look forward to trying the .325 version.

Philbert

I to felt this would be a great set up for homeowners etc that dont have a clue on doing their own chains.

Or guys that just don't want to!

Philbert

-I have in inventory new #12741 Oregon top file guides.  Also Oregon #84, 85,87 chain.  Are these numbers what you relate to in your thread?

I think that those file guides were for the 'old' PowerSharp chain. They absolutely do not work with the 'new', current PowerSharp chain which has a different shaped cutter.

I was told that on the old PowerSharp chains, top filing could occasionally be done to 'true up' the cutters.  On the new chain, the diamond dressing link trues up the stone, which keeps the cutters true.

BTW - Apparently, the old PowerSharp chain was available in many different pitches. The '84', '85', and '87' chains were some of the different pitches available, I believe?

Philbert