Chainsaw Repair

As some of you are aware, in 1965 Oregon released a chain called Topsharp that ultimately failed. (a.k.a. Barracuda) This was mainly due the stone being shaped by the cutters and OEMS doing a poor job of implementing the sharpening system into their saws.  The new PowerSharp on the market today has been re-engineered to correct the mistakes made in the older version.

We currently have two applications for PowerSharp on the market.  One is the system built into the PowerNow CS250 Chainsaw and the other is an aftermarket setup for gas saws.  The aftermarket kit includes a bar, sharpener, stone, and a chain.  The 2 systems are the same except the way it is applied to the saw.  PowerSharp on the CS250 is applied with a lever built into the saw and the gas version has a spring loaded sharpener that is attached to the bar and depressed against a solid object.  PowerSharp sharpens from the top down just like the old Topsharp.  As the chain is passing through the stone it is performing 3 functions.  It is sharpening the cutters, setting the depth gauges, and dressing the stone.  The cutters and depth gauges are able to be ground at different lengths because we are sharpening on a radius.  The stone is being dressed by a diamond coated link (the only gold colored link) that makes sure the stone is always the correct shape to properly grind the cutters throughout the life of the chain.  If performed at the proper intervals (3-5 seconds), there is no danger of overheating and annealing the cutters. The system on the CS250 averages 10-20 and the gas saw averages 5-15 sharpenings per chain/stone (Difference due to chain RPM).  The chain and stone are designed to wear out at the same time and come together as a replacement kit.  As a design benefit, PowerSharp maintains it's edge 2-3 times longer than traditional chain because the chrome is laid on the underside of the cutter.  This was needed because the cutter is being ground on the top.  When traditional cutters force themselves through wood the chrome is constantly under pressure to peel back and off due to friction.  With PowerSharp the chrome wraps around the nose of the cutting edge and "holds on" to the cutter longer resulting in a harder edge which leads to better performance.

I perform demo's all the time by dulling the chain on concrete then re-sharpening to cut wood again.  I've even done side by side tests with used railroad ties.  The PowerSharp maintained it's edge on average twice as long as traditional chain in the gravel infused wood (lots of sparks while cutting).  I was able to perform a 3-5 second sharpening and I was on my way again.  With the traditional chain I had to stop and change out the loop.  It really does work.  I encourage you to visit the PowerSharp website to view the components I mentioned.  It may help you visualize the process. www.powersharp.com

I hope I actually provided some insight rather than just confusing folks...

Luke