Sharpening new chain

I sharpen it as soon as it starts to get dull.....

But I will touch it up at the end of the day regardless of the number of tanks through it. If it stops throwing big chips before I'm finished for the day, I'll swap chains and then sharpen it later.

When I notice powdery dust with a new chain loop I figure it's lost its edge and needs an appointment with the file. Recently, I put on a new loop to do some noodling. Got the rounds done (and it was still cutting) but that factory-ground edge was gone.

It's easier to sharpen before the cutters become dull. I inspect after every tank of fuel. If she needs a touchup, she'll get it then.

I usually sharpen just before I head out for a load. It's mainly just a tune up.

Once out I don't carry any files.

I've cut two seasons with the same Stihl chain and will be using it come spring.

It depends on the wood. Sometimes it is a couple of tanks or a couple of seconds. As SOON as it quits throwing chips I break out the file. It is so much easier on me and more important the saw. A dull chain puts stress on a lot of saw parts.

I've heard of people sharpening brand new chains but could never figure out why. I've never had a brand new chain that cut bad enough that it needed sharpening immediately. Just touched up 7 chains by hand yesterday. Now if this rainy weather would ever let up. Wife bought me a HF electric sharpener 2 years ago, it's still in the box. I'm waiting to try when I hit a rock or fence wire or something. I hope it's not a lemon out of the box because I know they're not going to take it back after 2 years.

Fifelaker said:

It depends on the wood. Sometimes it is a couple of tanks or a couple of seconds. As SOON as it quits throwing chips I break out the file. It is so much easier on me and more important the saw. A dull chain puts stress on a lot of saw parts.

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I suppose so. I haven't cut any hardwoods do cannot compair.

It's all soft wood here, Larch, Fir, Pines etc.

Basically I can run a chain until the last few cuts before I notice dust. It don't matter by this point. I ALWAYS get a Load. IDE rather mess around with a log for 10 mins ensuring a clean cut than tune a chain in the bush.

Come to think, I don't carry any oil and sometimes no fuel.

I run a 20" 555 and its a Meizer on Fuel & oil.

EDIT: The original Q. Never in a million years would I touch a new chain until it starts so throw dust.

It is so much the type of wood, if there is any dirt in the bark there goes a sharp chain in the blink of an eye.

Like others here, I don't mess with the chain unless there are tell tale signs, such as fine sawdust, higher reving of the saw, or sparks from dirt, etc. I finally bought a log jack and this has greatly reduced how often I sharpen the chain too...keeps the saw from becoming a rototiller too! Lol.

I always keep a eye on the top of the teeth.. If you start to see a brown tinge on the teeth is getting close to done.. Then every 8 sharpens or so I hit the rakers with a flat file

Ash said:

Just curious as to how soon everyone else starts to sharpen a new chain

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I sharpen every time it get's dull

Ash said:

Thanks

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You sharpen before it starts to dull?