Does Depth Gauge Get Worn Down?

When I use my depth gauge to file down the rakers on my chainsaw chain, the file of course rubs the gauge itself. I'm assuming that the metal of the gauge is sufficiently hard that I don't need to worry about it getting worn down. Right?

File THEN check it with depth gauge...don't file with depth gauge on the chain.

Check it, remove the gauge, check it again.

Remember, you need a progressive depth gauge (like the carlton file o plate)........ the ones from stihl and oregon are virtually worthless after the first filing or two as they are not progressive as the tooth length decreases.

edit: The stihl one is great for cleaning the bar groove of debri.

Round the rakers not flatten them.........

Not to get off topic, but......I've been thinking about an electric grinding wheel. Videos show touching up the rakers with the wheel at 90deg - makes sense. But....do you have to go back and round the front of the rakers by hand? Cheers!

I just started doing this and I have not gone back and rounded the front....... the chain cut very well.

I dont use the wheel for rakers.

The idea is to "dress" the 1/4" grinding wheel (thicker than what you'd use for the cutters on just about any chain) to shape the rakers.

We had a dedicated grinder for rakers when I worked for a dealer, was faster than changing the setup of the main grinder. The 2nd grinder doesn't have to be fancy either.

That makes a lot of sense - so.....you wear the wheel to the shape of the raker - good info. Thanks Hittin and Smokin too!

Cheers!

flat rakers on long bars will give you bad elbow!

Thanks, that makes sense, but I've been basing my filing on this excellent video from Stihl, which shows filing with the gauge in place (see 27:41):



It's also done that way in this video:



and this one:




I first file them flat with the gauge, and then go back and round the leading edge (see 26:23).

Just saw this video of how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with an Oregon grinder. Must say, it is one of the best ones I have seen so far.

^^^^^^
They filed the depth gauges with the gauge in place (at 4:25) :-(

There is no reason you can't do that. Plan on replacing the tool occasionally. They are pretty inexpensive.