Gang,
Here's a general question. How sharp can you get your chains using only a hand file and raker depth guide? The reason I ask is that I recently scrounged an Irene-downed 30-inch oak trunk, and had put a new chain on my MS441 before going at it. The saw went through the tree like cr@p through a goose. When the chain dulls, I have the right size files and do my best to use the correct angle, same number of strokes per tooth, etc, but just can't get them back to "like new" sharpness. I have a Dremel attachment but those things get very mixed reviews. If I gotta take them in for a professional sharpening, so be it, what can you guys do with hand files? Am I doing something wrong, or is a hand file just not up to the task of a bench sharpener? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Here's a general question. How sharp can you get your chains using only a hand file and raker depth guide? The reason I ask is that I recently scrounged an Irene-downed 30-inch oak trunk, and had put a new chain on my MS441 before going at it. The saw went through the tree like cr@p through a goose. When the chain dulls, I have the right size files and do my best to use the correct angle, same number of strokes per tooth, etc, but just can't get them back to "like new" sharpness. I have a Dremel attachment but those things get very mixed reviews. If I gotta take them in for a professional sharpening, so be it, what can you guys do with hand files? Am I doing something wrong, or is a hand file just not up to the task of a bench sharpener? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.