Chain sharpening difference?

[dodge man]

I have a Stihl MS250 and a 261. The 261 is a pro saw and noticeably more power than the 250. For whatever reason the 250 chain throws better chips and is sharper. They are both using the green safety chain, I use the same tools to sharpen them but do use the 261 more. It’s not like the 261 is throwing sawdust but there is a difference.

Before I came in the house I checked the rakers on both. If anything the rakers on the 250 are just a tad higher but both look good using the Stihl gauge. I generally sharpen the chains after each tank of fuel. Usually 2 to 3 stroke of the file per tooth. The chain on the 250 is worn more than the 261 but both have a lot of life.

Any ideas?

 

[airbiscuit]

Buy a chisel chain

 

[Dan Hunter]

Are you bringing down the depth gauge or at least checking it between substantive sharpenings? If not, yes, the chain will progressively take less of a bite. I use the size of the chip to determine whether I need to drop the depth gauge.

 

[airbiscuit]

Some on the Arborist site say that a worn chain cuts faster, but there is no real consensus. They do seem to agree that racing chains are ground back pretty far however.

 

[Dan Hunter]

I'll delete this at anyone's request but I believe:

A dull or improperly sharpened chain will run hot.
A hot chain will stretch.
A stretched chain will wear the drive sprocket.
The whole thing gets expensive.

 

[dodge man]

I usually check the rakers every sharpening but not every one, just a few. I may need to check every raker.

 

[airbiscuit]

I took my little top handle chainsaw chain into my dealer for one last sharpening. He h=just shook his head.

 

[ericm979]

Do both saw use the same type of chain? I think they both ship with .325 chain in many markets in the US but not all.

 

[Dan Hunter]

I took my little top handle chainsaw chain into my dealer for one last sharpening. He h=just shook his head.

View attachment 2664554

I'd rather listen to Taylor Swift than look at that.

 

[dodge man]

Do both saw use the same type of chain? I think they both ship with .325 chain in many markets in the US but not all.

Pretty sure yes.