Chainsaw self sharpening attachments

[beowulf]

An ad for an attachment which is supposed to sharpen the chain teeth simply by running the chainsaw (goes on the end of the bar) popped up today. Intriguing idea, but I am typically suspicious of things that would make things too easy to believe. But, still, it would be nice.

Does anyone have any experience with these? I would post the link to the ad here, but not sure that is permitted. If it is, I will come back and post it.

The cost was only $19.95 so I suppose it is worth a try - as long as it would not make thing worse or harm the saw somehow. Just wondering.

 

[TractorGuy]

It needs to be a complete system. No way one of those cheap stone thingies will sharpen and regular chain properly.

 

[TractorGuy]

Years ago I had a 16" Craftsman with what they called a Barracuda Chain. It had a sharpening stone on a pivoting handle built into the clutch housing. The chain design had the teeth facing upward with a chisel edge. All you had to do to sharpen it was to rev the engine and pull back on the stone handle for a few seconds. Rumor had it that anti kickback safety legislation was the end of the design. It was an awesome little saw I would pit against any saw on the market. I would have probably kept it and rebuilt it forever but parts dried up and became unavailable.

I made a bet with a buddy once I could cut through a 16" log with it before he could with his Husqvarna bow saw. He pushed so hard on his saw trying to keep up his chain jumped about half way through. About that same time I was done. It was one wood eating SOB.

 

[CobyRupert]

It sharpens any regular chain? Not a special chain?
I call B.S.

 

[CowboyRon]

It sharpens any regular chain? Not a special chain?
I call B.S.

The Oregon sharpener, only sharpens the special Oregon chain.

 

[Ortimber]

The Oregon sharpener, only sharpens the special Oregon chain.

Yes, this is correct.

 

[Captain Dirty]

It needs to be a complete system. No way one of those cheap stone thingies will sharpen and regular chain properly.

If something is too good to be true . . .

I quickly Googled "Oregon Powersharp". In addition to the bracket, stone, and special chain one would need a new bar that would accept the device, only available in 14 - 18" lengths. The only chain was 3/8 low profile 0.050 gauge which would likely mean a new sprocket. The fine print says "Compatible with certain models [my emphasis]of the following brands: [extensive list of brands but not models]", elsewhere "Up to 42 cc". I think the $19.95 price is only for the stone, certainly not the chain, bar, etc. My local power equipment shop doesn't sell it.

 

[CowboyRon]

Here's an Oregon chainsaw with the sharpener built in. I don't need a chainsaw right now but I would be interested in one. They also have a battery operated one.
Oregon CS1500 18 in. 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw Amazon.com : Oregon CS15 18 in. 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw : Garden & Outdoor

 

[Jstpssng]

I bought a used Stihl 170 with one of those... I had them swap it out for a real bar and chain. I go through chains quickly enough without having that added expense.

 

[Captain Dirty]

Here's an Oregon chainsaw with the sharpener built in. . . . Oregon CS1500 18 in. 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw Amazon.com : Oregon CS15�� 18 in. 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw : Garden & Outdoor

Stihl's least expensive corded electric chainsaw is around $160; their 15 amp saw (MSE 210) is around $450. The Oregon on Amazon is around $130. If you get what you pay for and you are getting an automatic chain sharpener with the Oregon, how much chainsaw are you getting?