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Quick Way To Sharpen Chainsaws
I was skeptical about the new PowerSharp chainsaw sharpening system, by Blount Inc. I cut a lot of firewood and I've been a chainsaw carver for many years, so I am pretty fast at sharpening chains. But, after trying this sharpener out for FARM SHOW, I have to admit I am impressed.
  PowerSharp comes as a package with a bar, chain and the sharpener. The top-cutting chain is very sharp and great for cutting firewood. I cut frozen oak, poplar and basswood blocks on a 10-degree day. I compared it to a standard chain on my MS 210 Stihl, and cutting time was comparable. The PowerSharp chain is aggressive. I noticed that it really grabbed hard in brush and twigs, so it's important to hang on tight.
  The sharpener is easy to use. Just clamp it on the end of the bar. Start the saw. Press the foot of the sharpener against something solid, run the saw for 3 to 5 sec., and the chain is as sharp as when it was new.
  PowerSharp has a diamond-coated dresser link (gold in color) to resurface the sharpening stone for perfect contact every time the sharpener is used. The chain and stone are designed to wear out at the same time.
  The PowerSharp kit sells for $79, including the bar, chain and sharpener. Replacement chains and stones run about $35. Depending how you use it and what you are cutting, the chain can be sharpened 5 to 15 times, according to PowerSharp, so that's a good deal for people who pay as much as $10 to have chains sharpened.
  This system is perfect for occasional chainsaw users, and even though I can sharpen my own, I like the convenience and speed of using the sharpener. Right now, PowerSharp is only available for 14 to 18-in. bars but may be available for larger saws in the future.
  I also tried carving with the PowerSharp chain. The cuts weren't as smooth as a standard chain, but the rough detail marks it left didn't look half bad. Plus, it's nice to know that if I do hit sand, dirt or a foreign object in a block of wood, I can sharpen my saw in seconds and get right back to work.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Blount, Inc., P.O. Box 22127, Portland, Ore. 97269 (ph 800 223-5168; www.powersharp.com)


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2011 - Volume #35, Issue #1