I would like to watch someone who really knows how to sharpen. . . I know my chains are good, but they're only that.
I know that this is going to sound all Mr. Miyagi/Zen-like and all. And I am by no means The Master of sawchain sharpening. But my key thought on the issue now is '
intentional'. In order to get the cutters that you want, you have to start by knowing what you want them to look like. Then figure out how to do that. (
OK, light the incense and candles . . . )
We can agree or disagree on 'the best' cutter shape, or 'the right' angles. Whatever. Different people, different wood, different saws, different situations . . . But, once you decide on what it best for you, then you need to figure out how to obtain that.
We can give a file to a monkey (no offense to any monkeys here on A.S.) and he can randomly file, file, file all day - doesn't mean he will end up with a sharp chain. We can give another monkey a grinder, and expect similar results. True with all the jigs, guides, vises, etc. They are tools that can help you, but only if you know what you are trying to achieve.
So, if you look at your cutters and they do not look as smooth (for example) as ones you have seen pictured, how do you make them smoother? Maybe a finer cut file or grinding wheel? Maybe taking more, shallower cuts? Maybe some type of vise to keep the cutters from chattering? Etc. If your angles are not as consistent as other chains, how do you control that? Maybe by focusing on your file stroke, or the way you hold your file, or using some type of guide, etc.? Maybe you just need better lighting to see what you are doing, or need to file at a higher or lower height?
Those are
appearance based changes. If you your chains are already 'good', you probably already really know how to sharpen. If you want to improve
performance, are you looking for faster cutting, larger chips, more durable/longer lasting edges, etc.? Racing chain or work chain? Look at your chains now: if your edges are all intentionally set (e.g. 30* top plate and 10* 'down' angle) you can intentionally vary them, change one or more of the angles at a time, experiment, etc. If you don't know where you are starting from, it is hard to make an intentional change.
If you can decide what you want, then you can work toward achieving that whether you use a file, or a grinder, or a Dremel or . . . Brush Ape's stand works for him, along with his knowledge and intent.
(
Sermon over. Back to our regular programming).
Philbert
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