I saw a commercial for this, and I wondered how well it might work

PowerSharp Bar-Mount Chain Sharpening Kit — For 16in. Stihl Chain Saws, Model# 541221 | Bar + Chain Combinations | Northern Tool + Equipment

I have my doubts -- and 72 bucks would buy 12 or so sharpenings. I just think that a good sharpener ( person) can do a better job and minimize wear on the chain.

Anybody?

hj

 

I sharpen my own blade by hand. File cost about $5 I think. I saw that on Ask this Old House. I think that for a quick sharpening in the field it might be okay. But I dont think it will properly sharpen the blade to true sharpness. When you sharpen a blade (either by hand or with a traditional blade sharpener Search results for: 'chainsaw sharpener') You are sharpening more surface area, not just the outer part of the chain.
I have my doubts, especially for that price.

 

Hmmm, I do have a 16" Stihl and sharpen by hand, it would be interesting if member(s) has used one and can provide input. I also have used the setup that mounts on the bar where you can set the file angle and degrees but IMO filing by hand works just as well and takes lot less time; it's the type where the file sets into a metal guide where the degrees and file angle are preset, couple swipes and move to the next tooth.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...7161_200307161

My experience has been that after several 'do it myself' sharpenings the chain needs to be taken to a shop; however, may find purchasing new is not that much more than the cost for resharpening. Anyhow, had an urge to chime in and add my $.02.

 

Looks like a gimmick to me.
When you sharpen by hand, or with a chainsaw grinder, it wears on the inside of the cutter tooth. This looks like it wears something on the outside down. This means the cutter design has to be different, and probably nowhere near as efficient as conventional chains.

I'd have to say its meant for people who use a chainsaw sparingly and don't have a clue how to properly sharpen a chain.

 

12 sharpenings out of one chain would be a miracle(machine). Most of my customers who sharpen their own will lose a bunch of material when I get to it due to a lack of keeping a proper angle when sharpening by hand. If your going to try one make sure you keep a 30 degree angle.
also not too any know to trim the rakers. Usually turns the ave chain into a cutting machine. Their is gauge for doing this too.

 

If you have a Harbor Freight near you, HF has an inexpensive chainsaw sharpener which sharpens pretty good!

FWIW, I sharpen chainsaw blades for each use, with this tool,
because I cannot successfully sharpen a saw blade by hand!
YMMV!