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[Darwin]

The monsoons / micro burst hate my fast growing desert trees so I went a got my self a Stihl MS170 chainsaw.  It's feels like its time to sharpen the chain and I know nothing about doing that.  I would guess the chain will need resharpening maybe once a year.  I have already cut down the only hardwood tree I have, the rest are soft palo brea trees.  Should I get a sharpening kit and learn, have the chain resharpened by a pro or just buy a new one? I know the answer depends upon several variables, so lets round up and keep this simple.
Thanks.

[Jcorwin818]

For me and my Stihl I have 2 chains so when one needs to be sharpen I just put the sharp one on and take in my dull chain to be sharpened.  It’s not worth the hassle or time to sharpen it myself.

[CaptJerry]

It would take me longer to find my file than stopping in at local auto parts store
will sharpen it while you wait. Been a year or two but it was 3 bucks.

[Bentley]

As you can see, these other 2 gentleman are not cheap screws and their time is worth something...I am, well, lets move on!

I bought this probably 10-15 years ago in Pasadena?  Who would have known you would need a chainsaw in Pasadena.  And I got tired of having to drive 15 miles in LA traffic to find someone who sharpened them and at $8 a pop, that was a one time trip. A new chain was $15 at the time, that was unacceptable!

I now cut a lot of wood, my chains go dull in about 2 weeks.  I also like a VERY sharp chain as I believe it just helps with safety, and I am more of a mayhem person.  Yes it is a cheap product, it cost like $30 when I bought it, and I was surprised to see they had one in Harbor Freight with a few more features at the same price a few days ago. But it works real well!  My chains are to be sharpened at a 25°, so it is easy to set my angle, 17° or 22° or 27° would not be as easy.  (Maybe precise would be a better term)

I believe the experts would use a round file...Sorry that takes hand eye coordination and that is why I was a lineman.

Once a year, all this is probably a moot point for you.  But I thought you might like another option. Alt and the + will make the instructions larger.

[Bentley]

Ohh, and it is real simple to use after a couple of uses you will have the chain sharpened in less then 5 minutes...

[Jcorwin818]

Bentley if I was cutting wood like you I would own one of those and do it myself to.

[Mudflap]

Lots of videos on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CdS4HrNRk4

[Bentley]

I do not want to hurt this guys feeling, but my saw would have cut that in about 3 seconds, not nine...He needs to works on his sharpening!   

[Darwin]

The company i got the saw is just down the street and they are a full service farm machinery Deere /Stink dealer.  I will call them Tuesday to ask about sharpening.  Knowing the cost and the supplied information above should help me find the right answer.
Thanks everyone.   

[Bar-B-Lew]

Unless you are using that chainsaw to cut your brisket or to cut trees to make your own pellets, this type of conversation doesn't belong here.

Bentley is like our resident Cliff Clavin.

[Rolngthun]

 The correct round file and 10 dollar a roller guide with gauge makes quick work of the chain. Oh and a black sharpie so you know where you started.