My wife called it "wood dust" and I almost fell out of my chair..... Two slices with the 028 and a freshly sharpened chain on a piece of white oak from the storm tree I cleaned up finally. I was using a 5/32" file but then realized I should have been using the 3/16" on the RS chain. This thing roars. Also picked up an Oregon .025" raker guide and file. I lost my file when I sold the Stihl 2-in-1 to a fellow FHC member recently. I checked the manual and it says to use .65mm for the raker gap = .025". The guide works well on both the Stihl 028 and the Makita XCU03 36v LP 3/8" .043 gauge chain as they both use .025" for the raker gap.
I don't know about you, but I love the feeling of a freshly sharp chain pulling the saw through the wood.
Yes sir! I wish it could just stay sharp like that for longer. With my ppe (chaps, shin guards) I don't usually get stung but I love scooping up and handful of sawdust and getting a nice whiff. Sometimes I get a little too close and end up snorting it. It's very satisfying using a chain you sharpen yourself. I have a buddy who just buys a new chain every time it gets dull. Smh.
I have 4 brand new Stihl 26RS-74 chains and one NOS 26TS-74 chain. That should be good for a while. The chain that came with the old bar was shot....but I'm keeping the old bar as a spare.
I always remember one old saying about the axe. "Before going to the woods to xhop, spend the first hour sharpening it and you'll get more done." That principle goes for saw chains too.
