How do I determine which degree to use?
Is that specific to just oregon chains? And how do i determine depth gauge? Does it have something to do with the number on the chain?
Welcome to A.S.!
1. For most chains, the manufacturer's recommended filing angles, depth gauge settings, etc., are printed on the boxes that the chains came in, on a piece of paper packed with the chains, or are posted on the manufacturer's website. The numbers stamped on the chains
sometimes specify these settings, but
usually refer to the manufacturer's model number for that chain. For example, the chart that Ozhoo posted above, shows numbers stamped on Oregon drive links. Figure out if the chain you have is made by STIHL, Oregon, Carlton, Archer (stamped on the chain), or TriLink ('000'), then look for their website. Some chains do not identify the manufacturer, or have the name of the saw company stamped on them.
2. If you don't know, or cannot figure out which chain you have, you can use the 'default' angles that most shops will use when sharpening chains that customers bring in: 30° / 60° / 0°, with a 0.025" depth gauge offset. File sizes are
usually 5/32" for 1/4 inch and 3/8 low profile pitch chains; 3/16" for .325 pitch chains; and 7/32" for full size 3/8 pitch chains.
3. One of the advantages of filing / sharpening your own chains is that you can do what you want. E.g., you may find that different angles (e.g. 25° or 35°) work better for certain species of wood, or even different saws, due to their power output. If you don't know, start with the default. If you want to experiment, try changing some of the specs (angles, depth gauge settings, file diameter, etc.) and see if it makes a difference in
your cutting, with
your saws, and the wood
you cut. This is easiest if you have a few chains, sharpened differently, that you can swap out and try side-by-side. Some guys even keep different chains for different types of wood or cutting (e.g. hard wood, soft wood, frozen wood, . . . ).
Good luck, and don't forget to report back!
Philbert