Howellhandmade, I see the skepticism for the effectiveness of the PowerSharp® sharpener revolves around understanding the raker can be at the same height as the cutting edge when going around the bar nose and yet be lower than the cutting edge on the flat of the bar rails.
The best way to understand it is to see it. The figure is from an old patent on top sharp chains that I’ve modified to help explain.
The curved line #171 represents the sharpening stone radius as the cutter is sharpened while is rounds the bar nose.
Notice the top of the cutting edge #130 and the top of the raker #148 are both on the sharpening stone #171. Both get ground down the same amount as the chain is pushed into the stone.
I’ve added a horizontal red line from the top of the raker towards the cutting edge. The horizontal red line shows how much lower the raker is than the cutting edge when the cutter is on the flat of the bar rail. The specialized cutter design allows for this effect. I hope this helps clear up the skepticism about sharpening on the bar nose and having an effective cutting chain.
Dingeryote, Shoving a regular chain into the sharpener was a big concern for us. To reduce that problem we pack the chain and stone together. There is no stone in the sharpener until the user opens the stone and chain pack.
Fish, the product is coming to the OREGON® servicing dealer group first. I don’t know what pricing will be. Nothing has been announced regarding other sales avenues.