Oregon 23736A Professional Chain Saw Bar-Mount Filing Guide

Comment: I have used oregon chains and bars for years. They have always tended to be of average or better quality. I was quite supprised that Oregon would allow their name of such a poorly engineered and shoddy product. When the guide is set up exactly as per instructions, the chain guide will not allow the chain to pass through the clamps. Had I bought this thing locally, it would have gone back the next day. Rather than go through all the return hassels through Amazon, I just decided to chalk it up to experience and eat it. I have decided that it is better to just pay a little more and buy some things locally than to buy from Amazon, sigh unseen and end up with a useless peice of crap. Save your $40 and just buy a plain old round file and hand guide. You will do a better job of sharpening and save some money too.

Comment: I had the consumer version of this which looks about the same but had more plastic parts. Before using it, make sure your chain is tight. You still have to push the chain with one finger to keep it straight against the force of the file and you still have to adjust the filing guide manually to the correct height which requires some judgement. You still need a flat file and depth gauge for lowering the rakers. It works as designed but the operation isn't complete or automatic. If you get the height correct and keep the chain straight with your finger, you will have a sharp chain.

Comment: I found this sharpener awkward to use. The clamp for the chain has to be aligned exactly above the rivets in the chain and made very tight. If not careful the file files the clamp instead of the chain and prior to tightening the clamp it is too loose. The clamp needs to be redesigned to hold the chain and not interfere with the file. After filing each tooth I found that I had to free the sharpener and move it to the next tooth. I will say that once aligned and used to sharpen the chain it does a much better job than with just a file alone. The directions that come with the sharpener are useless. I have a Stihl and the directions didn't even cover my chain.

Comment: It works fine and I'm glad to have it. Unfortunately, it was missing two thumbscrews when it arrived. I was able to find substutes but I had to go to the hardware store. Spending an extra dollar is annoying, but having to go get the parts that should have been included was really annoying.

Comment: excellent product! I have been using my original model for 5 yrs now and have always had the complant that it is a little flimsy when filing and the professional model is awesome. no flex at all. much better than lightweight model. take it from a landscaper. well worth it if you are wanting to sharpen your own chains. instructions are fairly easy to follow even for a beginner. oregon has an excellent website also that helps. If you take your time and learn how to use this tool properly you will be pleased with the cut!