Month: <span>March 2025</span>

March 6, 2025

A dull .404 pitch, .063 gauge saw chain can grind your work to a halt, but keeping it sharp doesn’t have to be a chore. The Oregon 520-120 bench-mounted grinder—trusted by pros and backed by our precision engineering—makes it fast and simple. Here’s the best method to sharpen your chain like a pro, every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Grinder

Mount your Oregon 520-120 securely to a bench with its two bolts for stability. Check the 4.7mm grinding wheel (designed for .404 pitch chains). Dress it with the included brick if it’s uneven—smooth wheels ensure clean sharpening. Set the motor to its one-way rotation (3400 RPM) for safety.

Step 2: Set Up the Chain

Clamp your .404 pitch, .063 gauge chain in the self-centering vise. Adjust the vise angle to 30° (standard for .404 pitch)—the 520-120’s clear markings make it easy. Slide the chain so the first cutter aligns with the wheel, then lock it tight for precision.

Step 3: Dial In the Angles

Tilt the grinder head to a 60° top plate angle (typical for .404 pitch)—check your chain’s specs; 55° suits some cuts. Lower the wheel until it just touches the cutter’s edge. Set the depth stop to remove 0.02-0.03 inches per pass—less is more for chain longevity.

Step 4: Grind with Care

Start the grinder and ease the wheel into the cutter. Grind until you see a shiny, even edge—about 3-5 seconds. Move to the next cutter, alternating sides (left, right) for balance. The built-in light helps you catch any flaws. Repeat for all cutters.

Step 5: Finish with Depth Gauges

Switch to the 6.0mm flat wheel. Set the vise to 0° and lower each depth gauge (raker) to 0.025 inches below the cutter height—use the 520-120’s template for accuracy. This keeps your chain cutting smoothly.

Why Choose the 520-120

The Oregon 520-120 is a pro-grade tool. Its 300W motor powers through .404 pitch chains effortlessly, and the adjustable vise nails every angle. One user said it slashed sharpening time by 20% over hand-filing. Keep your chain at peak performance—contact us for a demo or order yours today!

March 6, 2025

The news hit hard this week: as of March 4, 2025, the Trump administration slapped a 25% tariff on Canadian lumber, piling onto the existing 14.54% duties. For wholesalers like you, that’s a potential 39.5% price hike on the softwood you rely on to supply contractors. The fear is real—higher costs, tighter margins, and anxious customers demanding precut studs on time. But here’s the good news: our precision chain saws such as the L-M Verticut 2000 are built to help you turn this tariff mess into an opportunity.

Canada supplies nearly a third of U.S. lumber, and with costs spiking, domestic sawmills are gearing up to fill the gap. That means more domestic mill length stock coming your way, needing fast, accurate trimming to stud lengths like 2x4s or 2x6s. Our chain saws deliver exactly that—clean cuts, minimal waste, and speed that keeps your operation humming. One Northwest wholesaler told us they cut labor time by 15% last year with our machines, even under pressure. Tariffs might raise lumber prices, but our saws help you keep your bottom line intact.

Worried about demand dropping if housing slows? It’s a valid concern with mortgage rates near 7%. But contractors still need precut lumber to stay efficient, and our Yard Saws, Deck Saws, and Verticut 2000 saws let you deliver it faster and cheaper than the competition. Plus, as domestic mills ramp up—potentially adding 1-2 billion board feet annually—your ability to process that stock profitably could set you apart. Our precision cross cut chain saws aren’t just tools; they’re your edge in a tariff-shaken market.

Don’t let the tariff storm sink your business. Contact us today for a demo and see how our precision chain saws can trim your worries—and your lumber—down to size.