I usually give here a few licks with a file everytime I'm done cutting. Most of the time I never cut more than a tankful at a time so this works for me. Also lets me keep track on how the chain is holding up. I find I enjoy sharpening now that I have a clue on how to go about it.

Good advice. Don't wait for the chain to get too dull, if the chips start to become sawdust start filing. A dull chain will wear itself and the bar quickly.

There many ways to tell here few look at sawdust if get smaller its dulling. If lay center bar on piece wood should cut throw without pressure from you to make cut. You take back finger nail no pressure and drag on sharpe edge if don't mark nail its dull this one I like. One hit in soil dull chain three times want cut small piece wood into.