I am considering buying a used Makita mortiser and understand the chains are very expensive ( around $500) so am interested in sharpening options. I usually pay to have my chain saw blades sharpened since the results are far superior to what I can do myself and expect the Makita chain to be even more difficult. Are there people who will sharpen for me and what does it cost? How many times can you get a chain sharpened? The unit I am looking at is $1100 so the price of a new chain would be equivalent to a new unit. Thanks, JimWood

Wow I didn't think the chains were that much.
I sharpen my Makita chain right on the machine. I use a chainsaw file and stroke straight across the teeth. Easy peasy.
A sharpening jig/holder thingy comes with the mortiser when you buy new but like I said, I found leaving the chain on the bar a sturdy holder. 10 minutes and you're back making wood chips.

Yes there are folks that will sharpen them. I hope someone here will post a contact for you. I think you should learn to sharpen your tools. If you need to take a class from a local sharpener do so, and/or get a jig to guide you. You will like gaining the skill.

We sharpen our own chains by had with a 2 mm round file. Is it as good as you get from the manufacturer? I would say it is between a 7+ and a 9 on a 10 scale and has been for the 18 plus years we have had the chain on that machine. They cut just fine with no great noticeable difference from factory sharpened chains. We did send it away once after hitting a cut nail just to have everything put back to factory specifications. That vender is retired.

Sharpening is not that difficult, just don't let things get dull before you sharpen them.

Regards,

Jay

I just checked the site/store where I got my mortiser. And it does say that another chain would be near $500. But they also list a service in Maine and Ohio that will sharpen them.

http://www.timberwolftools.com/faq.html#Sharpening

Ditto on the ease of sharpening. It's actually easier than a regular chain saw chain. I've had mine for about 3 years, and have had no problem keeping it up to specs.
One downside to sending it out to sharpen, is that you will either have an out of commission mortiser while that happens or the extra expense of a second chain. It is so nice to be able to do it yourself and keep rolling...