What is this depth gage you refer to ?


The "depth gauge" (also called raker) limits how much wood the cutting
portion of the saw chain cutter can cut - or how deep it can cut into the
wood. You use a "depth gauge tool" to see if the depth gauges on the chain
are filed down to the correct height for the specific chain you are using.
..025 is a common setting, but check the specifications for the specific
chain you are using.

So the "depth gauge" on the chain cutter might be .025" lower than the
cutting head (the part you sharpen with a round file), and this would allow
the cutting part to cut a .025" slice of wood.

When you sharpen a chain, it lowers the cutting head. If you don't also
adjust the depth gauges (by filing them with a flat file) after several
sharpenings, the chain will not cut very well.

So, if you file the depth gauges too little or not at all, the chain will
not cut well. If you file them too much, the chain may become dangerous and
more prone to kickback. And this would depend on if you were cutting
softwood, hardwood, and/or wood which is frozen.

You can get depth gauge tools at chainsaw dealers, usually those which also
sell professional chainsaws, but these tools are not always available at
department or discount stores.

Here is a link to an excellent book on the subject. It is free and
on-line...
Oregon Maintenance and Safety Manual...
http://www.oregonchain.com/tech/manual_maint.htm