I get it. I am known for being '
frugal' (which means that '
value' is important to me, not just the cheapest price. In Maine we called it being '
thrifty').
I don't run through as many chains personally as some pros - if I did I would buy in bulk from places that offer discounts for that.
I have also learned to 'rehab' chains that others discard, or that some of my volunteer groups are really hard on. If you are willing to put some unpaid time into a loop for personal use there are some 'deals' on eBay for '
once used never sharpened' chains. ***Of course, being eBay, there are also some used loops that sell for more, once shipping is included, than buying new, locally with sales tax included! C
aveat emptor!***
There may also be local rental places that put a new loop on with each rental, and sell the old ones cheap. Or busy companies that may work out a '
sharpen-our-chains-and-you-keep-one-and-give-us-one-back' deal. Could pay for a decent grinder, spinner, and breaker pretty quickly (and a retirement hobby)!
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philbert-meets-the-stihl-rs3.202969/
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philberts-chain-salvage-challenge.245369/
Philbert