How To Sharpen A Chain Saw Blade
How To Sharpen A Chain Saw Blade
For safe and efficient cutting, it is essential to keep your chainsaw blades sharp. A dull blade can easily become entangled with wood and snap, posing a risk of serious injury. This video will show you simple techniques to sharpen your chain saw blade properly so it runs efficiently and lasts longer.
Step 1: Make An Alignment Check
Before you put the file to your saw, check if the saw is out of alignment. This condition is indicated when the teeth on your blade are at an angle or pointing inward, causing it to bind with the wood fibers. You can have your saw aligned by taking it off the chainsaw and taking it to a professional.
Step 2: Get Your Angles Down
Before you start sharpening your chain saw blade, determine the appropriate angle for sharpening your blade. There are many different types of chainsaw blades, so check your owners manual to determine how much space should be left between the top of the tooth and where it meets the guide bar.In general, a file is used with a flat surface to sharpen chain saw teeth. A gauge is the width of this flat, raised part on a new chain. This gauge should be set back enough from each cut tooth (called setback). It will not exert enough pressure depending on how far it is set back from each edge.
Flat files are best if your chain has a greater setback than 1.5mm. A round file is best if your chain requires less than 1.5mm. If in doubt, use the wider file of the two.
The best way to determine the proper filing technique for your particular chain is to watch it as you are sharpening and listen carefully for any changes of sound. A new chain will make very little noise when it runs. It is usually quieter than a conversation, so you need to turn the volume up on your saw to hear any unusual or strange sounds. Listen specifically for any increase in motor speed or resistance when filing because this may indicate that too much metal is being removed from one spot on the chain.
Step 3 – Sharpen
Now youre ready to start filing your chain saw blade! If you’re right-handed, hold the file in your left palm at a comfortable angle. Do not use your thumb or pinky to press down on the file. Place the file against the flat surface of the first tooth.
You can do the opposite if you’re left-handed. You can place the file in your right-hand and press down using all five fingers. Don’t forget your thumb! Use very light downward pressure to move the file quickly forward and backward along each side of each tooth. Do this at least 3 times on each side before moving to another tooth.
The reason youre filing quickly and lightly is that the teeth on a chain saw blade are very sharp, and this light pressure keeps them from biting or grabbing the file as you go along. You can quickly break off or dull a tooth if your file gets caught on one of these teeth. Not only will the saw vibrate more when this happens, but it could also overheat and even burn out the motor.
Make sure you are working across each tooth and not down its length. If you miss a spot, the tooth will not cut until you manually rotate it to correct your error. You should also check for alignment issues as before. If there is an elevated part of the cutting edge you will need to file it down to make sure the tooth is level with the adjacent teeth.
Step 4 – File The Gullet
This must also be filed down if your saw has a bump or ramp where each tooth is being cut. Simply rotate your file so that the teeth meet the guide bar. Then, continue sharpening until they are smooth.
After you have finished this step for all of your cutting teeth, turn the chainsaw off, remove its blade and clean off any metal shavings from these surfaces. You may also wish to use a small hand brush to sweep away any filings from between the links in your chain as well this should prevent them from building up and getting between the links while your saw is running.
Step 5 – File The Rakers (Optional).
A pitch chain of 1 cm will have rakers inserted into each tooth. This is in the same area that we filed down. These teeth act as little scoops that prevent large pieces of debris from building up on the top of each tooth. They also slow down or stop it from cutting. Its important to set these back so that they dont meet with the corresponding teeth, but the flat file weve been using wont work for this step because these rakers are so small and narrow. Instead, use a circular chainsaw file specifically designed for this purpose as shown here.
A round chainsaw file is also recommended if your chain has depth gauges. Otherwise, your chain won’t cut properly. To ensure that you don’t accidentally remove too many metals from one spot or change the depth of the cut, push the guide bar forward.
Step 6 – Add A Bit More Sharpening Oil And Test Your Saw
Turn off the saw and add some more oil to its chain or blade. Then, turn it on again to verify that it is working properly. Be sure to stand clear while running because there are any alignment problems still remaining! If the saw vibrates excessively, you will need to go over it again until it runs smoothly.
Once all of these steps are finished, clean off any excess oil with a rag or paper towel and shut down your chainsaw before locking its bar into place if you leave the chain running by accident, this could result in an injury. Finally, keep the file safe for future use. Just like razor blades you would need to purchase another one if yours breaks during use. Enjoy the hard work that you have put into your sharpened knife. It will make it so much easier to cut.
Tools:
- Cold chisel (or straightedge)
- File (with round and flat grooves)
- Sharpening stone with flat and round grooves
- To lubricate and sharpen the chain, use oil or kerosene
FAQ,s
Is there anyone who knows how to sharpen a chainsaw.
A chainsaw sharpener is always handy, especially if you are a frequent user. To sharpen a chainsaw, first, find out whether the chain is a type that is fixed or replaceable. Every type of chainsaw has a specific file that can be used for sharpening. You must send the fixed-type to a shop that has the necessary facilities. However, the replaceable type can still be filed if you have the right tools.
Use a round chainsaw file designed specifically for this purpose instead as shown here. -If your chain has a depth gauge, you should also use a round chainsaw file to ensure that the depth gauges on either side of each cutting tooth line up correctly otherwise, theyll keep your chain from cutting properly!
Once you’ve completed this step, turn off the chainsaw, take off its blade, and scrub any metal shavings off these surfaces. You may also wish to use a small hand brush to sweep away any filings from between the links in your chain as well this should prevent them from building up and getting between the links while your saw is running.
Conclusion
We’ve examined the best ways to sharpen your chainsaw blade. Weve looked at how to use a sharpening stone, how to use a grinder, and how to adjust the angle of your blade. These steps will help you keep your chainsaw in top condition and prolong its life expectancy.
