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 demonstrate how to properly sharpen your chainsaw blade so that it lasts longer and runs more efficiently.
Step 1 – Make An Alignment Check
Before you attach the file to the saw, make sure that the alignment is correct. If the teeth of your blade are pointing inward or at an angle, it will cause the saw to bind with 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 begin sharpening your chainsaw blade, make sure to determine the right angle. There are many types of chainsaw blades. Make sure to check your owner’s manual to find out the right angle for you. 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 you are unsure, choose the larger of the two files.
You can determine the best filing technique for your chain by watching it while you sharpen it and listening carefully for changes in 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. You should pay attention to any increases in motor speed or resistance while filing as this could indicate excessive metal removal from one area of the chain.
Step 3 – Sharpen
Now you can start filing your chainsaw 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. This should be done at least three times per side before you move on to the next tooth.
You should file quickly and gently because the teeth of a chainsaw blade are extremely sharp. This light pressure prevents them from biting or grasping the file. You can quickly break off or dull a tooth if your file gets caught on one of these teeth. This will make the saw vibrate harder and could cause the motor to overheat or even melt.
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.
Once you’ve completed this step, turn off the chainsaw, take off its blade, and scrub any metal shavings off these surfaces. A small brush can also be used to remove any metal filings between the chain links. This will prevent them from getting stuck between the links when the 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. These rakers are too small and narrow to be used for this step. It is important that these teeth do not meet the corresponding ones. 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. If there are still alignment issues, make sure you stand straight while the saw is running. If the saw vibrates excessively, you will need to go over it again until it runs smoothly.
After you have completed these steps, wipe off any oil residue with a paper towel or a rag. Then, turn off your chainsaw and lock the bar. If the chain is left running accidentally, it could cause 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)
- Flat and circular grooves for sharpening stones
- 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. First, determine whether your chainsaw 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.
Instead, use a circular chainsaw file that is specifically designed for this purpose as shown here. A round chainsaw file is also recommended for use with depth gauges. This will ensure that your chain cuts properly and prevents them from slipping.
Once you’ve completed this step, turn off the chainsaw, take off its blade, and scrub any metal shavings off these surfaces. A small brush can also be used to remove any metal filings between the chain links. This will prevent them from getting stuck between the links when the saw is running.
Conclusion
We’ve examined the best ways to sharpen your chainsaw blade. We’ve covered how to sharpen a chain saw blade, how to use the grinder and how to adjust your blade’s angle. These steps will help you keep your chainsaw in top condition and prolong its life expectancy.
