Having a sharp saw blade on a chainsaw not only saves energy and makes your tools useful but also makes it safer. In addition, a dull saw blade will result in an uneven cut. Here are some tips for sharpening your chainsaw.
Step
Step 1. Determine the size (or “gauge”) of your saw blade
You'll need to purchase a rotating whetstone or chainsaw file that fits your saw's teeth. Since there are several sizes of sawtooth, the file or whetstone you choose must match the diameter of your saw. The types are 3/16, 5/32 and 7/32 inches of saw diameter.
Step 2. Clean the saw thoroughly
You can use mineral water or a commercial cleaning detergent to remove oil, dirt, and dust from your saw blade. Do not apply excessive cleaning to the machine or other components, as some of these products can damage the plastic parts or other parts.
Step 3. Inspect the saw blade for damage or worn teeth
One of the saw teeth may be damaged, crushed, or rusted, making it dangerous to use. As a rule of thumb, the top plate (the flat surface above the sawtooth) must be at least 1.5 cm long. If it is shorter than that, there is a risk of the saw breaking during use. Damage, weakening and worn saw blades must be removed.
Step 4. Set your saw on a hard layer or clamp it tightly with a vise
The saw blade must be stable, and the blade must hold the saw blade firmly against the outside. Clamp the saw body in a vise, with the teeth holding the handle and allowing the blade to rotate freely, it's up to you.
Step 5. Find the cutter head to mark where you started
This is the shortest part of the cutter on the saw. If all the slicers look the same size, you can start anywhere. The main consideration is that you should file each tooth of the cutter so that the flat part of the top of the tooth is about the same size. That way the saw will cut an even and fine amount of wood. Also try to mark the first tooth you file with paint or permanent marker so you're sure where to start.
Step 6. Arrange your file level with the front of the cutter
This is the "tooth" angle on the flat front of the sawtooth joint. The arch in the file should fit perfectly into the arch at the front of the cutting tooth, and 20% of the file diameter should be at the top of the saw tooth.
Step 7. Hold the file at the same angle so the cutter is on the bottom or save it to start
The angle should be about 25 to 30 degrees (check the saw specifications). A special “tear” saw may have a flatter angle. However, it is very important to match the original angle of the saw chain. Some sawtooths have a "see mark" as a visual guide.
Step 8. Squeeze the file to the face of the cutter, using a twisting motion as necessary to stop the iron chip (stuffing) being moved
There are differing opinions on the best direction to press a file, but usually you should press them from the corner of the shorter side to the longer side. This will create a smoother cutting surface (important to consider).
Step 9. Work each second sawtooth from where you started
As you continue to work this work across the chain, keep pulling it by hand so that the sawtooth you fill is at the top of the saw blade.
Step 10. Swap both sides of the saw and continue around the uncut teeth on the other side
Note the length of each flat layer in the cutting section. Some manufacturers recommend measuring with a compass to ensure an even “bite” when the saw cuts something, if you have a sharp eye you should be pretty close to maximum results.
Step 11. Check the clearing of the rake (depth gauge)
This is a curved hook-shaped joint between the cutters. They should leave space at the cutting edge about a tenth of an inch lower than the cutter. This is what regulates the amount of wood the cutter removes in each path. A special tool that sits over the blade is available at a chainsaw dealer or heavy equipment store. If the measurement is too high and could damage it, it will protect adjacent teeth as you lower the depth.
Step 12. Sharpen the raker/inside of the gauge that is connected to the cutter (in other words, the one that is too high) using a flat steel file mill (not really needed other than the defective chain)
Step 13. Oil your saw chain (moisten/coat it with oil), check the pressure, and you'll be ready to cut again
Tips
- Buy a file that is the right size for your saw.
- Regularly check the chain connections, blade grooves, and sprocket teeth. The chain can be damaged and cause injury or death when operated with some damaged parts.
- It is recommended that after five minutes of sharpening the saw, you should take it to a saw shop to correct any incorrect tooth variations that have arisen during the cleaning process.
- Use the saw's file holder to set the right angle when you store your sawtooth.
Warning
- Use gloves and dust goggles when sharpening. You are dealing with a very sharp saw blade, and without gloves you could easily injure yourself. When cleaning by hand, there is no need to wear glasses.
- If the saw blade is adjusted when it is hot, it can get pinched when it is cold and require further adjustment.
- There is no need to use the same “branded” sawtooth. Saw shops/distributors are made by many similar companies, with the same design and specifications. As you might expect; certain manufacturers do recommend using your own grease, chains and handles. If you use a sawtooth with the correct grip, gauge, and size like the saw you have, then there's no problem.
- Do not force the saw file. It can break if it is put under too much pressure. A file of the correct size will rub the sawtooth easily.
- The manufacturer recommends checking and adjusting the saw blade frequently, especially when using a new blade. Oregon Chain recommends checking the saw blade regularly for the first half hour of use.
- No' all saw blades are at the same standard they are set to, so make sure they all function properly before you buy a particular bar.
- Never turn on the saw while sharpening the saw blade. Touch the saw blade with your hands only during the sharpening process. For safety, unplug the plug before working on the saw blade.
- For best results, adjust the saws when they have cooled, as all chains will stretch (loose) in the heat, even after resting.
- New or sharpened chainsaws always require care and attention. It is highly recommended to “fully saturate” (soap) a new or newly sharpened chain with the recommended oil.
