How to Use a Dremel Chain Saw Sharpener

The Dremel Chainsaw Sharpening Attachment Kit Model 1453 increases the speed and accuracy of sharpening your chainsaw blade. It is readily done with the chain still mounted on the saw, once proper preparation of the tool is complete. Sharpening by hand file can be a tedious task and sending the chainsaw blades out to a shop consumes time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dremel Rotary Tool (other brands will work as well, as long as they have a 1/8-inch diameter mounting collet)
• Dremel Chainsaw Sharpening Attachment Kit, Model 1453, along with the supplied guide gauge and rotary tool wrench/screwdriver.
• Permanent marker or lumber crayon
• Eye protection such as shop goggles or face mask
• Gloves or a clean rag

1. 
   In our example, our chainsaw has a .325-inch pitch.

   Determine your saw chain size and pitch. This can often be found directly on the chain bar. If not, consult your chainsaw manual or contact your dealer.

2. Assemble your tool per the table. If you have a .325-inch pitch chain, use only one spacer between the clamp and guide.

3. 
   Leave 1/4-inch of the grinding stone's shank exposed.

   Insert the orange stone (for .325-inch pitch) into your rotary tool, leaving a 1/4-inch length of the shank between the stone and chuck. Tighten the chuck using the rotary tool wrench.

4. 
   Align the guide. Gauge should be square with the guide, just touching the stone.

   Unscrew the housing end cap from the rotary tool. Screw on your chainsaw sharpening tool, and check the alignment with your guide gauge. Note the placement of 'Side 1' on the gauge. If the gauge is not square with the guide on the left, as shown in the photo, and just touching the stone, loosen the two mounting screws, then readjust the guide. Tighten the screws.

5. Place your chainsaw on a steady surface. Mark one link on both sides of the chain as a reference.

6. Don your eye protection, and turn on your rotary tool. Using light strokes, sharpen the teeth oriented to the side closest to you. Be sure to use an equal amount of strokes on each tooth.

7. 
   Lines on the guide will keep your grinding consistent.

   Use the 30-degree lines on the guide to line the stone up properly. Wear gloves or use the rag to advance the chain's teeth as you complete sharpening from the top side of the bar.

8. When you have reached your mark on the chain, turn the chainsaw around and sharpen the remaining teeth.

Tips & Warnings

• Sharpen only the cutting teeth, not the depth gauge (the smaller, straight-edge tooth directly in front of each tooth). Consider an inverter or a generator if you do not have a cordless rotary tool to bring out in the field.
• Consult your Chainsaw Sharpening Attachment Kit manual. An older, heavily used chain should be checked for the proper ratio of depth to cut.

Resources

• Dremel's website