Chainsaw Sharpening Tips
Keeping your chainsaw sharp will not only make for cleaner cuts, but also keep the saw from bucking back into the operator. A dull chain blade can pinch in a log and cause the saw to cut at an angle. When sharpening a chainsaw, be sure to have the correct sized file for that particular blade. A file guide is also useful for holding the file at the proper angle for the individual teeth.
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Secure the Saw
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Place the saw in a vise. The jaws of the vise can securely hold the chain bar so the chain blade can freely move around the bar. This will allow you to hold the file with two hands for more accurate filing. The chain blade should be properly tensioned so it rides correctly on the bar. If the teeth lean at an angle when filed, they won't be sharpened correctly.
Work the File
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Hold the file at a 90-degree angle to the chain bar. Any deviation of this angle will cause the teeth to dig into a log cut at that same angle. Teeth that are sharpened in this manner will have to be resharpened, as the chainsaw will respond as though the blade is still dull. Follow the top angle guide of the file for the particular type of chain being sharpened. The different teeth of various blades will have specific angles. Consult your owner's manual for the pitch and angle of your chainsaw's blade.
Service the Bar
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All chainsaw bars will wear down. Generally, a small ridge builds up from the chain riding on the horizontal surface. No matter how sharp the blade is this metal ridge will hold the saw in place and not allow the chainsaw blade to cut into the log. A flat file can be used to remove this small but significant metal burr. Check the bar for any pinch points along the length of the chain blade groove. The opening should also be checked for any outward splaying of the groove. In this last scenario, it may be time for a new chain bar.
Other Considerations
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Always keep the end sprocket on the chain bar full of grease. Check this every time you fill the saw with fuel. Use only new or fresh chain bar oil. This lubricant has special properties that help it hold onto the metal longer. Never use old motor oil, as small metal particles can be present in used oil that will wear out the blade and bar. Keep the blade out of the dirt and rocks. This can be difficult, but attempt to save any low cutting until after other work is done. You may want to reserve older blades with smaller teeth just for low cutting. Hitting rocks and soil can break the teeth of any chainsaw blade.
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