Keep Your Chain Saw Sharp for Efficiency and Safety: Here’s How
Chain of chain saw
Any equipment will function perfectly when brand new. However, every time you use it, that perfection gradually wears away. Fortunately, with a little work and a few adjustments, you can always regain that perfection. Chain saws are no exception. With the repeated use of the cutting chain, the cutters are bound to get dull. But by sharpening the cutters, they can be as good as new.
You know the cutters are dull when the chain no longer feeds into the cut. If you need to push the chain saw to make the cut, the cutters are in need of sharpening. Another indication is when your saw is discharging wood dust. This shows that your saw is abrading, not cutting, the wood. Sharp cutters expel wood chips. A shiny chain also indicates dull cutters. If the chrome plating of the cutters is worn, the steel beneath is exposed, giving it a shiny appearance.
Stop cutting if your chain saw is dull. Continuing to do so would only damage the sprocket, powerhead, chain, and guide bar. Take your saw instead to a workbench and give it a good sharpening. Be sure it is secured and steady. You will also need to check the chain’s tension as a loose one could wobble when you file.
You want to be careful when choosing your files as its diameter will depend upon the size and design of the cutter. This is important because a file with the proper diameter can simultaneously sharpen three different angles of the cutter, thus saving you time. The manual of your chain saw should contain this information, otherwise you can always seek the help of your dealer.
Sharpening cutters requires you to file at a specific angle. Fortunately, there are file guides that could be placed on top of the cutters. These will allow you to stroke your file at the required angles. Hold the file with both hands, and, using full strokes, begin filing from the inside to the outside of the cutter. A light pressure should be applied when pushing outside, but ease up on the return stroke. All cutters on one side of the chain should be filed first before moving to the other side. Keep filing until you have removed all damage to the cutters. Be sure the cutters on both sides of the chain are equally sharp, otherwise the saw will pull to one side when used.
