How To Choose A File For Sharpening Chainsaw Chains

Features of the chainsaw

Sawing a tree is like working with a plane. With all this, the size of the cut depends on the thickness of the limiter. When the saw chain is run in a saturated mode, the teeth become dull more quickly. Sharpening the chain. File diameter 5 chain file. This is clearly manifested when the ground surface melts in the path of the chain. To blunt the teeth one hundred percent, it is enough to “catch” on the ground for a couple of seconds.

If, according to its ability, it is often possible to sharpen, then the chain will serve even longer, since very little metal will be removed. In addition to the question of what angle of sharpening the chainsaw chain should be, you also need to know this!

It is not necessary to work with blunt inventory for a number of reasons. At first, this affects the quality of the cut, but not in the best way. Lethargy also rapidly sets in, which is felt not only in the hands, but also in the body.

One more reason. Unjustified excessive consumption of fuel. All parts will work in an enhanced mode, which inevitably leads to their high-spirited wear. Performance drops dramatically, which also happens when using a defective chain.

Sharpening as a business service. what is needed for this

To provide mass sharpening services, that is, to create a business in this direction, a lot of equipment and conditions are required. The following are the main materials, equipment and consumables that will be required to create a mini-workshop:

  • Premises, heated, with electricity supply, space for a machine, a chair, shelving (minimum area 2 square meters, mains voltage 220 volts);
  • Machine tools with washers for various discs (electric grinder);
  • Sharpening discs, including diamond;
  • Grinding wheel;
  • Mounts for tools such as skates, scissors, chainsaws;
  • Touchstone. a die for manual sharpening;
  • Hammers;
  • Small tools (hacksaws, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.);
  • Vice;
  • Spindle oil;
  • Lamps;
  • Punch;
  • Storage boxes, baskets, furniture.

How To Choose A File For Sharpening Chainsaw Chains

angle grinder. a good alternative

Professional lumberjacks consider this method to be primitive and labor intensive. It is used as a last resort, since the angle grinder cannot be fixed to the template. For this reason, it is very difficult to achieve control over maintaining a constant angle and depth of sharpening.

Everyone else will be interested in trying their hand at such a thing. Professionals in this regard always choose automatic equipment that is characterized by maximum efficiency and accuracy. Of course, not every lumberjack can afford to purchase it, and therefore they manage in different ways. And here, among many amateurs, discussions are being held on which technique is better to give preference to:

  • Manual;
  • Alternative;
  • Modern.

Do not neglect the signs of dullness, but at the first need to start the operation of sharpening the chainsaw chain. This will allow you to use it as long as possible.

Manual method

This is the simplest and slowest method for sharpening chain teeth. Nevertheless, the method is good when sharpening is done on site in the forest. Can’t carry a whole machine with you all the time ?! But here it is worth being more precise. not one instrument is meant, but a whole set, which includes:

  • Flat file;
  • Round file;
  • Template.

Each of them fulfills their duties. The main purpose of the flat tool is to sharpen the depth gauge.

The round file is already performing the main operation, making the cutting edges sharper. over, each chain requires a certain tool diameter:

  • Step ¼ inch. 4 mm;
  • Pitch 0.325. 4.8 mm;
  • 3/8 inch pitch. 5.2 mm;
  • Pitch 0.404. 5.5 mm.

For Picco chains on chainsaws “Stihl” 180 in 3/8 and quarter-inch steps, a 4 mm file will also work. It is important to hold it correctly. With respect to the vertical plane, the file must be placed strictly perpendicular to the chain, and with respect to the horizontal plane. at a slight angle (about 30 °). The specific sharpening angle is selected depending on the needs, but within the range of 25-35 °.

Unlike sharpening a chainsaw chain on a machine, the angle can be set here using a template, which is considered a useful assistant. For this, it has two slots: SOFT / S (for softwood) and HARD / H (for hardwood). The template should be pinned over the chain, which gives it delimiter privileges.

Just keep in mind that this method is not intended for permanent use, but only serves as a dressing of the blades. Using the file too often will wear out the chain over time and the teeth will not sharpen evenly.

“During the use of the chainsaw I realized that no machine can sharpen better than hands! I have been with saws for 20 years, but I only sharpened with a machine when I needed to quickly and without standards for sharpness. I began to work with the Urals and Taiga, I even worked on felling forests, and after that I am still engaged in log cabins and wooden structures in general. All these machines are bullshit, especially when the revolutions are high and the circle is spinning in one direction “.

How to know when sharpening is needed?

It is possible to determine whether the teeth of the chain are sharpened or not by some characteristic signs. Of course, it all depends on how intensively the chainsaw is used. It is worth taking a closer look at what kind of shavings it leaves. Its uniformity and square shape indicate sharp teeth. If the chain has worn off, then it usually leaves behind wood dust, and the sawdust themselves look like needles that a hand hacksaw “produces”.

If the cutting speed is reduced, then this is also considered a sign of a dull chain. An increase in the load on the instrument itself and the appearance of vibration are felt. Some of these signs are not always easy for beginners. Therefore, they should pay more attention to the quality of the chips. Sometimes it is brown, which is guaranteed to indicate that it’s time to sharpen the chain.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain: instructions for working with sharpening accessories

A sharpened sharp chain is one of the conditions for the effective operation of a chainsaw. If the chain becomes dull, business in the country will stop: the bathhouse cannot be repaired, the fence cannot be built, and firewood cannot be prepared for the stove. You can contact paid specialists for help, but remember that this procedure will be repeated at regular intervals, and this is additional financial costs and a waste of personal time. Another way out is to find out how the chainsaw chain is sharpened independently, without the involvement of specialists.

What tools for sharpening are there

To start work, you need to stock up on tools that are divided into two types.

Manual and electric machines

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain if the cutting edge of the tooth has absolutely lost its shape due to prolonged work? Files can also be used, but the process will be counterproductive and time-consuming. The best option is to use machine tools, and here you will have to choose, because machines are different. manual and electric.

Stihl manual chain sharpener

Before work, parameters are set, and the processing process is performed much faster than with files: 2-3 movements are enough to sharpen each tooth. Electric machines are also complex to set up, yet work quickly and accurately.

An electric machine can save a lot of time, but not everyone is ready to shell out a large sum for it.

Basic rules and order of sharpening. When it’s time to sharpen the saw?

The time between two sharpenings depends on how often the tool is used. Some use it daily, others several times a year.

You can understand that the teeth are dull by some signs that come to light during operation:

  • The chain stretches and sags, causing the saw blade to function inaccurately and slow down in the cut. Working with such a chain requires extra effort.
  • The sawing process slows down, productivity drops, you have to spend twice as long on work.
  • The type of sawdust changes: they become uneven, sharp, and smaller. Shavings from a sharpened saw looks different: the same pieces of an even rectangular shape.

If the saw loses accuracy and gets stuck in the cut, it’s time to start straightening the chain teeth.

Repair work should not be postponed for a long time. The sooner you sharpen, the less material you have to grind, and accordingly, the longer the service life. And you don’t have to work with a blunt instrument for a long time, increase its wear and tear and waste your own physical strength.

Two samples of shavings: the first is the result of a saw with a sharpened saw, the second is a dull

Sharpening of cutting teeth

The question arises: how to sharpen the chain so that all the teeth are evenly even and sharp? The work is facilitated by the use of a metal template, which is applied to the chain. It is installed in a strict position. according to the arrows, the ends of which are directed along the movement of the chain. The main pressure is applied to the leading edge, respecting the angle of inclination, which corresponds to the length of the chain pitch.

You need to try to have an equal number of movements for each tooth. The teeth are sharpened in turn: one on the left side, the next on the right, and so on. For the convenience of performing the actions, the tire is clamped in a vice, and then processed through the prong on one side, then the same on the other.

During sharpening, the fixture must be held at a certain angle

The device and shape of the teeth

First of all, you need to understand the structure of the chain tooth, which must be sharpened. The tooth cuts wood like a plane. It has a complex configuration and an unusual cutting surface. two edges: one of them is lateral, and the other is upper, slightly beveled. The adjustable tooth stop adjusts the chip thickness. Of course, sharpening such teeth is much more difficult than, for example, a kitchen knife.

Chainsaw teeth have a more complex shape than other sharp objects to be sharpened

In this case, the correct angle of sharpening of the chainsaw chain should be set. It is clear that it is difficult to operate with one file, therefore there are various accessories that help to adhere to the exact parameters of sharpening. These kits are sold complete with chainsaws, as well as separately.

The diagram shows the angles of inclination that must be observed during sharpening

When sharpening, the location of the tool must be chosen correctly. The round file was not chosen in vain. due to the rounded shape of the inner contour of the tooth. The edge of the file should be 20% higher than the cutting surface of its diameter, and the choice of diameter is influenced by the length of the chain pitch (usually 4 mm to 5.5 mm). The order of actions must be followed: first, the cutting teeth are processed, then the stop tooth.

Hand tools

A set of tools required for sharpening saw teeth:

  • Flat file, which is taught to use in labor lessons at school. Use it to grind down the depth gauge.
  • A round file of a certain diameter, required for cutting a cutting tooth. An additional device is attached to it. a holder with fishing lines, which tell you how to properly hold the tool in relation to the chain. The holder is placed on the saw tooth, taking into account the guiding lines, the file position is under the cutting surface.
  • A template that serves to edit and comply with parameters.
  • The hook is required to remove sawdust from the chain.

Metal sharpening templates help you calculate the sharpening depth

Stitching the stopper

The work is regulated by a template, to the level of which it is necessary to grind the stop tooth no longer with a round, but with a flat file. Template position “S” is for soft wood, “H” is for hard wood. If you do not use the template, you can get an incorrect, low cut, from which the efficiency of the saw will sharply decrease.

When processing the stopper, the protruding part indicated in the photo is grinded

Something useful for yourself can be learned from this:

Proper saw care. timely sharpening of teeth, cleaning, lubrication. prolongs tool life and increases productivity.

Composition of sharpening kits

The selection of the required round file for the diameter is determined by the pitch of the saw chain. A standard chain sharpening kit consists of several parts. In addition to cylindrical and flat files, the list includes several templates and a headset cleaner.

Both files are used to process each cutting link. In particular, cylindrical. the cutting edge of the tooth, the upper and end blades are formed.

A flat file is used to cut the depth gauge. As a result of straightening the cutting teeth, the productivity of sawing wood of different species increases significantly.

Recommendations for the use of the working chain set

The practice of working with one chain is fundamentally wrong. Experienced sawers are advised to keep several copies in the kit and periodically operate them in working mode.

In this case, uniform wear of the tire and the drive sprocket occurs, the service life of these expensive elements will be equal to the total resource of 3 or even 4 saw chains.

File selection based on saw chain parameters

The quality of the final result largely depends on the correct file diameter. When operating a chainsaw complete with an incorrectly sharpened chain, at best, sawing performance will decrease, at worst. the chain will be hopelessly damaged. Also, there is a high probability of damage to the tool as a whole.

In everyday life, for sharpening chains with a pitch of и, 0.325 ″, 3/8 ″ and 0.404 ″, files with a diameter of 4.0 / 4.8 / 5.2 and 5.5 millimeters are recommended. For some exclusive saw chains, cylindrical counterparts Ø 3.2 mm are used. The most convenient file size for manual chain sharpening is 200 mm.

Storage rules

Files are made from hard but brittle tool steel. Storage and transportation of several copies in one box may affect their performance.

As part of the factory sets, the files are provided with optimal storage conditions. It is recommended to keep a set of several separate instruments in a sectional case like a cartridge belt.

Files with a dirty or oily cut can be restored to function by scrubbing with a stiff brush and rinsing in a solution of dish grease remover, acetone or unleaded gasoline.

File selection criteria based on chain parameters

The need to straighten the edges of the cutting links is manifested by a noticeable decrease in sawing performance, increased vibration, the release of small chips, the need for additional efforts to enter the headset into the cut.

Files and guides are matched to the chain pitch. The rail mounted attachment ensures the optimum sharpening angle. In the proprietary range of many manufacturers there are simple holders and more advanced roller-type sharpeners.

Benefits of a branded assortment

In any case, the best result can be obtained using a proprietary chain sharpening tool, the capabilities of which are an order of magnitude higher than cheap analogues.

The practice of working with the brand’s tool shows that the products of the leading manufacturers Stihl, Husqvarna, Oregon and a number of others do not differ in quality characteristics.

Chainsaw chain sharpening file. features of selection and use

Chainsaw operation with blunt edges of the cutting links of the saw chain reduces the efficiency of the tool by almost half. In the simplest version, the problem is solved with a file for sharpening chainsaws, complete with a guide device.

A simple attachment is inferior in performance to sharpening devices with an electric or mechanical drive, but provides a significant cost benefit. The correct sharpening of the chain with the proper quality can be carried out by the operator directly on the working site.

The list of advantages of manual sharpening:

  • Compactness and low weight of sharpening kits;
  • Autonomy of work, allowing to bring the circuit into working condition at a distance from power supplies;
  • Less intensive saw chain life.

Wear-resistant chains with carbide cutting elements are recommended to be sharpened only with special equipment.

Advantages of machine and manual sharpening of saw chains

Despite the efficiency, autonomy and other advantages of manual sharpening, experts recommend periodically sharpening the chains on special machine equipment. Even a single operation has a positive effect on the calibration of the cutting links.

On the other hand, mechanized sharpening significantly affects the resource of the saw chain, since all cutting links are subjected to standard processing, regardless of their condition.

  • In order to sharpen the chain yourself in the field, you need to have strong skills in working with the existing tool. The best option is to keep several chains in stock, which can be changed with minimal loss of working time.
  • To properly sharpen the cutting edges of the headset, in addition to a good eye and a firm hand, you need a special sharpening kit, which includes a flat and round file.

Alternative options

On the Russian market, there is a wide range of auxiliary equipment that allows you to choose a file or a chain sharpening device of various configurations and price levels. The best quality is distinguished by the products of the leading manufacturers of chainsaw equipment.

A significant part of the offers are branded accessories for different models of sharpening machines. These files do not have shanks and handles, therefore they are not suitable for manual sharpening. Piece products can be sold separately or complete with templates, mandrels, holders or other optional equipment.

: how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with a file

Stihl chainsaw sharpening files Stihl

There are different files for sharpening Stihl Stihl chainsaws on the market. Despite the external differences, they are all proprietary. Some of them are accessories for sharpening machines and are sold in packs of several pieces. They have no handles, so they are inconvenient to use without a base. Files sold individually can be packaged or sold individually. There are 2 options for them. with and without a sharpening template.
In addition to files, Stihl also produces a range of accessories:
filing gauges;
sharpening mandrels;
templates (holders) of different types;
clamps.
The filing gauges are designed to check the sharpening depth, clean the grooves and check the corners by hand.
The mandrel is a plate with guides applied on it, indicating the angle of sharpening of the link. Moving in accordance with the guides, it is easier to maintain the correct degree of the angle. It is attached with magnets to a metal rail.
The clamp works on the principle of a holder and allows you to sharpen the cutting and limiting teeth of the link in one step.

Stihl chainsaw files

How to choose a file for sharpening a chainsaw chain

Most users are wondering: how to choose a file for sharpening a chainsaw chain. The answer to it is complex, because K. It implies a lot of options. But the most correct way is to pay attention to the chain pitch. The size (diameter) of the cylindrical file depends on it. But in addition to it, a second is also required. flat.
Two files are used to sharpen different parts of the same link. If we consider the process in more detail, the saw tooth of the link, namely the end and upper blades, is sharpened with a cylindrical file. Use a flat file to cut the depth gauge. It is important that both files can be purchased as a set with a set of templates and a hook for cleaning the saw and bar from the saw set. Some manufacturers of chainsaws and their electric chain analogues even produce similar kits themselves.

Various types of saw chain files

Chainsaw chain file diameter

The diameter of a chain saw file is very important in the selection process. The wrong file will damage the chain and cause problems during the sawing process. The saw can get stuck inside a tree, break off and break expensive tools.
The diameter directly depends on the chain pitch. When sharpening, 4 main sizes of diameters are used, corresponding to their step:
Step ¼ “- diameter 4.0 mm;
Pitch 0.325 ″. 4.8 mm;
Pitch 3/8 ″. 5.2 mm;
Pitch 0.404 ″. 5.5 mm.
For some types of chains, files with a diameter of 3.2 mm are also used.

Different diameters of files for sharpening chainsaw chains

Chainsaw chain file

The most inexpensive way to sharpen a saw is to purchase a chain sharpening file and do it yourself without assistance. However, this scenario implies a lot of nuances. You need to know how to choose a file, what characteristics are worth focusing on, learn the sawing technique, and, in the end, have patience, sharp eyesight and firm hands. The last three factors are indispensable, because without them it is impossible to sharpen the correct file with a file.

Chainsaw chain sharpening files

Correct sharpening of the chainsaw chain with a file

It is easiest to start sharpening directly on the bar, but some manufacturers oppose this, citing various arguments, and recommend removing the chain from the device and securing it in a vice. But this is extremely inconvenient, because K. After sharpening each link, you have to dismantle the chain and reinstall it.

If, nevertheless, the sharpening of the chain takes place directly on the saw, the tire can move on the weight under the pressure of the hand with the file, therefore it is necessary to install a stop for the tire from the opposite edge, for example, a block of wood. It is important to clean the chain from sawdust, grease and debris before sharpening. This will make the job easier.

Sharpening the saw chain correctly with a file

Begin sharpening with the sharpened tooth. It is on it that all the others will be aligned. If the tooth is broken, it must be replaced by riveting the chain with a special machine and installing a new element of the appropriate size and type. After the element is selected, start sharpening. The file is moved straight away from you along the semicircular edge of the saw tooth, resting with the template against the edge of the adjacent chain link. In this case, it is necessary to observe the parallelism between the file and the plane of the surface on which the saw or vice is installed, as well as the angle of the guide indicated on the plate template.
Thus, all chain links are processed in turn through one, i.e. Only those that are on one side of it. At the end, they move to the other half of the links and do the same operation, but at the opposite angle, also indicated on the guide in the template. After completion, the file for sharpening the chainsaw chain is set aside, and the chain is swept with a brush, eliminating metal shavings.