How to put a chain on a saw

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How to choose a chain saw 2

How to choose a chain saw. this constant question is asked by new summer residents or owners of personal plots. Or those who have already drunk a lot with hand tools :-D. Each of us wants to purchase a fairly high-quality tool, and so that it does not let down during work. This saw is mainly used for gardening, you can harvest firewood (the logs should not be very thick).

It is also well suited for carpentry work. In the country, it is used for various repair work. In order not to be mistaken when buying a saw, you must first determine its full purpose, and then you will understand how it suits you. Well, if you have already decided to purchase such an assistant for yourself, then we will analyze all the points on the shelves in order to know well how to choose a chain saw.

Advantages over a gasoline saw

• A gasoline saw is much more expensive than an electric saw, both in operation and in purchase.

• A chain saw with an electric motor is much easier to use, because you do not need special skills and knowledge when handling, than with a gasoline engine.

• This tool is environmentally friendly in operation, there is no exhaust gas, and you can safely work with it indoors.

Disadvantages of a chain saw

When purchasing this mechanism, you should definitely know about its disadvantages.

• Since the armature of the electric motor has a rigid connection with the gearbox, the motor is not protected at all when overloads occur. They mostly happen because of the dull chain. Therefore, the chain must be constantly undermined.

• When the mains voltage is lowered, the load on the electric motor begins to increase. And if there is no overheating protection, then the tool may fail. But even if such a system is provided, then with a constant undervoltage, the tool will turn off, and the work will then be unproductive.

• Even if the saw chain is well sharpened and the voltage is normal, then its resource is much lower than the gasoline “sister”.
  Experts say that such a saw can last no more than five years, even with full compliance with the operating instructions. A professional saw is more durable, but its price is twice as expensive.

• A saw definitely needs a cable that constantly interferes with work. But even in the country, it will be useless if the electricity is turned off, and there is no electric generator at hand.

Having dealt with the pros and cons of this tool, we proceed to consider the main points that you must pay special attention to before buying a saw.

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Setting the correct chain tension on the saw. Correct chain tension on the saw is essential. This allows for more productive wood-cutting work and extends tool life. Consider the following points when adjusting the chain tension. The chain must not sag and must not be too tight. To tension the chain, you need to: 1. Loosen the nut securing the guide bar with the chain. 2. Adjust the chain tension with the adjusting bolt. 3. Fix the guide bar in the obtained optimal position with the retaining nut. When working with a power tool, remember the safety rules and use protective accessories during work: gloves, goggles, etc. Partner for YouTube channel monetization:

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How to handle the saw correctly? (Useless advice)

After prolonged storage, especially in an unheated room, condensation water may form in the saw, which leads to a short circuit during start-up. To avoid this, place the saw in a dry and warm room for a day or two before use.

For the preparation of firewood, it is more expedient to use gasoline models, since they have more power and number of revolutions (8 9 thousand rpm) than electric models (about 5 thousand rpm). In addition, electric chain saws cannot be used continuously for a long time.

If the saw is not equipped with a thermal motor monitoring system, the insulation of the armature windings may melt and a short circuit will occur. If the system is installed, then it will literally turn off the engine cooling tool every minute.

Electric models are recommended for use for carpentry or small, cosmetic work on the care of a garden and summer cottage.

To cool down, put the instrument to one side more often. By the way, most household-grade saws are able to work continuously for a few minutes.

Electric models require careful monitoring of current stability, especially when using low-power saws. In our electrical networks (especially in rural areas), voltage drops are frequent, and the magnitude of such surges on weekends and holidays can reach 15-20%. By the way, the more powerful the motor, the less sensitive the instrument to voltage stability.

When working with a saw, always pay attention to the saw blade or chain. If the saw heats up strongly and quickly during operation, this indicates, first of all, poor sharpening of the teeth.

In order for the line to be cut when working with a circular saw, the edges of the casing must be in contact with the surface of the wood and abut against it during operation. If it is difficult to move the saw blade along the solid wood, you must first, without stopping work, move it a few centimeters back along the cut, and then slowly direct the saw movement along the same mowing line again.

Care is required not only for the instrument itself, but also for its accessories. For example, the chain needs to be re-edited and sharpened after each working day. In addition, if the tool is not equipped with automatic chain lubrication (there are, however, there are only a few), then you should more often lower the bar in a bucket of oil.

A correctly sharpened and adjusted saw cuts itself, almost no additional effort is needed to it. After work, it is necessary to remove the saw blade or chain, wipe it from sawdust, clean it with kerosene and put it in a special box until next use.

Tool storage is a topic for another conversation. Particular attention should be paid to saving battery models, which must be kept in a dry and warm place at an ambient temperature of no higher than 50 degrees Celsius, otherwise the battery may be damaged.

The service life of a nickel-cadmium battery is maximum when operated in a temperature range from 10 degrees Celsius to 35-40 degrees. Of course, you should not leave the instrument in direct sunlight, and even more so in the rain.

The saw is not only a dangerous tool, but extremely dangerous, therefore, constant and increased attention should be paid to safety issues. When working with a circular saw, it is necessary, first of all, to check the serviceability of fastening parts and electrical wiring, the saw itself must be grounded.

Sawing, for example, boards can only be done in a dry room. Never work near an open source of water, in a damp or humid environment.

The saw blade must be securely fastened, which must be checked before starting work. Speaking of circular saws, it should also be specially noted: each model is designed to use a blade of one specific diameter.

In principle, it is impossible to fit a larger disc, and a smaller disc is unacceptable for safety reasons: in this case, a gap forms between the disc and the protective cover, into which a finger can get caught. And since the rotational speed of the disk is very high, the guarantee of being left without a finger is almost one hundred percent.

How to put the chain on the saw correctly

Criteria for choosing an electric saw

• Engine power. This characteristic directly depends on performance. Therefore, the more power, the better the tool. It is better if the power remains in stock, rather than a little lack of it. Here you need to understand that high power pulls a large mass, dimensions and, of course, the price.

• Engine location. If you plan to carry out work in different planes, then it is better to choose a tool in which the longitudinal position of the engine is provided. True, this model is slightly more expensive than the one in which the electric motor has a transverse arrangement.

• Accidental activation blocking system. the saw belongs to the category of dangerous tools, therefore such a system must be present to prevent accidental activation.

• Smooth engine start. Starting and braking are the most critical operating modes. The fact is that it is at this moment that the maximum current flows through the winding, and this affects the resource. Therefore, choose a model where a soft starter is provided.

• Engine overheating protection. The most important element against overheating of the electric motor is a special thermal relay. During operation, the motor winding heats up, and when it reaches a critical temperature, the relay is activated and the power is turned off.

• Chain brake. Chainsaw operation requires special attention when the end of the bar touches the surface of the wood. At this point, a “kickback” occurs. A chain brake is provided for this moment. It is powered by a flap located directly in front of the hand. At the moment when the hand slips from the return blow, then it presses on the flap, the mechanism is triggered and the chain is locked.

• Lubrication system. In modern saws, an oil pump is provided to lubricate them, which turns on and off with the engine. You just need to carefully monitor the oil level and top up on time.

• Chain tension. It is better to choose a model that has a chain tensioning system. Here, a large wing nut is provided for fixing the tire. It is enough to loosen it, then you need to move the tire, and tighten the nut again.

“The correct choice of an electric saw is important, because they buy it with certain hopes, counting on high-quality and long-term work.”

So, having carefully studied all the main features of this tool, you will now know exactly how to choose a chain saw.

How to properly adjust the chain tension

The tension level of the saw chain directly affects the safety of the tool, work efficiency, and service life. It is very easy to check the tension level: closer to the center of the bar, grasp the saw blade by pulling it up. At normal tension, 1/3 of the point should remain inside the seat, and the chain can be safely rotated by hand.

Various saw models have wing nut or screw chain tensioners:

• Adjustment on tools equipped with a quick tension system is carried out by rotating a special wheel located under the sprocket guard. Clockwise rotation tightens the saw element, counter-clockwise loosens. With this mechanism, the tension can be changed on the fly.
• Tension adjustments for screw saws are a little more complicated. You will need to loosen the tension screw and side nuts, then you can rotate the screw. With increasing tension, the chain must be turned forward in order to check the smoothness of the movement, to eliminate the backlash of the hinges.

Perform all work, making sure that the saw is disconnected from the mains.

Installing the chain

During operation, especially on impressive volumes of work performed, the chain on the saw wears out and weakens. If you do not take care of its replacement in a timely manner, followed by adjusting the tension, the part can make the operation of the tool unsafe, for example, jumping off right at the time of cutting.

To install the chain on the saw, its characteristics should be taken into account, in particular the type of tension of the individual tool. With lateral tension, the sequence is as follows:

• Release the brake by pulling the protective bar towards you until you hear a characteristic click.
• Loosen the tensioning screw with a screwdriver, releasing the chain tension. The clamping nut will begin to rotate freely.
• Remove old part. Open the compartment where the saw elements are located by lifting the cover on the body, then remove the chain from the guides (sprockets), the tire will also have to be dismantled. When it is not possible to remove the parts, you will need to loosen the tension screw still.
• The replacement part is installed over the sprocket, you need to start from the top of the tire. Then, guided by the guides, insert back into the compartment.

Replacement may seem complicated, but it guarantees the reliability of the entire system, compared to tools equipped with keyless chucks.

Change the saw unit on saws with a quick tension system in the following order:

• Remove the tool from the brake.
• Open the handle nut to the stop.
• Turn wing nut counterclockwise. This element serves as both a cover lock and a rail clamp.
• After removing the guard from the guide, slide the tire in the opposite direction. Free the driven sprocket, remove the old chain.
• Install a new chain along the entire length of the bar, starting with a sprocket, so that the cutting edge is facing the inside of the saw body.
• Adjust the tension by adjusting the guide.
• When the sprocket cover is installed, tighten the fastening nut without tightening.
• In the direction of the arrow indicated on the body, turn the tension wheel, and then tighten the wing nut.

Changing parts on a saw equipped with a wing nut is not time-consuming, but allows you to quickly adjust the tension.

How to put the chain on the saw correctly

When performing an impressive amount of joinery and carpentry work, a reliable saw is needed, regardless of whether the wood is being cut in the house or outdoors. The quality and serviceability of the tool directly depends on the condition of its main elements: chains and tires. Correctly placing the chain on the saw is the main task facing the user, which greatly facilitates subsequent operation. Practical recommendations will help you perform this action even for those who have never done this before.

Chain selection

The saw chain is as important as the engine. And its choice should be approached as responsibly as possible, this will help to avoid many problems during the subsequent operation of the tool. You need to choose a chain for a saw, focusing on the following parameters:

• Saw model compatible. Despite the large number of alternative options, it is best to purchase a part from the same company that produced the tool itself.
• Purpose of use. If the saw will be intended for household work at home or in the garden, then it is optimal to select a part with a chain link pitch of 0.325 ”. Large jobs require a high performance 3/8 ”pitch chain.
• In length, it must match the length of the tire. Stretching or sagging of the part during long-term operation is eliminated by removing part of the links.
• For large volumes of work, it is recommended to use high-performance saw blades with a sharpening angle of 30 °. For complex processing, for example, wet or frozen wood, sharpen the teeth at 10 °.

It is also important to consider the material with which you plan to work, and the method of cutting it. So chains with a smaller sharpening angle are suitable for ripping. At the same time, their productivity will not be so high, but the operational life will significantly increase.

The choice of the saw bar must also be very careful. First of all, it is worth paying attention to the material: the stronger it is, the longer the part will last without failing. The following parameters are equally important:

• Length (the distance between the stop and the toe). the greater this indicator, the larger the tree it will be possible to cut. Lengths 12-20 “are predominantly used.
• Groove width. for household saws, parts with grooves up to 1.3 mm are used; 1.5-1.6 mm on a more powerful tool.
• Shank. determines if the tire is suitable for a specific electric stove model. It is better to purchase a branded part, although shanks from different manufacturers are often interchangeable.

Only with the correct selection of sawing elements will the further operation of the saw be effective, safe, not requiring additional money or time investments.

Do-it-yourself saw chain sharpening

If signs of wear appear on the cutting teeth, it is recommended to sharpen the saw chain. To do it yourself, you need a set of special tools:

• Files. flat and round. Their diameter must match the teeth of the chain.
• Mandrel.
• Caliber.

In order not to do unnecessary work, the first tooth must be marked with a marker before sharpening.

The saw element is not removed during sharpening, it is left on the tire, which is firmly fixed in a vice. Movements should be rhythmic, fast, accurate and made in one direction, observing the sharpening angle. When working with a round file, make sure that it does not go beyond the level of the chain teeth by more than 20% of its length.

Also, do not forget about the limiter, it also needs to be processed with a file, since over time this part wears out, losing its shape. The gauge (with the end face and at a 90 degree angle to the saw bar) must be applied to the edge of the stop. When the stopper protrudes beyond the caliber, it will need to be trimmed with a flat file.

To check how correct the sharpening was carried out, it will turn out only when cutting a tree. It will not work visually.

Despite the seeming complexity of the actions, replacing the saw elements on the saw, adjusting the tension and sharpening will not require the master to contact the service center. The main thing is to do everything in a timely manner, avoiding too strong wear of parts and not violating the operating conditions.

Bus problems

Today, the problem associated with an unreliable fixation of the tire is often encountered. It is characterized by the following features:

• The body with the guide element is fixed with a bolt.
• The connection is provided by two plates, one of which is located on the body, the second on the one, which is designed to guide the chain at the time of operation.
• The drive sprocket and the tire support are protected by a special casing, which eliminates the possibility of damage to the main elements.
• When the locking bolts are loosened, the structural element in question begins to move and vibrate at the time of operation. You can solve this problem by tightening the fasteners.

Other defects simply cannot be solved. In most cases, defects become the reason why you have to purchase a tire and replace it.

Trouble with a leading star

Sometimes chain slack is due to drive sprocket problems. The most common situation is when it is poorly secured. Step-by-step algorithm to twist the asterisk:

• Remove the engine cover.
• Remove the air filter and unscrew the candle, putting in its place a special stopper to fix the piston in an immovable position.
• Using the angle grinder wrench, turn the clutch disc clockwise to the highest position. Check the tightness of the sprocket, adjust its position.

Figure 3. the driving star on the chainsaw

After tightening, reassemble the chainsaw, be sure to put on the protective cover. When assembling, check that the chain fits snugly on the bar.

How to tension the chain on a chainsaw: installation and proper operation

This element of the sawing mechanism is used under conditions of high variable loads, therefore, during operation, it requires constant monitoring. A characteristic feature of the used saw chains is an increase in size due to the formation of gaps in the joints of the links.

Front chain tensioner

Now we will tell you how to install the chain with a front tensioner.

• The individual components of the chainsaw: the engine block, the chain, the tire, the combination key, lay out on a surface covered with a soft rug.
• As in the case of the side chain tensioner, we bring the motor unit to the vertical position and unscrew the nuts with the combined wrench. The chain sprocket cover can now be removed.
• The chain tensioner must be turned to the left so that the clamping element moves back from the sprocket.
• Next, we put the chain on the tire, starting from the top of the tire.
• Turn the chain over so that the tire is completely placed on top of it.
• We check that the chain is located on the bus correctly. It should be positioned so that the teeth on the top of the bar are facing forward.
• Next, we take the chain and the bar, and put the chain on the sprocket, pushing the guide bar onto the bolts with a shoulder.
• The sprocket cover must be put back on the engine block and the nuts tightened by hand. The bar and chain are now secured and the chain tension can be adjusted.
• By turning the clamping screw to the right, the chain links enter the groove of the bar.
• Lift the top up, turn the chain clamping screw a little more. As a result, the links must enter the groove.
• Now you need to tighten the nuts with a combination wrench.
• Checking the chain slack and finding the chain in the groove.
• Next, we check if the chain is overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake, pull the chain along the mowing line of movement (do not forget about protective gloves). If the chain does not move, then it is necessary to unscrew the nuts again and repeat the above manipulations.
• The saw is ready for use. It remains only to activate the chain brake.

Timely and correctly installed saw chain will help make the process of cutting wood fast and safe.

Side chain tensioner

Consider the step-by-step installation instructions for the side chain tensioner.

• As with the quick tensioner, the first step is to prepare the work surface on which we lay the block, combination wrench, bar and chain.
• We bring the engine block to the vertical position and unscrew the nuts with a combined wrench. The chain sprocket cover can now be removed.
• We turn the chain tensioner to the left so that the tensioning element comes into contact with the recess in the body.
• Next, as with mounting with a quick tensioner, carefully place the chain on the bar. We start the process from the top of the tire. It is important to ensure that the chain is guided correctly. A prerequisite is the presence of gloves for protection when working with sharp chain cutters.
• We turn the chain so that the tire is completely on the chain.
• We re-check the accuracy of the location and direction of the chain. The cutter located on the top of the tire should be facing forward.
• We put the chain in the assembly with the tire on the sprocket. In the process, the guide bar slides over the shoulder bolt.
• We put the cover on the engine block and tighten the nuts. Now the chain with the bar is rigidly fixed and it is possible to correct the chain tension.
• If the chain is loose and slack, then its links will not be in the groove of the tire.
• Next, we turn the chain clamping screw to such an extent that the chain sags quite a bit, and the links are located in the tire groove.
• Raise the top of the tire up and slightly tighten the screw. The chain links must fit fully into the groove.
• Tighten the nuts with the combination wrench.
• We re-check the location of the chain in the groove. And we check that there is no sagging.
• Next, we check if the chain is overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake, pull the chain along the mowing line of movement (do not forget about protective gloves). If the chain does not move, then it is necessary to unscrew the nuts again and repeat the above manipulations.
• You can activate the chain brake and start the chainsaw.

Why did the chain fly off?

There are several reasons why the chain can fly off during operation. This may be due to improper tire operation or insufficient tire tension. The problem sometimes appears even with an insufficiently secured drive and driven sprocket. Determination of the cause allows you to accurately select the required repair, tools.

How to install a bar with a chain on a chainsaw?

Often, problems in the operation of a chainsaw arise when the tire is incorrectly installed. This can be determined by the characteristic rattling, vibration and low performance of the saw during operation. The tire is fastened to the body between the outer plate, fixing is carried out with a special bolt.

Popularly referred to as the “engine assembly”, this part consists of a drive sprocket and locking bolts. It is not difficult to install the tire together with the saw. you need to remove all protective covers, unscrew the fixing bolts by a third of the length and put the headset. Then tighten all the nuts tightly, turn the tensioner with a special lever.