How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain with a Machine Tool
Who better than a gardener to know how important it is to have always working equipment on hand. Especially when it comes to a tool on which the speed of work and a high-quality final result depend.
In this article, we will tell you about the importance of timely maintenance of consumables for equipment such as a chainsaw. If you often use this device, then you need to be prepared for the fact that the chain headset will require regular sharpening. Since it is this process that allows you to achieve the best performance, without loss of power and excessive fuel consumption.
How to sharpen a chain of a chainsaw?
So that you can ensure the proper condition of your gasoline saw, it’s enough to know when, how, and with what devices you can sharpen, so that the sawing process is as efficient and safe as possible.
How to determine the condition of the circuit?
When it is necessary to sharpen a chain, precise recommendations do not exist. It depends on the intensity of use of the tool. However, it is also impossible to wait specifically for the moment when the saw stops working properly. It is very important to pay attention to early signs of dullness.
First of all, make sure that the chain is locked securely. If during the sawing of wood you began to notice that you began to exert more efforts than before, then most likely the tensioner is not able to provide proper working tension. In this case, the chain is slightly extended or sagged.
Pay attention to the quality of the chips. Ideally, it should be light, uniform and about the same size. With poor sharpening, the chip has a small fraction of a dark color and with an abundance of visible impurities in the structure.
Sometimes you may notice that the chainsaw tilts to the side. This is also a reason for sharpening.
How to sharpen a chainsaw chain?
To learn how to sharpen correctly, it is enough to follow a few simple rules and have the necessary set of tools with you. Since the tooth of the chain is a complex geometric shape, this operation may seem quite complicated, but this is only at first glance.
Each tooth of the saw set is represented by two cutting edges. Lateral (vertical) and upper (horizontal), which has a bevel at a certain angle and is directed towards the movement of the chain. The size of the chips and the productivity depends on the depth limiter, which is located on each cutting tooth and serves to determine the maximum immersion of the cutting edges in the tree. Their sharpening is carried out only if necessary, as a rule, then when you notice that the distance between the teeth and the separator is significantly reduced.
Chain sharpening tools at home
There are two ways to sharpen a chain of a chainsaw. Using a set of hand tools and a special mechanical or electric grinder. Naturally, the first method is the most popular. However, professionals do not recommend using it very often, as this can lead to rapid wear and tear and malfunction of the equipment.
If you still prefer this method, then in your arsenal should be such devices:
Round (cylindrical) file for sharpening cutting teeth. Flat file for grinding the depth gauge. Template for rational sharpening parameters. Hook for easy removal of sawdust, dust and other debris from the chain. Construction gloves to protect hands from unexpected cuts.
To fix the chain at home, you must use a round file of the appropriate diameter:
For chains with a groove width of 10.3 mm and a pitch of 3/8, a file with a diameter of 4 mm is suitable. For chains with a groove width of 1.6 mm and a pitch of 3/8. A file of 5.2 mm For chains with a groove width of 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 mm and a chain pitch of 0.325. Files with a diameter of 3.8 mm, 4.2 mm and 4.8 mm can be used.
If you are starting this process for the first time, then it will not be superfluous to watch an informative, where experienced masters share useful tips and gradually reveal all the secrets of successful sharpening.
How to sharpen a chain of a chainsaw with a file, and what rules must be strictly observed so as not to harm the tool
First of all, thoroughly clean the chain from oil, dirt and other debris. Carefully inspect the cutting blade for damage, worn links and teeth. If flaws are found, its further use is dangerous for work. It is also worth paying attention to the length of the upper point, it should be at least 1/4 inch. If the sharpening is shorter, then there is a high probability that the tooth will break during operation.
It is very important that the device is correctly positioned on the work plane. It should be a flat and hard surface. For a high-quality operation, it is recommended to clamp the saw bar in a special vice. This will allow not only to move the blade freely, but also to adhere to the correct angle of inclination. The chain should be in a vice at an angle of 80. 90 degrees relative to the surface. The sharpener, in turn, should move at an angle of 15. 35 degrees with respect to the placed fixed chain.
Next, determine the location of the lead torch. As a rule, it is the shortest on the chain. If you do not observe it, then you can start sharpening from any blade. For convenience, mark with a marker the place where your work will begin.
Before sharpening the chain, lay the template so that it fits into its slot. Then bring the file along the cutting surface of the tooth and make a few light movements with a protrusion of 3-4 cm, parallel to the side edges of the template. The direction of the file should be continuous and directed only in one direction. You can create moderate circular movements, this will remove the formed metal chips. It is also important to observe the same number of strokes for each tooth. In the process, in no case should you be in a hurry. At this stage, it is very important to adhere to accuracy, care and accuracy.
Turn the tool over in a vice and proceed to sharpening teeth that have the opposite direction from those that you have sharpened before.
If necessary, increase the distance of the depth gauge. Insert the template and gently grind away with a flat file what falls under its slot.
At the final stage, lubricate the chain with special oil and check the tension.
Also on sale you can find such a set for sharpening, which consists of a flat file, a gauge template for sawing the limiter and a round file placed in a special metal plate (holder) with engraved fishing lines.
When sharpening the chain with these tools, a cylindrical file with a plate should be located on the tooth in accordance with the specified fishing line. The holder, in turn, rests on the upper part of the tooth and limiter, and the file is under the cutting edge.
To control the cutter depth limiter, a filing gauge is used, which contains special curly cuts. It is fixed on the cutting tooth and, using a flat file, grind off that part of the stopper that protrudes from under the surface of the caliber.
How to sharpen a chain of a chainsaw on a machine?
If you do not want to sharpen the chain manually, you can use a manual or electric grinder. The most popular, of course, is network equipment.
The electric machine has a reliable base, a movable upper part and fixing components, consisting of a mounting and set screw, as well as an installation wedge with a chain holder. The base of the case is represented by one start button, depth gauge and a scale for setting the angle and level of sharpening. An abrasive grinding wheel is used as a working component. For the most convenient application there is a handle and special protection elements.
The main advantage of the electric machine is that it has a certain system of settings, making it possible to place the cutting blade at the right angle and bring the blade to the edge to be sharpened with maximum accuracy. Each tooth is sharpened separately, the user only moves the chain along the holder. There are also models that automatically clamp the vise when lowering the disc chain onto the tooth.
The procedure for sharpening is more than simple:
Place the saw set in the machine, with its links towards the blade. Find the shortest tooth on the chain. This will be the main guideline for determining the level of sharpening. Set the desired machine settings. Lower the circle to the shortest tooth, and then without changing the settings, go to the next. At the end of sharpening, blow out the headset and treat it with oil.
In order for the sharpening machine to serve you as long as possible, after each use blow the mechanism clean with compressed air and lubricate it with machine oil.
As for manual machines, in shape they resemble the design of a beam saw, but instead of a saw blade, a cylindrical file is used. The use of such a device has several advantages. Firstly, all the working edges of the chain headset are sharpened exactly the same. Secondly, the file moves at a given angle and the probability of even a minimal deviation is completely eliminated. The necessary sharpening parameters are set by the user independently before starting work.
You can buy a machine for sharpening chains of chainsaws on our website, where a large selection of equipment of this type is presented, each model is described in detail, all technical specifications are given.
How to pull a chain on a chainsaw
After sharpening, be sure to make sure that the chain tension meets the stated requirements. A saw headset that sags may slip off the tire or get stuck in the wood during operation. The constriction is also bad. Creates an excessive load on the engine.
Therefore, it is very important to control the chain tension and, if necessary, make adjustments before each start of operation with the power off. The process of chain tension is not difficult, all you need to do is to follow the correct sequence of actions, which is described in the instructions for each tool.
First, loosen the fasteners on the chainsaw cover that holds the saw headset. Then insert the key-screwdriver into the corresponding groove, and gently rotate while pulling the chain. A couple of revolutions are enough. To check the tension, pull the chain by hand at the bottom of the tire in the direction of its movement. If it does not move, then the mount is too tight and needs to be slightly loosened. Ideally, the sliding of the canvas should be smooth without hooks and unnecessary sagging.
Important! In no case should you tighten or replace the chain in the hot state, since after cooling it has the property of contracting again. Such actions can lead to irreversible deformation of the guide rail and engine failure. Wait until it cools completely, and only then proceed with adjustment.