How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with an angle grinder

Features of sharpening teeth with a file

File sharpening begins with the correct choice of the diameter of the device. For 1.3 mm chains, use a file with a diameter of 4 mm. For cutting teeth with a size of 1.6 mm, a file with a diameter of 5.2 mm is used.

File sharpening must be performed directly on the tool, after fixing the tire in a vice, and turning on the handbrake. For the process to take place promptly, you need to sharpen the teeth first from one side at a certain angle, and then from the other side. The beginning of the work should be marked with chalk or a marker.

Reciprocating movements with a flat file remove the stops from the teeth. For beginners, it is recommended to use a special template that is attached to the tire, and all that remains is to perform reciprocating movements with a round file. Experienced craftsmen carry out the sharpening using only a file, carrying out reciprocating movements in the amount of 1-2 times for each tooth.

Chainsaw teeth sharpening tools and reasons for quick blunting

The chainsaw needs sharpening of the teeth, and this must be done regularly, depending on the frequency of the tool, which will ensure not only efficient operation, but also extend the service life. To get the most out of your firewood sawing power tool, you need to learn how to sharpen your chain. There are various tools for this.

All chainsaws need sharpening of the chain, regardless of their brand and cost. The reasons for the rapid blunting of teeth are:

• Long-term tool work. When sawing wood, the metal heats up, therefore, with prolonged work, the resistance of the cutting parts decreases. As a result, the cutting part is licked, and the longer you continue to work, the faster the blunting will occur.
• Cutting through metal materials such as nails or screws that are screwed into the wood to be sawn
• Improper starting and operation of the tool also contributes to the rapid blunting of the chain. When starting or while working with the tool, when the chainsaw is on the ground, you need to engage the hand brake. If the earth gets into the teeth, this will lead to their rapid dulling, and accelerated wear of the chain.
• The type of wood to be sawn. If hardwood trees are processed, then dulling occurs very quickly.

For correct sharpening on chainsaws, special round and flat files are used, which are completed with the tool. These files are designed for sharpening cutting edges in the field. over, it is important to perform this procedure on a cooled instrument.

Sharpening on special manual and automated machines

If the tooth has significant wear, then it will be problematic to restore their sharpness. For such purposes, special hand-held machines are used, the functioning of which is carried out in this way:

• Loosens screw to adjust the clamp
• The direction of the links is aligned on the saw, which should look towards the sharpening stone
• The required angle is set

Deep sharpening will negatively affect the strength of the teeth, so a chain replacement may soon be necessary. After completing the work, you can start removing the metal edge using a compressor. It will not hurt to place the entire device in oil for a few hours.

For sharpening, automated machines are used, on which the chain is placed and fixed. The device is fixed in the tool, after which the engine starts. Such sharpening is needed for chains on which it is impossible to sharpen the teeth with a file.

Chainsaw sharpening with an angle grinder

How to sharpen teeth with an angle grinder

If an automated sharpening machine seems expensive, an angle grinder can replace it. This tool should be used as a sharpening machine if you have extensive experience with an angle grinder. If it is wrong to work with an angle grinder, then this can not only harm health, but also the chain itself, the teeth of which will be incorrectly sharpened.

• The chain stays on the tool
• The sharpening angle is visually selected
• The instrument is switched on at half power with the connected voltage regulator

Each tooth must be sharpened with an angle grinder. If the angle is chosen incorrectly, then already at the first start of the tool it will be possible to determine it.

Homemade chain sharpening

Before starting work with a gas powered tool, you need to sharpen the cutting elements. Before you start sharpening chainsaws with your own hands, you need to determine the design of the cutting edges. The cutting edges of the chains have a side and beveled shape (chisel or chipper). The angle of the file during sharpening depends on this.

Sharpen the chain on a chainsaw with different tools

The main working device of any chainsaw and electric saw is the cutting element, which is presented in the form of a chain with teeth. The chain stretches over time, and the teeth become dull, which negatively affects the performance of the tool. Special devices for sharpening chainsaw chains will help to correct the situation. Using such devices, you can quickly and efficiently restore the original cutting properties of the saw tool.

Self-made device for sharpening chainsaws with your own hands

It is recommended to make home-made devices for sharpening chainsaw chains when you have to sharpen the chain on the tool every day. Such a homemade device is an electric motor with an abrasive disc attached to a shaft. It is necessary to use an abrasive disc, since this procedure cannot be performed with a sharpening wheel.

The principle of making a homemade machine tool is that the engine should be of low power, and fixed on the base. A special template is made, on which the cutting element of the tool is fixed. A rotating disc with a motor is manually brought to each tooth, and they are sharpened. It is important that the engine is movable and the chain is fixed in a stationary state.

Such a device (from a low-power electric motor) is the best option for those who are engaged in professional sharpening. Additionally, you can also make a special template for fixing the device. This will make it easier to manually adjust the angle.

As a conclusion, it should be noted that the chain is an important device of every chainsaw. It needs regular sharpening, and the longer the teeth are not sharpened, the sooner it will be time to replace the device. It is important to understand that working on a tool with blunt teeth puts a lot of stress on the engine.

DIY sharpening methods

With constant use of the saw, it is stupid to carry it to sharpening all the time. It’s easier to learn how to sharpen your teeth with your own hands. There are several ways to do this: you can sharpen by hand, with a file or an angle grinder. In addition, the chain can be removed from the bar or not. Next, we will consider all these methods.

angle grinder

Many people use a file file rather than an angle grinder to avoid damaging the teeth. To use this tool, experience is needed, it is highly discouraged for a beginner to trust this business, since the cutting elements can be damaged.

Different techniques are used when sharpening with an angle grinder. In the first option, the chain is not removed from the saw. The main thing is to choose a suitable disc for the angle grinder so as not to damage the metal of the teeth. It is not recommended to use a new angle grinder disc, it should be slightly abraded and have soft, rounded edges. The sharpening angle is selected individually, the main thing is that the saw is stationary.

The second method involves removing the chain. the angle grinder is set to a stationary state, and the master works exclusively with a chain, bringing one link to the angle grinder and sharpening the teeth at a certain angle.

Chain device

A sharpened chain is the key to the safe, productive and quality operation of any chainsaw. It is practically impossible to work on a blunt cutting element, as the saw will “walk”, vibrate and slide. In addition, the operator will have to make every effort to cut the tree, which significantly reduces productivity. The chain of the chainsaw is simple enough. Its main elements are teeth, which take part in cutting. They need to be as sharp as possible to handle any type of wood of varying density. They are located on both sides of the chain and alternate during its rotation.

Thus, it is not difficult to guess that all the teeth must be sharpened in order for the tool to work efficiently. The manufacturer makes the cutting element from a durable and reliable material. special hardened steel that is easy to sharpen. In addition to the teeth, one cannot fail to note the links, edges and stops, which are also integral parts of the chain.

The sharpness of the teeth depends on the performance of the chainsaw and the frequency of its use.

It is very easy to notice the need for sharpening6

• First, it starts to slide off the wood from the start.
• Secondly, when cutting, the tool vibrates in the hands of the master.

The more often a tool is used, the faster it becomes blunt and requires sharpening. If it is not carried out in a timely manner, you can be injured, since blunt links can slide off the wood, and if there is no automatic brake, then the operator can be injured. The sharpness of the chain must be checked before each start of work, especially if the tool has been idle for a long time. It is important to take into account that with each sharpening, the metal is grinded and becomes smaller, so this cannot be done endlessly.

It is recommended to change the chain every 15-20 sharpenings to maintain the tool in a resource condition.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with an angle grinder: practical tips

The chainsaw is one of the basic and indispensable tools for construction work, garden cleaning and wood harvesting. In order for it to serve for many years and not fail, it is necessary to ensure proper care during operation.

Chainsaw chain

Next, we will consider advice from experts on how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with an angle grinder, a file and a hand-held machine, how to understand that the teeth are dull and what to do if the saw does not start.

Manual machine

Not all chains can be sharpened with an angle grinder or file, this is due to its quality. If the chain is already sufficiently sharpened, it is better to use a manual machine, with which a neat sharpening is performed. The machines are manual and electric, stationary and mobile, which are installed directly on the bus. Consider the algorithm of actions:

• the first step is to “release” the screw, which is responsible for the chain tension
• after that, you need to set the chain so that the teeth are at a certain angle to the sharpening stone
• sharpening is done in several ways: in the first version, the right and left teeth are sharpened synchronously, and in the second, every second tooth is sharpened first, for example, first the right and then the left

Why sharpen a chain on a chainsaw

The chain on the tool is sharpened so that it works efficiently all the time and does not fail. When the chain becomes dull, the operator has to work harder to cut the tree, which leads to fatigue and reduced efficiency.

One of the main indicators indicating the need for sharpening teeth is the color and quality of the sawdust. They should be small and light, to match the wood. Large, dark shavings indicate that the saw is dull and does not operate in the same way as before.

With constant household use of a chainsaw, it is recommended to sharpen it once a month, maybe 2, depending on the intensity of the work with the tool. With regular use, for example, in forestry, you need to sharpen the saw once a day or once every two days.

File

The main advantage of this method is its economy. The file itself is inexpensive and does not require additional resources for its operation, for example, gasoline or electricity. It is important to take into account that the diameter of the file must exactly match the width of the chain, otherwise it will not work properly to sharpen it. You need to prepare four basic tools. a round file, a flat file, a sawdust hook and a depth gauge template.

To get the job done right. you need to follow certain rules:

• before sharpening, the chain must be degreased and cleaned of oil, sawdust and other debris
• work must be carried out on a flat solid surface so that there are no other objects at hand that can interfere with
• so that the chain does not “walk”, the tire must be clamped in a vice. This will work through every link.
• the file is applied to the surface at an angle, all movements are done slowly and smoothly

All movements must be accurate and fluid. Each tooth is sharpened at the same angle so as not to spoil the metal on the chain. The same number of movements must be carried out on each link so that the height of all teeth remains the same. The fact is that they are grinded with each sharpening and over time the chain has to be changed.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands: 3 proven methods

The quality of sawing wood with a chainsaw largely depends on the sharpness of the chain. How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands at home? We will tell you about three good ways.

The speed and quality of sawing wood with a chain saw depends on the sharpness of the chain. It needs to be sharpened from time to time. How can this be done? We will tell you about three reliable ways in which you can sharpen a chain with your own hands. One of them allows you to sharpen the chain right in the field, while the other two require a special tool and electricity.

Saw chain sharpening methods

There are three ways to sharpen your saw chain effectively:

• File.
• angle grinder.
• Sharpening machine.

Method 1

We install the chainsaw on the table, and clamp the tire with a vice so that it does not move during operation. We set low revolutions on the angle grinder (if there is only smooth adjustment, then slightly press the start button). We direct the disc at an angle of 30 ° relative to the plane of the tooth and tilt it slightly (as shown in the photo). Press on the tooth with light, soft movements.

With this method, the main thing is not to overheat the tooth and not to grind off too much metal. Ditching teeth, sharpening in this way, is much easier than with a hand file, but the sharpening speed increases significantly.

Method 2

In this case, it is the angle grinder that needs to be fixed immovably. Can be clamped in a vise or screwed to a workbench with a bracket. Sharpening is done as on a conventional grinding wheel. We hold the chain with our hands and turn it so that the tooth sharpens at an angle of 30 °. With this method, hands are less tired, since you need to hold the chain, and not the angle grinder. However, the chance to get injured increases significantly. We recommend using this method infrequently or not at all, since safety is still more important than speed or quality of sharpening.

Chain design

The saw chain consists of the following elements:

In order for the chain to saw well, it is necessary to sharpen each tooth on the left and right sides. However, in order not to spoil the sharpening, it is important to know what shape our teeth on the chain are. There are two common forms of saw teeth:

• Chipper. This is the more common tooth shape and is found in almost all chains. Here the profile is somewhat rounded, so it is much easier to sharpen it with a round file. In practice, however, the chipper dulls a little faster than the chisel.
• Chisel. The cutter profile in this case looks like a seven. Such a cutter has a rather small contact area when it comes into contact with wood, so it encounters less resistance. For this reason, in one cut, it makes a greater depth of cut, which means that the speed of cutting a log will be higher (in comparison with a chipper). But sharpening it without damaging the edge is much more difficult.

Sharpening the chain with a file

This type of sharpening can be used directly in the field. It requires a round file, a holder for it (clamp) and a vise for clamping the tire.

To sharpen with a file, you need to perform the following manipulations:

• Clamp the tire in a vice. If you are in landing and did not take a vise with you, then you can clamp the tire by resting it on the log.
• Place the clip with the file on the chain so that it creates an angle of 30 °.
• With light movements forward (away from yourself), we sharpen the tooth. With a new file, it is enough to make 5. 7 movements. If the file has already been used several times, then more movements will be required.
• After the tooth has been sharpened, remove the file with the clip and scroll the chain to the next tooth. After passing all the right teeth, turn the saw (or change the position of the file) and sharpen the left teeth.

Some file holders have a filed template on which the turning angle is already marked. So you do not have to “figure out” this angle. But from experience we will say that you need to practice well until it turns out to sharpen the chain perfectly smoothly with a file.

Sharpening the chain with an angle grinder

If you have an angle grinder, then you can sharpen your chainsaw chain much faster. It is best to use a small, 125-disc angle grinder. Sharpening is done at low speeds. There are two ways to sharpen an angle grinder.

Chainsaw chain sharpening method with an angle grinder

Professional craftsmen do not consider the technology of sharpening a chainsaw with an angle grinder to be simple and correct, but in some cases this method is still practiced (Figure 4).

The step-by-step instructions for sharpening are as follows:

• The chain is left on the bus. A cutting disc for metal with a thickness of up to 2 mm is attached to an angle grinder. It is desirable that the disc is not new, but with a slightly worn edge.
• A small obstacle is placed in front of the chain and bar, for example, a chip.
• After that, sharpening is carried out at the required angle. After sharpening is completed, the chain is tightened as much as possible.

Sharpening with an angle grinder is not considered the best option, as there is a high risk of tire damage or injury

It is also worth clarifying that this method is only suitable for professionals who know how to handle an angle grinder. Otherwise, there is a high risk of tire damage or injury.

With improvised means

To properly sharpen the chainsaw chain with improvised tools, you first have to prepare the necessary tools: a round and flat file, a holder and a special machine for teeth.

The round file is used to cut the rounded edge of the saw teeth. As a rule, a tool with a diameter of 4-5.5 mm is chosen for this purpose. A flat file is used for sharpening depth gauges. They are responsible for how deep the chainsaw will cut into the structure of the wood. The rest of the tools will be needed to securely fix the chain.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain

High-quality sawing of wood directly depends on the sharpness of the chainsaw. As a rule, chainsaws are used in construction and when felling trees. They are powerful, functional and can significantly reduce the time spent on work.

But even the highest quality tool from a well-known brand loses performance over time, and the chain has to be sharpened. It is quite possible to do this at home, especially since sharpening can be done with tools that almost any owner has. Step-by-step instructions will help to sharpen the chainsaw chain with improvised means.

Chainsaw chain sharpening at home

If you do not have the necessary skills in sharpening a power tool, you should take the tool to a service center, where it will be quickly put in order. But, if funds are limited, and the owner has certain skills, you can sharpen it yourself (Figure 1).

Chainsaw chain sharpening allows you to maintain the performance of the tool longer

To do this, you can use almost any improvised means that are usually used to sharpen knives and other cutting tools.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain on an electric machine

If the chainsaw chain is severely worn out, manual sharpening will not be enough to restore the performance of the tool (Figure 3).

The electric sharpening machine, regardless of the model, is a special tool with a sharpening disc. It can be customized by setting a pivot or pendulum movement.

Sharpening on an electric machine is done quickly and with minimal physical effort

Step-by-step instructions for sharpening on an electric machine looks like this:

• The chain is fixed on a swivel holder. After that, you can start sharpening each tooth separately.
• The teeth are held in turn along the disc, manually adjusting the angle and depth of sharpening.
• In this case, it is extremely important to monitor the heating of the metal. When it starts to change color, you will have to stop sharpening. This indicates that the metal has overheated and its cutting edge will become too brittle.

File

A hand file is the simplest tool you can use to sharpen your chainsaw chain (Figure 2).

It is also necessary to first inspect the chain for chips, cracks and other damage.

When working, you should take into account some technical features:

• The teeth are sharpened from the inside out, and the degree is determined according to the marks established by the manufacturer.
• Always wear gloves on your hands so as not to accidentally injure yourself during work.
• To simplify the work, special holders are used. With their help, the depth of the stop and the sharpening angle are determined.
• The machine is fixed on the tire with clamps, and guides are set at an angle to adjust the sharpening depth.
• The specific tooth that is sharpened is also fixed with a stop, on top of which a file is placed.

Sharpening with a file is the easiest, but not the most effective way to restore sharpness to the chain.

Regardless of the tool used, the edge is first sharpened and then the depth stops are aligned.

The main mistakes beginners make when sharpening a chain

Many beginners, when self-sharpening, make popular mistakes that can negatively affect the performance of the tool.

For the sharpening to be truly high-quality, it is necessary to make the same number of movements when sharpening each tooth. You should also strictly observe the degree of the angle and sharpen the teeth with the same physical effort. In order not to damage the tool, it is strictly forbidden to make sharpening movements back and forth, but only in one direction.

information and practical tips for sharpening your chainsaw chain at home can be found in the video.

Chain and cutting tooth arrangement

Consider a little the structure of the chain, or rather the cutting teeth, and even more precisely their sharpening. It has 2 faces, smoothly merging into one another. Also, the cutting tooth has a cut limiter, which, when sharpening, will also need to be cut.

The tooth is sharpened at an angle, it is important to position the disc of the angle grinder in such a way as to sharpen the teeth, and not blunt and cut them simply.

So, we need an angle grinder, an abrasive disc for metal and the petrol or electric chain saw itself. The chain must be put on the tire, that is, be at your workplace, be sufficiently tensioned. this will be much more convenient.

There are at least 20 cutting teeth on the chain, they are located at a distance of about 2-3 cm from each other, it all depends on the type and length of the chain. We will not go into these details, we just need to find them and sharpen them. Installed teeth through one to the right / left by the side cutting part.

We find a tooth and carefully examine and feel it, here you need to understand how it is sharpened and how it needs to be sharpened with an angle grinder, how to hold the disc. We will visually divide it into a side cutting part and an upper one. We insert the disc there at an angle of 45 degrees and pre-try it on. Sharpening takes place in a split second, you do not need to drive the disc for a long time, you will just ruin the tooth.

The disc must be at the angle of the sharpening of the tooth

When you are noticed, you can turn on the angle grinder, of course not near the tooth. And first turn it on, then bring it for sharpening. With light movements, gently slide the disc along the inner side of the side edge and also along the top, smoothly leading the disc parallel to sharpening. It takes a fraction of a second, we do it 2-3 times. There is no point in writing further, you need to feel it through experience. Just a little, once we go through the cut limiter, cutting it down, quite a bit, by a couple of tenths of a millimeter. And on top and on the side of the tooth.

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How to sharpen chain saws: all kinds of ways

Today, there is practically no person who does not have such a unique and powerful tool for gardening work as a chainsaw (see How to choose a chainsaw). In fact, this device is the best mechanism for performing complex and large volumes of work, for example, for cutting wood. Its power is sufficient to work at least 12 hours practically without stopping (see the rating of the most reliable chain saws).

Therefore, it is not surprising that chainsaws have such a high level of popularity and demand these days. But, despite all its positive characteristics, this device, or rather its integral part, for example a chain, can become dull with prolonged use. Naturally, as they say, there is no big trouble, as it is very easy and quick to return to its original form.

It is this topic and this article that is intended. Here you can learn about the most direct mechanism of the chain, as well as how and with which you can quickly sharpen your “tool” for the job. And also a couple of tips will be presented to your attention that you will definitely need. So let’s start looking at this topic.

File sharpening

This method is appreciated for the ability to perform work in any, even field, conditions, the simplicity of the procedure and the absence of the need to use an expensive tool. A tool with an exceptionally round section will help to properly sharpen the chainsaw chain with a file. To determine the parameters of the file, you need to know the dimensions of the saw itself, in particular, it is required to determine the pitch of the teeth. For processing the depth gauge of the guide tooth, the use of a flat variation is allowed.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw with Elegant Efficiency [smoother & straighter cuts]

Templates or patterns will give the right direction to the tool and can make work easier. They must be fixed to the treated area. After completing the preparatory work, you can proceed directly to the procedure according to the recommendations of specialists:

• Secure the chain to the clamp.
• Align the file for sharpening the chain according to the template.
• Grind the teeth in one direction at the selected angle. The latter should not change. The working tool itself should be held so that its tip protrudes only a fifth of its thickness. You need to move the file as smoothly as possible, the movements should be light. The reverse must be done idle. It is recommended to turn the tool periodically to reduce the risk of wear on the sharpening side.
• The angle of inclination of the tool should be right, and the angle of sharpening of the chain of the chainsaw horizontally. sharp, while its changes are allowed in the range from 10 to 30 °. The smallest tooth in the row should be taken as a basis.
• Turn the tire over and do the same job for the teeth that go in the opposite direction.

Has such a method and small disadvantages. In particular, a lot of time is needed. But on the other hand, you will not need to purchase expensive equipment or special tools.

Sharpening on the machine

Do-it-yourself machine for sharpening chainsaw chains copes with the task without any problems. There are various options for using such a tool. automatic sharpening or manually. In addition, you can make a homemade chain sharpener.

Electric sharpening machines involve installing the saw into a special hole in the device, after which you will need to choose the optimal angle for sharpening the teeth and turn on the chainsaw. After that, the chain teeth are self-sharpening against the emery stone. But the best sharpening machines are not cheap, so they are rarely purchased for home use.

It is simple to use the machine to sharpen chains by hand. The actions will have to be performed in the following sequence:

• Loosen the screw that secures the chain.
• Adjust the appropriate level of sharpening, while it is necessary to determine the maximum degree of sharpening after visual inspection of the bluest tooth. The angles of sharpening on a manual machine are also selected. You can use special tables that are presented in the instructions for the saw.
• Sharpen according to all selected parameters.
• Treat the chain with clean machine oil.

There are 2 ways to use a hand-held machine for this purpose:

• Serial implies the impact on each tooth one after another, while it is necessary to periodically change the polarity.
• Sharpening every second tooth, that is, the right tooth is sharpened first, and then the left. This does not require polarity reversal.

How to sharpen with an angle grinder

When sharpening a chainsaw with an angle grinder, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of chain sharpness, treat the drive sprocket with machine oil. At the same time, this method has one significant advantage. it is not necessary to remove the chain set from the saw, you can visually select the sharpening angle.

Although many owners of chainsaws and chainsaws believe that this tool can damage the cutting teeth of the chain, if the work is done by an experienced specialist, then the risk is minimal.

Only a special disc is suitable for working with metal. Its diameter must be at least 2.5 mm. It is recommended to select an already used disc with rounded edges.

Before you start sharpening, you need to insert a wedge of wood between the chain and the bottom of the bar to prevent the headset from moving.

Preventing the chain from dulling quickly

You can extend the life of the chain without periodic sharpening if you pay special attention to careful maintenance of the headset. In particular, it is required:

• Use of specialized oil, which must be added when refueling the chainsaw. To select the required concentration, it is recommended to read the instructions for the oil itself.
• All unused volume must be disposed of.
• During operation, it is recommended to periodically check the dimensions of the gap between the stop and the edge of the tooth. Ideally, it should be 0.7 mm.
• In order to minimize the risk of tooth curvature and one-sided abrasion, the tire can be periodically rearranged 180 degrees.
• The drive sprocket must be lubricated systematically. This must be done before each use of the saw. You can choose the oil that is diluted with gasoline and added to the fuel tank. But the M8 brand has the best performance.
• Observe the tension indicators. The chain must be aligned with the grooves of the bar.

Chain chain device

The chain is actually quite simple. One of its main elements are teeth, which are located both on the left and right, and which alternate. Connect with each other through other links, namely the connection.

They are made directly from special steel material. In addition, the top of the steel is chrome hard-coated, which greatly increases the saw’s life. Also important parts of the chain of this tool are:

• cutting;
• side and top faces;
• deep shift stop.

Now let’s try to understand the question of the reasons for the blunting of the chain itself. Why is this happening and what factors affect it. This question is quite serious, since the efficiency of the chainsaw itself depends primarily on the sharpness of the teeth on the chain. So let’s start with everything in order.

If you have a chainsaw and feel strong vibration from the tool at work, and pay attention to the slow passage of the tool, then make sure that the circuit on your device is dull. The main reason for this is intense and overuse of the instrument.

In addition, it is important to have direct contact with the ground or strongly hardened wood elements.

In addition, it is worth noting that working with such a chainsaw is extremely difficult, since such a negligent attitude can lead to serious problems. Among them, not only high fuel consumption, but also very slow cutting, but also vibration is directly applied to the body, and this, in turn, leads to breakage of the sprocket and even the tire itself.

The saw chain is a metal base with series-connected links that have teeth characterized by cutting properties. You can improve them if you sharpen the chainsaw chain at home, but you must follow the rules and use a tool specially designed for this. The latter can be homemade or factory made.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with an angle grinder video

The chain is easy to sharpen with an angle grinder with an abrasive disc for metal. There are many ways to sharpen a chain, but I did the best and fastest with an angle grinder. Here I will tell you how to sharpen a saw chain quickly and efficiently.

First of all, it should be noted that sharpening the saw chain with an angle grinder requires special care and accuracy, because the chain or, in fact, the teeth, which are sharpened, are very easy to damage with an angle grinder. Therefore, we will immediately focus on this and we will work carefully.

For expensive saw chains, this method will be somewhat harsh, therefore it is not recommended to sharpen such good and expensive chains. Sharpen those that do not mind, have been lying around for a long time, rust.

How to best sharpen your chainsaw chain

Of course, sharpening the chain with an angle grinder is one of the fastest ways. Therefore, this method, although suitable for consideration, is not the best one. It is best, if there is no special sharpener for chains, use a round file.

It is these files that often come with chainsaws, which means that they are recommended to be used by the manufacturers of gasoline tools themselves. Sharpening the chain with a file, although a longer method, unlike an angle grinder, is as accurate as possible, and most importantly safe for the chain itself.

In addition, the sharpening of the chain with a file can be carried out in the so-called “field conditions”, right at the place where the wood is cut. All you need to do is pinch the tire of the chainsaw so that the chain does not spin. At home, it is best to clamp the tire in a vice. In the field, this can be done by resting the tire against the log.

Then, by installing a special clip on the tire, which will hold the file strictly at 30 degrees, you can sharpen the chain. This should be done with light and even movements from yourself. As a rule, if the file is new and not erased, then it will be enough for one tooth of the chain up to 5-7 such passes.

Disadvantages of chain sharpening with an angle grinder

You can also sharpen the chainsaw chain with an ordinary angle grinder with a metal cutting disc. However, this is not a completely correct approach to using a chainsaw, since there are a number of significant disadvantages when sharpening a chain with an angle grinder:

• First, it is very difficult to maintain the correct sharpening angle;
• There is a great risk of cutting the chain in half and breaking its integrity;
• Rapid chain wear, because when sharpening with an angle grinder, a large layer of metal is removed. As a rule, with this approach, the chain is enough for no more than 5 sharpenings;
• When sharpening with an angle grinder, the chain quickly dulls and it is enough for a very short operating time;
• There are risks to permanently ruin the chain.

As a result, deciding to save one hundred rubles, a person loses a thousand. Once, sharpening the chain with an angle grinder, then it is already very difficult to align something and adjust it as it should.

Is it possible to sharpen a chainsaw chain with an angle grinder

The speed of cutting wood with a chainsaw depends entirely on the sharpness of the chain. If the chain is sharpened, then the cut will be faster and better.

You need to sharpen the chain as it dulls. The more often you have to work with the saw, the faster the chain wears out.

In specialized workshops, sharpening a chain costs about 100 rubles. However, many strive to sharpen the chain with an angle grinder and thereby save.

How to sharpen a chain with an angle grinder correctly

Well, if you still do not feel sorry for the chain, then you can sharpen it with an angle grinder. For this, the tire of the chainsaw, as in the previous method, is clamped in a vice.

Using a small angle grinder with speed controller, sharpen each tooth of the chain one by one. It is important to maintain a sharpening angle of 30 degrees and make sure that too much metal is not removed.

We sharpen the chainsaw chain with our own hands. All possible and available ways

“The lumberjack working with a blunt ax was advised:. Sharpen the ax.

He replied:. There is no time. It is necessary to cut down the forest. “

Today I decided to tell you about the tool, without which, it seems to me, today it is simply impossible. A good tool should work well, and this largely depends on its owner.

Cleaning the autumn garden, preparing firewood for winter, building a bathhouse, repairing a wooden fence will require not only time and desire, but also the readiness of the “cutting” tool. If it’s a chainsaw, then it must be properly sharpened.

Of course, there are paid specialists, and you, for example, have extra money But we know that such a procedure is performed periodically and therefore a natural question arises: how to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home? I’ll tell you about that. Go!

First about the horror stories

If you cut with a blunt chainsaw, you will get three negative factors:

• Reduce the efficiency of your process. For example, instead of two cubes, cut one (at the same time);
• Expose the mechanism to intense wear, with the risk of destroying the drive sprocket and tire;
• Get increased fuel consumption;

There is also a fourth, perhaps not so significant factor. “torn” cut of the saw cut.

And of course, you will get tired more, you will (perhaps) be angry with yourself, like “why should I be a fool, do not sharpen in advance, now suffer”

Here is a test question for you (photo on the right). Guess what kind of shavings “came out” from under the sharp and dull chain? (the answer will be below).

Electric sharpening machines

They are equipped with special adjustment functions to help you position the chain at a certain angle. At the same time, it is possible to accurately and accurately bring the disc to the chain teeth. There are machines equipped with automatic vices. They are switched on when the disc approaches the edge to be sharpened. Convenience and functionality are of course high. You can find models at “lifting” prices.

How to understand that the chain is dull

• Increased physical effort;
• Sagging (stretching) of the chain;
• Vibration and “braking” cutting passage;
• Inaccurate sawing and change in the type of sawdust (they become uneven with sharp “needle” edges, small and dusty). This is already the answer to the test.

“In the opinion of the experts, and in my opinion too: well-sharpened teeth are more important than engine power.”

Why dull? The reasons are generally known, but I will name the main ones:

• Intense or voluminous work;
• Accidental contact with stone, earth, hard knots, etc.;
• Mishandling (broad term).

Possible ways and methods of sharpening the chain

We work with a file

The best solution is simple gadgets for sharpening work. This set includes a round and flat file, special holders, a gauge template, a hook for removing chips, etc. Structurally, “adaptations” may differ, but the functionality has a common logic.

The diameter of a round file is directly related to the size of the chain:

• – Chains with ø 1.3. require a file of ø 4 mm (used much more often);
• – Chains with ø 1.6. require a file ø 5.2 mm;
• – To sharpen the depth gauge, use a flat file.

• Having previously “turned on” the chain brake, firmly grip the tire of the chainsaw in a vice (a firmly clamped saw is the key to successful sharpening)
• Set the template so that the arrow points towards the nose of the tire. Be sure to mark (with chalk) the tooth from which you started sharpening, otherwise you can go along the second circle;
• Sharpen in the direction of the arrows. Remember, there is a special factory cut on each tooth in the chain. It indicates the maximum sharpening angle.
• In addition to the cutting tooth, there are stops on each link. They are sharpened as needed. This is necessary when, as a result of sharpening, the height of the tooth decreases, and problems arise in the operation of the chainsaw. As a rule, the limiter is sharpened after 2-3 sharpening of the teeth;

“If you don’t have the skills to sharpen, it’s better to start with inexpensive chains.”.

• The file should not go beyond the upper part of the cutting edge by more than 1/5 of the working part of the file. The pressure is carried out with the same effort;
• The movement of the grinding tool is performed in one direction “away from you”, and the number of movements for each tooth must be equal;
• To sharpen a vertical plane, the position of the file must be at right angles;
• For sharpening the horizontal plane, file position, at an angle of 20-30 °
• If there are teeth of different heights, the reference is the smallest.

Advantages: Ability to “charge the saw” in the field. At the same time it’s cheap.

We sharpen with an angle grinder

Professionals consider this work to be primitive. There is a risk of tire damage, and not only.

Process (seemingly easy, but really difficult)

• The chain also stays on the bus;
• We attach a metal cutting disc with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm to an angle grinder. It is advisable to take not a new one, that is, with a worn edge;
• We put an obstacle in front of the chain and the tire (the chip will come off);
• We carry out sharpening at the desired angle;
• Upon completion of work, the chain must be properly tightened.

With a professional approach and a “full hand”, the number of sharpenings in this case can be more than 7.

“For a beginner, it is better not to“ experiment ”with a saw, a chain, etc. with your body parts! “

Advantages of the method: Fast, cheap and does not take up energy;

Disadvantages: Requires special skills, a steady hand and the ability to comply with safety techniques.