Any tool needs to be used correctly and be able to maintain it in order to extend the service life as long as possible. And a chainsaw is no exception. In this equipment, the main element requiring attention is the chain. Her condition affects the performance of the chainsaw. Therefore, this part must be kept in perfect order. A well-done sharpening of chainsaw chains with your own hands determines the productivity and resource of the tool as a whole.
Determining factors
Evaluate the condition of the circuit by the following signs:
- Increased time spent on operations and feed effort.
- If the chain "leads" the saw to the side.
- By shaving: when working with a sharp saw, the shavings turn out to be of the same square shape, and when blunting, small sawdust appears, like from a hand saw, and dust.
These signs indicate that there is a blunting of the teeth, therefore, it is necessary to sharpen the chains of chainsaws with your own hands. This process is not too complicated.
Self sharpening methods
- Manual method. It is carried out using a file suitable for the diameter (cylindrical). In order for the manual sharpening of the chainsaw chain to be carried out qualitatively , other tools are also necessary. That is, you must have round and flat files, a combined template (individual for each chainsaw). For convenience and ease of workflow, a vice is needed.
- Another method is the use of a grinding machine. It is manual and electric. These devices are great for home use, and also greatly simplify the workflow. To do this, you only need to purchase a machine for sharpening chains. Currently there is a huge assortment of these products in specialized stores. In this case, sharpening the chainsaw chain with a manual machine will be economical. However, it all depends on individual desire.
Chain principle
Before sharpening, you should understand the principle of operation of this product. Consists of a chain of stops and cutting teeth. They are different in height. The cutting tooth of the saw removes chips like a planer, its thickness depends on the height of the limiter. This is important to know. The limiter and cutting tooth should differ in height by 0.5–0.8 mm. This indicator determines the depth of cut and the efficiency of sawing wood.
Manual Method Description
In this case, carry out the following actions:
- Chainsaw tire with a chain secured in a vice.
- Start the process with cutting teeth. When sharpening chains of chainsaws with your own hands, you should accurately position the round file relative to the tooth. The resulting edge of the specified tool should be 1/5 of the diameter above the upper face of the specified workpiece.
- The file is mounted on the tooth in reference lines, that is, it rests on the cutting edge and depth gauge.
- Then they make 2-3 smooth movements from themselves, without pressing on the file. So they grind one side, then the other.
- When sharpening, it is also necessary to rotate the file so that its wear is uniform.
- The number of movements with this tool and the pressing force should be the same for all teeth. This will ensure a uniform length of all the specified elements of this product. If the teeth are unequal in length, then the stroke of the chain during operation will be uneven. Cracks may also form. The angle between the visor and the side of the tooth should be 90 °.
- After cutting teeth, the length limiters are sharpened. This process is also carried out using a file.
Manual sharpening of the chainsaw chain is performed only with a template. Otherwise, the insertion depth of the chain will increase, vibration will occur and accuracy will be impaired. The template is superimposed so that the limiter protrudes into the slot. The protruding part is cut off with a flat file. To work with hardwoods, the template is imposed with the HARD or "H" position, and with soft - SOFT or "S".
Hand machine
This device is in great demand. With severe wear and dullness of the saw teeth, especially when in contact with the ground, it is necessary to sharpen the chain of the chainsaw with a manual machine. It can be stationary or mobile, mounted directly on the bus.
By design, it is similar to a bow saw, only with a round file. The machine is adjusted according to the smallest saw tooth. Adjustment provides the same length for all processed elements. To sharpen the limiter, change the file to a flat one.
Tip
Do-it-yourself chainsaw sharpening can be done several times as you work. This will prevent significant tooth wear and reduce grinding. Most importantly, performance will be high.