A chainsaw blade can be sharpened by hand using a properly sized round file. Each tooth needs to be filed sharp by integrating a few different techniques for sharpening.
There are innumerable ways to sharpen chainsaw teeth, but hand sharpening is the rapid and easiest method.
Sharpening a chainsaw is like an intimidating sign. But once you start the process, it can be a piece of cake.
With utmost knowledge and practice, you may find the process of sharpening your chainsaw very satisfying. Especially when you see perfect, efficient, flawless cuts from your blade.
Cutting with a dull chain directs to higher fuel consumption and excessive wear. In order to avoid this, you may start filing your chains regularly and correctly. Everything you need to know about sharpening your chainsaw is here.
How can you file your chain?
These are the chainsaw sharpening techniques you need to keep in mind during the sharpening of chains
- Round file
- Flat file
- File gauge
- Stump vise
There is a gentle reminder that the round file and gauges are different for different chain types.
How do you File angles?
The cutters should be filed according to the following angles:
- Top plate filing angle
- Side plate cutting angle
- File down angle
- Depth gauge setting
The angles may vary according to the type of chain you have. A good way to restore the cutter to the correct angles is to use a filing gauge. By practicing this, you do not need to think about the different angles to ensure a good result.
How often should the chain be filed?
A saw chain’s sharpness lessens over time, even if you have avoided cutting into objects that reduce its sharpness (rock, soil, etc.). The chain becomes blunt. If the chain has been cut against stone, it is worthless and must be sharpened immediately. If you use a chainsaw for much of the day, it is more advisable to sharpen the chain with a file each time you refuel it. It’s easier to sharpen a little but often, rather than waiting a long time to file. You may also get better precision and work more efficiently.
Procedures to file the chain:
It is recommended to use a Husqvarna file gauge for best filing results. Do try to file away as little material as possible.
Start by finding the shortest cutter. All cutters should be filed to match the length of the shortest cutter.
- Place the filing gauge on the chain. The arrows on the filing gauge should point in the chain’s direction of rotation (towards the nose wheel). Make sure the gauge has contact with the chain.
- Make sure you use the round file. Place the file at a 90° angle to the rollers on the filing gauge. File it with both hands. The file should rest on both rollers. File the cutting tooth away from you with smooth strokes.
- Now you may proceed to file each tooth. Each cutting tooth must be filed so that it is sharp. It is important that all the cutting teeth consist of equal lengths.
- Once the filing is finished, cut teeth on one side, loosen the vice, and then attach the guide bar from the other direction. Then sharpen the cutting teeth in the same way from the direction opposite to it.
How to File in the Forest?
A useful tool that you must have while filing out in the field is a stump vise. Firstly, you have to fit it to a stump or log and secure the guide bar normally. While filing, try to follow the filing instruction.
How can we set the correct depth gauge?
The depth gauge setting defines how deep the cutting tooth will be cut. If the depth gauge setting is set very low, the plane takes a very small amount of wood.
If the depth gauge is set too escalated the cutting tooth will cut too deeply into the wood. This creates a more aggressive cut resulting in high vibration. This also results in the risk of kickback and exposes the chainsaw to unnecessary stress.
It is necessary to check the depth gauge every 3-5 times that you sharpen the chain during normal wear, and more often during excessive wear. Use the depth gauge tool and flat file to check and set the correct height. “Soft” and “Hard” which are stamped on the gauge refer to softwood (conifers) and frozen or hardwood (leaf trees).
How do you know if the chainsaw is worn out?
Most chainsaw chains last between 1-5 years. If you use the chainsaw daily and try to tackle tough jobs, the chain will not last more than a year. But, if you only use it every now and then and take proper maintenance, the chain might last more than 5 years.
