Chainsaw sharpening: step-by-step instructions for those who are not looking for easy ways - Setafi

In this article, you will learn how to sharpen a chainsaw chain, what design a chainsaw chain has, how to sharpen a chain with a file, how to sharpen a chain with a grinder, how to use a chain sharpening machine.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain

When using a chainsaw, its chain becomes blunt. This is natural, so it needs to be sharpened periodically. You can sharpen a chainsaw:

• File - flat, round.
• File with holder.
• Bulgarian.
• Chain grinder.

Before the main part, you need to deal with the chain and its design.

A standard chainsaw chain consists of:

• Cutting teeth - left and right.
• Limiter - a plate that does not allow you to cut the material deeper.
• Link.
• Rivets - connects the leading link with the sawing ones.

You need to sharpen the chain from two sides - each tooth separately on the left and separately on the right. Chainsaw chain sharpening differs depending on its type.

There are two types of saw teeth:

1. Chipper.
2. Chisel.

The first is the most common, on which we will analyze how to sharpen the chain correctly. They are found both in semi-professional and household models, but more often in household ones. The thickness of the link and chipper limiter is greater, so they are stronger than chisels. Also, the chipper limiter is rounded. They dull more often and faster than their counterparts.

Chisels are used only in professional / specialized equipment. They are thinner and sharper - they cut better, cut faster, but also break more easily. They have a prayer area of ​​contact with the material, which is why they have minimal resistance. Chisels cut deeper than chippers. They have sharp edges, the profile of the link with the limiter resembles a seven in shape. Sharpening a chisel on your own and without damage is more difficult.

How to sharpen a chain with a file

First you need to choose a suitable file, they are distinguished by diameter. Main types: 40mm, 48mm, 52mm and 55mm.

You can also sharpen the saw chain with a file in the field, but this is the longest way. If you have a special file clip, use it.

To sharpen a chainsaw chain:

• Clamp the chain in a vise or push it against a tree.
• Mark the tooth to be sharpened.
• Align the file yourself over the cutting tooth at an angle of 30 degrees or use a file clamp.
• Move the file away from you - forward. Do not apply too much pressure on the tooth to avoid breaking/cutting off too much metal. Sharpen only the blade of the prong. In the case of a new file, six such movements per side of the tooth will suffice. If the file has been used/blunted, do up to 12 strokes.
• Move on to the next tooth.
• When you finish sharpening the cutting teeth on one side, turn the chain over.
• Repeat all steps with the second side of the teeth.

Specialized file holders are equipped with sharpening degree marks. We recommend that you practice sharpening the chain with them, only after switching to work without a holder.

We grind the chainsaw chain grinder

There are two ways to sharpen a chain with a grinder:

1. With fixed chain.
2. With a fixed grinder (more dangerous).

First:

• Clamp the chain in a vise.
• Mark the tooth to be sharpened.
• Install a 125 mm circle on the grinder.
• Hold the angle grinder at a 30 degree angle from the blade side, tilting it.
• Adhere to safety precautions - put on goggles, gloves, remove your head from the direct trajectory of the disk.
• Turn on the device at low speed or gently press the power button if you cannot control the operation of the device.
• Gently slide the grinder blade along the tooth blade. Do not apply pressure - you can cut too much and ruin the tooth.
• Change the cutting tooth and also sharpen it.
• Flip the chain and repeat all steps.

You can injure/injure yourself and/or ruin the chain teeth when sharpening with a grinder, but this method is much more effective and faster than sharpening with a file.

Second:

• Fix the angle grinder in a vise by putting a 125 mm circle on it in advance. Don't forget to wear goggles, gloves and overalls.
• Mark the tooth to be sharpened.
• Attach the chain tooth to the blade of the circle at an angle of 30 degrees.
• Also, with light movements, run around the tooth blade - do not grind off the excess so as not to ruin the chain.
• Change tooth, repeat steps.
• Flip the chain. Sharpen the teeth on the other side.

We advise you to sharpen the teeth of the chain in the direction of the blade.

How to sharpen a chain with a sharpener

The process of sharpening the chain on the machine:

• A specialized sharpening machine is fixed to the table and connected to the mains.
• The chain is installed in the holder.
• The necessary circle for sharpening is inserted into the working part and a protective cover is put on.
• The angle of inclination is adjusted by the rear lever. There are usually corner markings on the back.
• Check the tilt of the working part - pull the handle. To prevent the disc from cutting the chain, set the limiter - the bolt / lever on the side - to the required level.
• Start the device, wait for the circle to accelerate and pull the handle. Don't make sudden movements.
• Spin the chain to change the tooth.
• Turn the chainsaw chain in the opposite direction and repeat the previous steps.
• Turn off the device after the end of sharpening, remove the plug from the socket.

Turning chains in this way is the easiest, most efficient and safest way to sharpen chains. Disadvantages - stationary method, price. A normal grinder for chains costs 10 thousand rubles.