How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with a file

We sharpen a chainsaw chain with our own hands. All possible and available methods

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

He replied: “There is no time.” The forest must be cut down"

Hello to all readers!

Today I decided to tell you about an instrument that, it seems to me, is simply impossible today. A good tool should work well, and this largely depends on its owner

Cleaning the autumn garden, preparing firewood for winter, building a bathhouse, and repairing a wooden fence will require not only time and desire, but also the availability of a “cutting” tool. If this is 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 this 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 dull chainsaw, you will get three negative factors:

Reduce the efficiency of your process. For example, instead of two cubes, cut one (in the same time);
You will subject the mechanism to intense wear, with the risk of destruction of the drive sprocket and tire;
Get increased fuel consumption;

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

And of course, you will be more tired, you will (possibly) be angry with yourself, like “why am I stupid, don’t sharpen it in advance, now suffer”

Here's a test question for you (photo on the right). Guess what chips “came out” from under the sharp and blunt chain? (the answer will be below).

How to tell if a chain is dull

Symptoms:

Increased physical effort;
Sagging (stretching) of the chain;
Vibration and “slow” cutting;
Inaccurate cutting and changes in the appearance of sawdust (they become uneven with sharp “needle-like” edges, small and dusty). This is already the answer to the test.

“According to experts and in my opinion too: well-sharpened teeth are more important than engine power.”

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

Intensive or extensive work;
Accidental contact with stone, earth, hard knots, etc.;
Mishandling (broad concept).

About chainsaw teeth

Chainsaw teeth have a specific geometry. You need to understand and know which part of them needs to be sharpened. In general, the “logic” of cutting wood resembles a plane.

The cutting surface consists of two edges. One is lateral, the other is slightly beveled. The cutting depth limiting element regulates the thickness of the chips. Let's take a closer look. The elements of the cutting-working link are arranged as follows:

Base with holes for the axle;
Tooth blade;
Cutting depth limiter;
The end edge of the blade (placement – vertical);
The upper edge of the blade (placed horizontally);

Sharpened edge Blunt After touching the ground

After sharpening, the height of the stop and the angle of the sharpened working edges should not differ greatly from the parameters specified by the manufacturer. This is an important condition and you need to keep an eye on it. Otherwise, the saw will not work as expected.

Do not excessively grind or change the location of the links. The normal operation of the instrument depends on the identity of their location. Otherwise, increased loads on the body, tire and engine are likely. The cut may be crooked. There is also a small chance of the chain breaking.

Working with a file

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

The diameter of the round file directly depends on the size of the chain:

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

Sharpening process

Having previously “turned on” the chain brake, firmly clamp the chainsaw bar in a vice (a tightly clamped saw is the key to successful sharpening)
Position the template so that the “arrow” points toward the “nose” of the tire. Be sure to mark (you can use chalk) the tooth from which you started sharpening, otherwise you can go around the second round;
Sharpen in the direction indicated by the arrows. Remember, each tooth of the chain has a special factory notch. It indicates the maximum sharpening angle.
In addition to the cutting tooth, there are limiters on each link. They are sharpened as needed. This is necessary in the case 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 sharpening skills, it’s better to start with inexpensive chains.”

Recommendations:

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

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

Disadvantages: Takes time and effort. At the same time, the file quickly “kills”. By the way, about files: it’s better to pay a little more and get a quality product than to buy it for 40-50 rubles and throw it away after the first sharpening (tested in practice). And also, if the chain has “plowed” the soil so well that its cutting edge has changed its original shape, sharpening with a file is difficult and not at all quick.

Sharpening with a grinder

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

Process (looks easy, but is actually difficult)

The chain also remains on the bar;
We attach a cutting disc for metal with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm to the grinder. It is advisable to take something that is not new, that is, with a reworked edge;
We put a barrier in front of the chain and tire (a sliver will come off);
We sharpen at the desired angle;
Upon completion of the 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.

“As a beginner, it is better not to “experiment” with the saw, chain and your body parts!”

Advantages of the method: Fast, cheap and does not take away strength;

Disadvantages: Requires special skills, a steady hand and the ability to follow safety precautions.

Electric sharpening machines

They are equipped with special adjustment functions that help 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 turn on when the disc is brought to the edge being sharpened. Convenience and functionality are of course high. You can also find models at “increasing” prices.

Manually driven machines

The design of such a machine is similar to a bow saw. Only, where the saw blade is located, there is a round file. With this machine you can sharpen and straighten teeth, adjusting the proportionality of the upper edges to the smallest (control) size. The mechanism allows you to accurately set the parameters. After adjustment to the “control” tooth, sharpening is carried out in two or three movements. And then move on to the next tooth.

When it is necessary to sharpen the limiter, replace the round file with a flat one.

Advantages of the method: Allows you to sharpen teeth efficiently, conveniently and without great physical effort, including those that have lost their original shape.

Disadvantages: Price of the tool and distance from the possible area where the saw will be used.

“After completing the “sharpening procedures,” blow the chain with compressed air (from a compressor or pump) and put it in clean engine oil for a while. Of course, almost no one does such events, but for the chain they will only be beneficial.”

What to choose for sharpening is up to you. This has to do with how often you use the chainsaw. From handling it carefully. From the quality of the purchased chain. And, of course, from the opportunity to spend a certain amount. It is impossible to compare methods, because as the German proverb says, “apples must be compared with apples.”

To conclude the topic, here are some expert tips:

Before starting work, break in the chain. To do this, run the chain at low speeds for ≈ 1 minute. During this period, the lubricant will get to every necessary part, and the chain and sprocket will warm up and “grind” to each other. If necessary, adjust the tension (after the chain has cooled);
Keep an eye on the chain at all times. It should be well stretched. It is especially important when the saw is tilted to one side during operation. Remember: a chain with poor tension is dangerous;
Sharpen in a timely manner. If possible, use an electric machine. It's faster, easier, but also more expensive;
Do not forget about regular lubrication of the saw chain, and therefore the entire bar. If there is a lack of lubrication or the use of an inappropriate lubricant, the chain may fly off the toe of the tire (and its acceleration speed reaches ≈ 100 km/h);
Never use used motor oil. Only high-quality specialized or, as a last resort, pure “autol”.
Control the cutting depth in terms of adjustment and threading. Check this after 3-4 sharpenings.

“Ad in the newspaper: I’m exchanging my chainsaw for a prosthetic.”

I hope the information was somewhat useful. If yes, then subscribe to the blog for updates and share the article with your friends. All the best to you. Good luck!

Quote of wisdom: It’s not the word, but the tone in which the word is pronounced (Belinsky).

Source: https://postroibanu.ru/sekret/tochim-cep-benzopily-svoimi-rukami.html

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home: sharpen, do it yourself, device, sharpening angle, how to use a file, machine, grinder

A saw chain is a metal base with links connected in series, which have teeth characterized by cutting properties. You can improve them by sharpening your 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 correctly

Timely and competent sharpening of a chainsaw chain with your own hands will not only extend the time of use of the device, but also save effort and time on wood processing. Signs of a sharp chain are the formation of sawdust of the same size and regular geometric shape. To ensure the required level of sharpness of the teeth, any device for sharpening chainsaw chains, for example, any sharpening tool, is suitable. These are a file, a grinder and a machine.

Sharpening with a file

This method is valued for its ability to perform work in any, even field, conditions, the simplicity of the procedure and the absence of the need to use expensive tools.

A tool with an exclusively round cross-section will help to properly sharpen a chainsaw chain with a file. To determine the file parameters, you need to know the dimensions of the saw itself, in particular, you need to determine the pitch of the teeth.

To process the sawing depth limiter of the guide tooth, the use of a flat variation is allowed.

Templates or patterns will give the desired direction to the tool and can make the work easier. They must be attached 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 directed 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 not be forceful. The reverse stroke must be done at idle. It is recommended to rotate the tool periodically, which will reduce the risk of wear on the sharpening side.
The angle of inclination of the tool must be straight, and the sharpening angle of the chainsaw chain horizontally must be sharp, and 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 work for the teeth that go in the opposite direction.

This method also has some minor drawbacks. In particular, a large investment of time is required. But you won’t need to purchase expensive equipment or special tools.

How to sharpen an angle grinder using an angle grinder

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

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

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

See » Differences between Stihl MS 660 chainsaws made in Germany and China

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.

Sharpening on a machine

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

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

Using the machine to sharpen chains by hand is easy. Actions will have to be performed in the following sequence:

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

There are 2 ways to use a manual machine for this purpose:

Sequential involves acting on each tooth one after another, and it is necessary to periodically change the polarity.
Sharpening every second tooth, that is, the right tooth is sharpened first, and then the left. In this case, no polarity change is required.

Preventing the chain from becoming dull 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:

The 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 size of the gap between the stopper and the tooth edge. Ideally it should be 0.7 mm.
In order to minimize the risk of tooth bending and one-sided abrasion, you can periodically rearrange the tire by 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 indicators.
Monitor tension indicators. The chain should be positioned exactly along the grooves of the bar.

Useful tips

You can increase the service life if you alternate manual sharpening with the use of a special machine. The latter allows you to align sharpening angles on the machine as accurately as possible. The stitching depth should not be large.

It is necessary to observe safety measures that allow you to cut wood of any size with maximum efficiency and with a minimum level of danger to humans:

Before assembling the chain tool and installing the headset, it is recommended that you read the instructions for use. This is due to the fact that each tool has its own characteristics.
When working with a saw, you must wear gloves and safety glasses.
For work, it is recommended to choose close-fitting clothing made from natural dense materials and the most reliable shoes.
It is necessary to cut wood using a chainsaw in a stable and safe position, and the material itself must also be positioned as stably as possible. Installing a toothed stop on the log will help ensure stability.
During operation, the saw must be held with both hands and the cutting process must be constantly monitored.

Modern chainsaws are used in domestic and industrial settings. At the same time, it is important to maintain the productivity and high efficiency indicators of the tool, which directly depend on the condition of the sharpened chain set.

Source: https://SpecMahina.ru/benzopila/kak-natochit-tsep-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain
Source: `https://SamoDelino.ru/vybor-i-primenenie-instrumenta/kak-zatochit-cep-benzopily-svoimi-rukami.html`

Proper sharpening of a chainsaw chain with your own hands - methods, necessary tools, secrets and nuances

Any instrument needs timely care. A chainsaw is a type of equipment that requires special attention. The device poses a certain danger, but if the chain is blunt, then the risks increase significantly.

During intensive work, the need for sharpening arises often. Therefore, it makes sense to learn how to restore its functionality, since sharpening a chainsaw chain with your own hands is not a difficult operation, but having mastered it, labor productivity will increase, as well as work safety.

How to sharpen a chain on a chainsaw with your own hands

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands?

The chainsaw chain requires regular maintenance and sharpening. This affects the performance of the tool, wear rate and operator safety. You can determine the need to update the cutting edge of the teeth by the presence of sawdust on their surface and the characteristic dull sound during sawing. To sharpen the tire, you can use an electric or manual machine, an angle grinder, or a regular file. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, specific skills.

Circuit structure and parameters

Proper sharpening of a chainsaw chain with a file

The chain is considered an important part of any chainsaw, because with its help all work with trees is performed. Therefore, when using a chainsaw frequently, the chain needs periodic maintenance, and one of these points is sharpening the chain with a round file.

How to determine the need for sharpening?

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home with your own hands?

Basic ways to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home

Sharpening a chain - how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands

Everyone knows that the saw chain used in chainsaws requires periodic sharpening, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. It is very easy to determine that a saw requires chain sharpening; to do this, you need to inspect the sawdust, and if it consists of fine dust, then the tool needs to be sharpened. If it is impossible to sharpen, you should replace it with a new one.

Using an unsharpened chain can lead to engine overheating and scoring on the cylinder.

Let's look at the main ways you can sharpen a chain on a chainsaw without any problems.

How to sharpen a chain on a chainsaw with your own hands

Sharpening a chainsaw chain with a set of files, a grinder, on an electric machine and using a special system

Electric and chainsaws are included in the arsenal of many private home owners, along with such devices as a drill, hammer drill, etc. This tool has one negative side - the chain gets dull from time to time. You can sharpen it yourself if you know how to do it correctly.

How to determine if a chain is dull

We sharpen a chainsaw chain with our own hands. All possible and available methods

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

He replied: “There is no time.” The forest must be cut down"

Hello to all readers!

Today I decided to tell you about an instrument that, it seems to me, is simply impossible today. A good tool should work well, and this largely depends on its owner