Do It Yourself Chainsaw Sharpening

Chain teeth parameters

To achieve optimal cutting properties, the tooth blades are angled. The back of the tooth falling back at an angle forms the posterior angle of the upper blade. This angle is needed to cut the upper blade into the wood.

The backward tapering blade of the tooth forms the back angle of the end blade. This angle is needed for side cutting of chips.

The edge of the end blade forms a rake angle with the sliding surface of the cutting link. Front angles in different types of chains vary from 60 to 85 °.

The back angle of the upper blade characterizes the tilt of the upper blade back.

This angle is measured along the sliding plane of the cutting link and, depending on the type of saw chain, ranges from 50 ° to 60 °. The top blade is the main blade and the back corner of the top blade. This is the most important corner. The clearance angle of the upper blade is difficult to measure, the correct value is obtained by adhering to the second prescribed values.

Sharpening angle or entering angle is obtained by measuring from the top cutting edge at right angles to the guide bar.

The sharpening angle can be changed, depending on the application. As a rule of thumb, the larger the sharpening angle, the higher the cutting performance when cutting non-frozen softwood. Reducing the angle of sharpening when cutting frozen and / or hard wood contributes to a smoother saw blade and less vibration. However, sharpening angles greater than 35 ° and less than 25 ° should be avoided (except for rip chains where this angle is 10 °).

The rake angle, the sharpening angle and the upper blade angle change when sharpening These angles have a decisive influence on the cutting performance of the chain. Be sure to observe the prescribed values.

A depth gauge is located on each cutting link in front of the tooth blade. The difference in height between the top edge of the depth gauge and the front edge of the back of the tooth is defined as the distance of the depth gauge.

Here the distance of the depth gauge depends on the penetration depth of the upper blade into the wood (chip thickness) and, thus, productivity. The distance of the depth gauge is set depending on the chain pitch and type of execution. Normally, it should be 0.5-0.8 mm, more often 0.6 mm. High values ​​will lead to an increased tendency of the chainsaw to kickback, too much excitement and chain vibration. Low values ​​lead to a drop in performance. Since the distance of the depth gauge decreases with each sharpening of the saw due to a decrease in the upper edge of the tooth, the depth gauge also needs periodic filing. After 5-10 chain sharpenings.

Chainsaw chain sharpening with your own hands

The chain tooth planes the wood like a planer, and the chip thickness is adjusted by the height of the stop.

Intense sawing will cause the chain to dull quickly. Several sharpenings may be required within one day. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the tooth quickly dulls when it meets the ground. It is enough to hook the soil once or twice with the tire, and work can be stopped. The shavings become fine and the saw stops digging into the wood.

The sooner dull teeth are sharpened, the less material needs to be removed during sharpening, as a result. The service life of the saw chain is longer. Determining the moment when sharpening is already required is quite simple. An important feature is the feed force. A properly sharpened chain is pulled into the cut with just a little pressure. If, on the contrary, the chainsaw is forced to cut by increased feed force, then the teeth are dull. A dull chain can also be recognized if only small chips fly out of the cut instead of coarse thick chips.

In this situation, the chainsaw must be sharpened urgently. Do not drink with a blunt or defective saw chain. The consequence is high stress in the body, high cyclic load, poor cutting results. In addition, this means reduced productivity, high fuel consumption and increased wear of all parts of the chainsaw.

Chain sharpeners

The round file holder has a mowing line that allows it to be correctly positioned along the chain. The holder is mounted on the tooth to be sharpened in accordance with the line orientation. In this case, the plate itself rests on the upper edge of the tooth and the depth gauge, and the file is located under the cutting edge.

The use of a holder ensures that the file will fit to the tooth at the correct height. There are different tool holders for different chain pitches. The correct choice of holder, combined with the correct file diameter, ensures that the file protrudes over the back of the tooth by 1/5 of its diameter. Use only special saw chain files.

Before sharpening the chainsaw chain, it is advisable to secure the bar. When sharpening, it is necessary, keeping the position of the holder and pressing the file to the sharpened edge, to make several (2-3) turning movements away from you. Do not try to press too hard on the file, the movements should be smooth and measured. Rotate the file regularly to avoid one-sided wear. All other teeth are sharpened in the same way. It is more convenient to first sharpen the teeth of one direction, then change the position and do the same with the teeth of the second direction.

When sharpening all teeth, file the same number of strokes at the same pressure. This will result in the same tooth length. All cutting teeth Must be of the same length. The different length of the teeth is a prerequisite for the uneven gait of the chain and the formation of cracks in it. If the length of the teeth is not the same, all cutting teeth Must be filed to the length of the shortest tooth.

After several sharpening of the cutting teeth, the depth gauge is ground. To do this, a template is superimposed on it in such a way that the limiter falls into the slot, and the tip protruding from the slots is grinded with a flat file.

The principle of using the second set for sharpening chainsaws is NOT different from the first, although its design is different.

A round file is also used to sharpen the cutting tooth, and the depth gauge is used to sharpen the depth gauge. Flat. A special template provides parameters for sharpening both cutting teeth and stops. In the first case, it is superimposed on the chain in such a way that it falls into its slot. The file, placed on the template and brought under the cutting edge, rests on the guide rollers. The direction of movement of the file must be parallel to the lateral edges of the template.

When seaming the stopper, the template is applied so that the stopper falls into the slot, near which it says SOFT (for soft wood) or HARD (for hard) As with the first attachment, seam with smooth, even movements of the flat file away from you.

General rules for sharpening chainsaw chains. Chainsaw chain sharpening machines

Stihl produces two modifications of hand-held machine tools. The stationary FG 2 and the mobile FG 1, mounted directly on the tire. There are analogues of lesser-known firms, comparable in price with the simpler devices described above.

The working part of these devices is structurally reminiscent of onion dust, into which a round long file is inserted instead of a saw blade. FG 1 and FG 2 They not only sharpen the chains, but also straighten them, adjusting the length of the top edge of all teeth to the same size. For the smallest tooth, it is taken as the control one. A rather complex configuration mechanism allows you to set all the necessary parameters. Sharpening is carried out in 2-3 movements, after which they proceed to the next tooth, keeping for it all the settings that were made for the control tooth. This ensures the same sharpening parameters for all teeth. When seaming the stopper, the round file changes to a flat file.

The electric chain sharpener is simple and convenient to use. It has an adjustment system that allows you to set the chain at the desired angle and bring the disc exactly to the sharpened edge. There are machines that automatically clamp the vice when lowering the disc onto the chain.

Tooth sharpening process

Tooth Sharpening and Seam Depth Gauge.

The first stage of sharpening fulfills the condition to sharpen the blades of the saw teeth. The chainsaw is fixed in a vice or manually. A holder is fixed on the first cutting tooth and the tooth surface is sharpened with a round file. By moving the file in one direction only (forward), the tooth is sharpened. The file should be held at an angle corresponding to the angle of the previous sharpening of the tooth (usually 25-30 °). The file should only move in one direction. Excessive efforts should be avoided, movements should be done smoothly and evenly.

Similarly, it is necessary to sharpen all the chain teeth. When sharpening teeth, it is recommended to make an equal number of movements with a round file and Apply approximately the same force, which, under equal conditions, should ensure the same height of all teeth of the chain.

At the second stage, the surface of the depth gauge is processed. The required distance of the stop is controlled by a template, which is set between the surface of the stop and the corresponding edge of the cutting tooth. Sawing of the surface is carried out by uniform direction of the flat file to one side (forward). The template is necessary to exclude unnecessary cutting of the metal of the limiter.

Chain sharpeners and tools

File position when sharpening the chainsaw chain.

For the production of sharpening chain cutting elements for chainsaws, standard sets can be used. Typically these kits include:

• Round files of various sizes, placed in special holders for spatial fixation of the file in relation to the processed tooth;
• Flat file for processing the depth gauge surface;
• Caliber (template) combined;
• Sawdust extraction hook in the villa;
• Pressure.

On the surface of the holder there are marked marks in the form of lines, which, with a sufficient degree of accuracy, allow at a given angle to fix the round file to the surface of the chain. Taking into account the location of THESE lines, the fixing holder is attached to the grinded tooth in such a way as to fix the edges of the cutting element and the stop between them. In this case, the file is placed so that it cannot change the given direction and angle of the cutting edges. The size of the holder is selected taking into account the chain pitch. Select the desired file and holder so as to set the file with a protrusion above the tooth surface at 20% of its diameter.

The template is used in the last operation when working with depth stops. Using the template, the required distance of the limiter is set when processing its edges with a flat file. In addition, a template (gauge) is sometimes used to determine the angle of sharpening of the tooth.

How to sharpen chains for chainsaws with your own hands?

When servicing a household, especially in summer cottages, a variety of devices and tools are used. One of the most common is a chainsaw (chainsaw). A chainsaw is a cutting tool, and its correct operation becomes a guarantee of human safety. The chain serves as the working (cutting) element of the saw, so sharpening chains for chainsaws with your own hands becomes an important condition for its proper maintenance.

Chainsaw device diagram.

If the owner is familiar with the basics of the process, then sharpening the chain for a chainsaw with your own hands will not be a big problem. In general, this is a standard operation, however, requiring certain skills and possession of some special tools and devices.

Application of machine tools

Setting and sharpening band saws.

In some conditions, manual sharpening of the cutting elements of chainsaws complications with significant wear of the teeth. In such cases, it is advisable to think about automating the process through special machines. The application was found for manual and electric machines.

Manual machines are based on the above-described chain sharpening methods. They also use files, gauges and stops. But to facilitate the process, a complex system of adjusting the fixing and guiding elements is provided. Standard machines process cutting elements of chains, straighten links, adjust the height of all teeth.

Electric machines use discs instead of files. The adjustment and control system allows you to sharpen with great accuracy with the setting of the desired sharpening angle. When using machine tools, the rule for correcting the height of the cutters of the teeth according to the most worn one is fulfilled. It should be remembered that it is not necessary to allow significant metal removal from the surface of the cutting tool, as this leads to accelerated wear of the chain and the entire saw.

The design of the cutting part of the chainsaw

Chain link rake angle.

The cutting part of a chain for a chainsaw in design, as a rule, does not fundamentally differ in different brands of tools. It includes 3 main elements: the base of the link that makes up a certain chain, the cutting depth stop and the blade itself, which is the base of the tooth. The last of the listed elements consists of 2 types of blades: end, having a vertical position, and horizontally installed upper.

The desired effect can be achieved if the blade of the teeth is positioned at an optimal angle. Monitoring the observance of the angular position of the teeth is an important condition for the correct sharpening of the cutting surface.

The clearance angle of the upper blade is determined by the location of this cutting blade along the back of the tooth. This angle is important to ensure proper entry of a given blade into the wood. It is recommended to provide an angle within 50-60º.

The end blade installation is determined by two angles: back and front tilt. The clearance angle is taken into account to ensure lateral cutting of sawdust, and is set by the narrowing of the tooth surface at the back. The rake angle is determined by the location of the surface of the end cutting blade near the sliding boundary of the chain element. Its value, as a rule, is in the range of 60-85º for different grades of dust.

Circular saw tooth device diagram.

The sharpness of the cutting blade is determined by the sharpening angle. When working with soft types of wood, increasing the angle increases the speed of work. The opposite effect occurs when cutting hard wood. Based on the alternative choice, it is recommended to set the sharpening angle in the range from 25 to 35º.

The depth of entry of the cutting tool into the wood is determined by the depth gauge. It is placed in front of the cutting tooth surface. An important parameter “distance of the stop” is characterized by the difference in height between the edges of the stop and the back of the tooth. This distance is standardized in the range of 0.5-0.8 mm. For the most common types of dust, it is 0.6 mm.

The need to sharpen chainsaw chains

Chainsaw chain sharpening with your own hands.

The efficiency, quality and safety of using a chainsaw depend on the condition of the cutting edge, which consists of teeth of a rather complex configuration. During operation, the teeth become dull, which leads to a slowdown in work and a decrease in quality. The timing of sharpening cannot be standardized and set in advance. The time for sharpening is determined practically, according to the result of the analysis of some indicators.

The first sign of the need for sharpening is the feeling of the worker himself. The most reliable indicators are an increase in the time to produce the same job and a noticeable increase in the required feed force of the cutting tool. When working with a blunt tool, vibration and “walking” in different directions can be felt. Sometimes tooth wear is noticeable visually.

An important rule for determining the chain sharpening period is chip control. If the teeth are properly sharpened, the chips fly out quite uniform in appearance, large and in shape resembling a square. When the teeth wear out, the chips become fine, almost dusty. In this case, it resembles the shavings left by a simple hacksaw. The shavings become darker in color.

Basic rules for sharpening chainsaws with your own hands

The process of sharpening the chain should begin with determining the main characteristics of the chainsaw and the properties laid down by the manufacturer in the instructions. Check that all chain teeth are identical in height. When sharpening, it is necessary to ensure the required angles of installation of the blades and the distance of the depth gauge.

The surface of the tooth needs to be processed with a small round file. Requirements for the accuracy of keeping the dimensions of the cutting parts during sharpening necessitates a clear spatial fixation of the tool to the area of ​​the tooth being processed. The choice of file size is determined by the chain pitch (usually 4-5.5 mm). Strict requirements for the tool oblige to have files of several types and sizes, as well as to use fixtures for fixing the saw.

Summarizing

To ensure the quality, speed of work and the safety of using the chainsaw, you should constantly monitor the cutting surface of the chain, sharpen the teeth in a timely manner. The safest way to do it is to bring the dust to a specialist workshop.

At the same time, the sharpening operation when following the basic rules and under certain conditions is not difficult and can be done by hand. Sharpening of chains can be done both manually and using special machines. Timeliness of sharpening will allow for a long time to maintain the performance of the chainsaw at a high level.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain: instructions for working with sharpening accessories

A sharpened sharp chain is one of the conditions for the effective operation of a chainsaw. If the chain becomes dull, things in the country will stop: the bathhouse will NOT be repaired, and the fence will NOT be built, and it will NOT prepare firewood for the stove. For help, you can turn to paid specialists, but you should remember that this procedure will be repeated at regular intervals, and this is additional financial costs and a waste of personal time. Another way out is to find out how the chainsaw chain is sharpened independently, without the involvement of specialists.

The device and shape of the teeth

First of all, you need to understand the structure of the chain tooth, which must be sharpened. A tooth cuts wood like a plane. It has a complex configuration and an unusual cutting surface. two edges: one of them is lateral, and the other is upper, slightly beveled. The adjustable tooth stop adjusts the chip thickness. Of course, sharpening such teeth is much more difficult than, for example, a kitchen knife.

Chainsaw teeth have a more complex shape than other sharp objects to be sharpened

In this case, the correct angle of sharpening of the chainsaw chain should be set. It is clear that it is difficult to operate with one file, therefore there are various accessories that help to adhere to the exact parameters of sharpening. These kits are sold complete with chainsaws, as well as separately.

The diagram shows the angles of inclination, which must be observed during sharpening

When sharpening, the location of the tool must be chosen correctly The round file was not chosen in vain. because of the rounded shape of the inner contour of the tooth. The edge of the file should be 20% above the cutting surface of the file’s diameter, and the choice of diameter is influenced by the length of the chain pitch (typically 4 mm to 5.5 mm). The order of actions must be followed: first, the cutting teeth are processed, then the stop tooth.

Basic rules and order of sharpening. What tools for sharpening are there

To start work, you need to stock up on tools, which are divided into two types.

Hand tools

A set of tools required for sharpening saw teeth:

• Flat file, which is taught to use in labor lessons at school. Use it to grind down the depth gauge.
• A round file of a certain diameter, required for cutting a cutting tooth. An additional device is attached to it. a holder with a fishing line, which suggest how to properly hold the tool in relation to the chain. The holder is placed on the saw tooth, taking into account the guide lines, the file position is under the cutting surface.
• Model, which serves for editing and compliance with parameters.
• The hook is needed to remove sawdust from the chain.

Metal sharpening templates help you calculate the sharpening depth

Manual and electric machines

How does the chain of a chainsaw sharpen if the cutting edge of the tooth has absolutely lost its shape due to prolonged work? Files can be used, but the process will be counterproductive and time-consuming. The best option is to use machine tools, and here you will have to choose, because machines are different. manual and electric.

Stihl manual chain sharpener

Before work, parameters are set, and the processing process is performed much faster than with files: 2-3 movements are enough to sharpen each tooth. Electric machines are also complex to set up, yet work quickly and accurately.

An electric machine allows you to save a lot of time, but not everyone is ready to shell out a large sum for it

When it’s time to sharpen the dust?

The periods between two sharpenings depend on the frequency of use of the tool. Some use it daily, others several times a year.

You can understand that the teeth are dull by some signs, which are revealed during operation:

• The chain stretches and sags, causing the saw blade to function inaccurately and slow down in the cut. Working with such a chain requires extra effort.
• The sawing process slows down, productivity drops, you have to spend twice as long on work.
• The type of sawdust changes: they become uneven, sharp, and smaller. Shavings from a sharpened saw looks different: the same pieces of an even rectangular shape.

If the saw loses accuracy and gets stuck in the cut, it’s time to start straightening the chain teeth.

Repair work should not be postponed for a long time. The sooner you sharpen, the less material you have to grind, and accordingly, the longer the service life. B do not have to work with a blunt instrument for a long time, increase its wear and tear and waste your own physical strength.

Two samples of shavings: the first is the result of a saw with a sharpened saw, the second is a dull

Sharpening of cutting teeth

The question arises: how to sharpen the chain so that all the teeth are evenly even and sharp? The work is facilitated by the use of a metal template, which is applied to the chain. It is installed in a strict position. along the arrow, the ends of which are oriented along the movement of the chain. The main pressure falls on the leading edge, observing the angle of inclination, which corresponds to the length of the chain pitch.

You need to try to have an equal number of movements for each tooth. The teeth are sharpened one at a time: one on the left side, the next on the right, and so on. For the convenience of performing the actions, the tire is clamped in a vice, and then processed through the prong on one side, then the same on the other.

During sharpening, the fixture must be held at a certain angle

Stitching the stopper

The work is regulated by a template, to the level of which it is necessary to grind the stop tooth NOT with a round, but with a flat file. Template position “S” is for soft wood, “H” is for hard wood. If you do not use the template, you can get the wrong, low cut, from which the efficiency of the saw will dramatically decrease.

When processing the stopper, the protruding part indicated in the photo is grinded

You can learn something useful for yourself from this:

Proper saw care. timely sharpening of teeth, cleaning, lubrication. prolongs tool life and increases productivity.

Sharpening with a file

The first thing you need in order to sharpen the chain, or tweak it a little, are special files.

File

For sharpening and straightening saw chains, two types of files are used. First, this is a file of round cross-section with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the rounding of the working edge of the intent tooth.

For sharpening saw chains of household tools, round files with a diameter of 4, 4.8 mm are used, due to the fact that they have a small tooth. For professional models, more powerful chains with a large tooth are used, and accordingly files with a diameter of 5.2, 5.5 mm are needed.

In order to properly sharpen, and not only sharpen the cutting edges of the tooth sufficiently, it is also necessary to adjust the cutting depth limiter. If this is not done, the chain will not cut into the material to be cut to the required depth, which will noticeably reduce the speed of work and, just like in a situation with a blunt chain, can lead to overheating of the saw motor due to NOT enough load on the motor. This work is done with a flat file.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands

Everyone knows that I watch the chain, which is used in chainsaws, requires periodic sharpening, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Determining that the saw requires sharpening the chain is very simple, for this you need to inspect the sawdust, and if they consist of fine dust, then the tool needs to be sharpened. If sharpening is impossible, it is worth replacing it with a new one.

Let us analyze the main ways with which you can sharpen the chain on a chainsaw without problems.

Electric grinding machines

For straightening a large number of chains, as a rule, in service centers or in manufacturing plants, electric sharpening machines are used. Depending on the manufacturer, the design of the machines may vary, but they have the same principle of operation.

The saw chain is installed in a special guide, which is mounted on the basis of the turntable and has a special retainer for holding the sharpened tooth. The latch can be moved horizontally. An electric emery is installed at an adjustable angle to the sharpened tooth, which is turned on by the operator by pressing the start button. The immersion depth of emery, as well as the angle at which the sharpening is performed, can be adjusted. The dive itself is performed by the operator. The chain is edited with a special grinding wheel, which can be changed if necessary.

Description of the sharpening process with files

The first thing to start with straightening the saw chain on the saw is to set the tool on a flat surface or table. In forest conditions, a large diameter chock is well suited for this. Next, you need to inspect the saw chain for any defects, it can be cracks, completely broken off teeth. After inspection, you need to set the brake in working condition, thereby blocking its movement on the tire.

It is advisable to put a stand under the tire, as it you can use a log, a piece of a branch of a suitable diameter, or the manufacturers of sharpening tools have special clamps to hold the bar in the process of sharpening the chain.

The chain is sharpened by moving the file from the inside of the tooth to the outside. In this case, the file should be located parallel to the special mark on the chain. This mark is applied by the chain manufacturer to indicate the standard sharpening angle.

The sharpened tooth should be located approximately in the middle of the tire, this is necessary for the convenience of work, during the sharpening process you need to move the chain along the tire, Do not forget to set the brake to the working position each time.

Ideally, manufacturers advise making the same number of file movements for each tooth, but in practice this is not always possible, because The teeth have different degrees of damage to the working edge.

To facilitate sharpening the saw chain with a file, special holders can be used, with corner markings applied to them. Markings made Not only for the standard cross-cut, but also for the longitudinal.

Holders are also handy if you DO NOT have sufficient sharpening experience. Experienced sharpeners do not use holders for sharpening, but can only use special devices that support the file.

Another sharpening device is a manual saw chain straightener. It uses a regular file as a sharpening tool, which can be replaced independently. The machine is mounted directly on the tire, it also has the ability to adjust the angle of sharpening of the tooth and a special stop that holds the sharpened tooth.

Manual sharpening machine, perfect for beginners. Along with electric models of sharpening machines, manual has its undeniable plus in the form of a low price. Depending on the manufacturer of the manual machine, their appearance may vary, but the principle of operation is the same for all.

The depth of cut is adjusted with a flat file, so that there is a difference between the upper cutting edge of the tooth and the height stop.

As you can see from the picture, the depth gauge is grinded in such a way as to prove the gap indicator to the factory value. Below is a table that shows the main values ​​of the angles, as well as clearances for the most common types of chains.

As a rule, the size of the gap is corrected using a special die. It is installed on the chain during sharpening, after which the depth gauge is grinded.

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

A person who has a chainsaw in his household should know how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with his own hands. There are several ways:

• Sharpen using a file (The most common method of sharpening, because it allows you to sharpen the tool directly at the cutting site.)
• Sharpening with the introduction of a special machine (this method is used in service centers, but can also be used in a personal household)
• Sharpen using an angle grinder. To sharpen in this way, certain skills are required. Uncommon method, because K. Difficult enough to sharpen with an angle grinder correctly.

In this. You can get acquainted with the sharpening process, the most popular methods and tools used for this.

How to sharpen with an angle grinder (angle grinder)

The method of sharpening the saw chain using an angle grinder, The least common due to its NOT safety. In order to straighten the chain teeth using an angle grinder as a sharpening tool, it is necessary to install it in a vice and clamp it securely. Then the tool is switched on and the sharpened edge of the tooth is placed on the rotating surface of the disc. A tooth sharpened in this way can differ significantly from sharpening with a file, because. In the process of dressing using an angle grinder, it is difficult to control the sharpening angle.

A big disadvantage can be considered the ability to cut the angle grinder of the attachment eye of the chain link with a disc, which will further lead to rupture during work. If, in the process of carrying out work using a chainsaw, it becomes necessary to sharpen, it is better to use a special tool than to come up with various tricks, which can result not only in financial losses, but cause serious injuries during their implementation.

Sharpening the chain is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Any person, after studying the process of straightening chains, is able to sharpen the cutting set of his tool on his own. Even if the first time it turns out to be done not quite qualitatively, you should not despair, because K. With every next try, the result will be better and better.

Tooth parameters

The cutting link of the chain of a gasoline saw consists of: a tooth blade, a link base and a depth stop. The chisel blade has an end blade that is positioned vertically and a falling upper blade that is positioned horizontally.

To achieve optimal cutting properties, it is necessary to give the tooth blade specific angles. The back of the tooth, which falls at an angle backward, forms the angle of the upper blade, which is required for cutting into the wood of the upper blade. The blade of the tooth, which tapers back, forms the angle of the end blade necessary for side cutting of the chips flying from the chainsaw.

The edge of the end blade with the sliding surface of the links forms a rake angle that varies from 60 to 85 degrees in different chains. The backward tilt of the upper blade is measured in accordance with the sliding plane of the link and the suspension from the saw chain variety, and reaches 50. 60 degrees. Upper blade. The main blade, and the angle of the upper blade is the most important angle. The angle of the upper blade is difficult to measure, its correct value is possible if all the values ​​indicated above are observed.

You will be able to sharpen the angle of the chainsaw chain to change the suspension from the case of application. The main rule: the greater the value of the sharpening angle, the higher the cutting performance when cutting soft non-frozen wood. When cutting hard and frozen wood, reducing the sharpening angle helps to reduce vibration and a smoother saw blade. But remember that the sharpening angle should NOT be more than 35 and less than 25 degrees. The exception is chains designed for longitudinal cutting, this angle is 10 °.

The upper blade angle, sharpening angle and rake angle are changed when sharpening. These criteria have a decisive influence on the cutting performance of the chain. A depth gauge is located in front of the scapula on each link. Differences in height between the edge of the back of the tooth and the edge of the depth gauge are determined as the distance of the depth gauge.

This indicator depends on the level of penetration into the wood of the upper blade (chip thickness) and therefore on productivity. The distance of the depth gauge is set depending on the type of execution and the chain pitch. It should be in the norm 0.5-0.8 millimeters, most often 0.6 millimeters.

High values ​​cause the chainsaw to be more prone to kickback, chain vibration and too much excitement. Low values ​​provoke a drop in performance. Since with each sharpening of the chainsaw, the distance of the depth gauge decreases due to a decrease in the upper edge of the tooth, the depth gauge also requires periodic filing. After ten sharpenings.

General rules for sharpening

Correct sharpening of the chainsaw chain needs several recommendations. It is highly recommended to pay attention to them before sharpening the chain. Cutting Link Sharpness and Cut Stop Height Must meet manufacturer’s criteria. In addition, it is important that all links in one chain are identical in size. Doing so may reduce performance and increase vibration levels and engine load. Uneven loads increase the chance of chain breaking.

Since the inner contour of the tooth is close to a circle in its shape, and the material of the chain is quite soft, the chain is usually sharpened with a round file, which has a small diameter. Chainsaw sharpening requires precise positioning of the file before the tooth being sharpened.

The top edge of the file should protrude about 1/5 of the file diameter above the top edge of the bit. Immediately before sharpening the chain of a gasoline saw, it is recommended to find out its parameters; it is recommended to choose the diameter of the file, suspension from the chain pitch. It usually fluctuates in the range of 4-5.5 millimeters.

When you need to sharpen your saw

Unfortunately, in many cases the sharpening of the chainsaw chain is carried out out of time. users simply do not notice the signs, which indicate that the chain has become blunt. Do not cut with a defective saw or a dull chain, which will result in poor cutting results, high cyclic loading, high fuel consumption, destruction of the drive sprocket and tire. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in productivity, an increase in wear of all parts of the chainsaw and a drop in the useful life of the chainsaw.

To avoid such problems, pay attention to the appearance of the chips while working. Based on the condition of the chips, it will be possible to determine when to sharpen the chain. If it gets darker than before, this is a clear sign that the chain needs sharpening. You can recognize a dull chain if only small chips fly out of the cut instead of a large thick one. At the same time, a lot of dust appears in the shavings, and it looks like needles.

It is enough just to determine the moment when sharpening is needed. An important feature is the feed force. The target, sharpened correctly, is retracted into the cut even with small presses. If, on the contrary, the chainsaw is forced to cut by increasing the feed force, then the teeth are dull.
Take a closer look at the teeth of the chain. bluntness in many cases can be seen with the naked eye. You can determine the need for sharpening the Stihl chainsaw chain by the reduced level of productivity. it is more difficult to saw, and the work Takes more time for the user.

The need to sharpen the saw

Chainsaw chain sharpening procedure. NOT harder than sharpening any cutting tool with Special Tools. The saw tooth has a complex geometry. Side and top cutting edges, the second of which is beveled in the direction of the mowing line, the movement of the chain at a certain angle makes this operation difficult.

To a significant extent, the high performance of the chainsaw is affected by the correct use of its chain, which must be sharp and sharpened without fail. This is the only way to ensure efficient and safe operation when using it. After all, a properly sharpened chainsaw chain is more important than a powerful engine. The saw must be sharpened after it is dull, which consists in slow work, and the device also drives to the sides.

Intensive work of the chainsaw provokes a quick blunting of the chain. Sometimes several sharpenings may be required throughout the day. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the teeth quickly dull when they hit the ground. Even if you catch the soil with the tire once or twice, you can stop working. The shavings will become fine and the saw will stop digging into the wood. The earlier blunt teeth are sharpened, the less material needs to be removed during sharpening, as a result, the useful life of the saw chain becomes longer.

Sharpeners

A common set designed for sharpening a chain of a gasoline saw consists of a round file, which is installed in a special holder, a flat file, which is necessary for sharpening the depth gauge, which provides the last operation of the template for sharpening the chainsaw chain, and a special hook for cleaning the chainsaw from sawdust.

On the holder with a round file there is a mowing line, which allow it to be positioned correctly along the chain. The holder is placed on the tooth to be sharpened in accordance with the line orientation. The insert is supported by the depth gauge and the upper edge of the cutter, and the file is placed under the cutting edge.

The use of the holder ensures that the file will fit to the tooth at the correct height. There are different holders for different chain pitches. The correct choice of the holder according to the correct file diameter ensures that the file protrudes 1/5 of its diameter above the back of the tooth. Only use special files.

Before manually sharpening the chainsaw chain, you must secure the bar. I select the files in accordance with the type of chain, the main selection criterion in this case is its step. Round files have a diameter of 3-6 millimeters and are intended for sharpening the cutting bit. In flat files, the width ranges from 4 to 12 millimeters, they are used to remove the control tooth.

Pay attention to such recommendations, which help to sharpen the chain of a gas-powered saw correctly:

• Sharpening must be done in such a way that 1/5 of the file for sharpening the chainsaw chain protrudes above the cutting edge;
• The tool must be moved not back and forth, but in one direction;
• After every 2-3 sharpening of a tooth, it is worth sharpening the cut limiter.

Sharpening is carried out as follows:

• Pre-install the chain brake, clamp the chainsaw tightly between the knees;
• Then place the template in such a way that the “arrows” point to the “nose” of the tire. Do not forget to mark with chalk the tooth from which sharpening began;
• Move the file to the side indicated by the arrows, moving away from you and sharpen;
• Remove the control tooth with a flat file and an onlay. In this case, the direction of movement can be any.

It should be noted that working with a chain sharpening kit for a chainsaw requires certain skills, which is why it is NOT advisable to sharpen expensive chains without experience.

Do not try to press too hard on the file, make a measured and smooth motion. Rotate the file regularly to avoid one-sided wear. Sharpen all other teeth in the same way. It is more convenient to sharpen the teeth of one direction first, and then do the same with the teeth of the second direction, changing the position.

When sharpening, do the same number of file strokes on each tooth at the same pressure. This results in the same tooth length. All cutting teeth must be the same length. Different lengths of the teeth become a prerequisite for the uneven gait of the chain and the formation of cracks in it. In the case of unequal tooth lengths, all cutting teeth must be pollinated to the length of the shortest tooth.

Electrical equipment, light, lighting

Absolutely all owners of chainsaws will sooner or later face the need to sharpen a chain. This problem can be solved in two ways. to give the chain to the workshop, or to sharpen the chain for a chainsaw with your own hands. With the first solution, everything is clear, but sometimes contacting a service center is impossible. for example, the chain is dull when working in a country house, which is hundreds of kilometers from the nearest workshop. In this case, you will have to cope on your own. Let’s talk how to properly sharpen a chain of a gasoline saw.

Sharpening machines

Not every chain cannot be sharpened with a file. If the saw has thoroughly plowed gravel or sandy soil during operation, or it has NOT been sharpened for too long that the cutting edge is completely out of shape, sharpening with a file will take too much time and effort. It is reasonable in such cases to use a machine for sharpening the chainsaw chain. Such machines are divided into electric ones, which are equipped with sharpening wheels, and manual devices.

The working part of such devices for sharpening a chainsaw chain is structurally reminiscent of bow dust, in which a round long file is inserted instead of the saw blade. The machines sharpen and straighten the chains, adjusting the length of the upper edge of all teeth to one size according to the smallest tooth, which is taken as a control one. A sophisticated configuration mechanism will help you set all the necessary parameters.

Sharpening must be done in 2-3 strokes, then taking on the next tooth and leaving all the settings made for the control tooth. This can provide the same parameters for the sharpening procedure for absolutely all teeth. Change the round file to a flat file when you grind the stopper.

Electric tool for sharpening chainsaw chains. Simple and convenient to use. It is equipped with an adjustment system that helps to set the chain at the desired angle and accurately drive the disc to the sharpened edge. There are machines that automatically clamp the vice when lowering the disc onto the chain.

The machine, in fact, performs a similar role as chainsaw wheels and gauge, but with a higher accuracy. Sharpening is performed as follows:

• Loosen the screw a little to start, which adjusts the chain clamp.
• Install the chain in the guide groove in such a way that the links point towards the sharpening stone.
• Then set the desired sharpening angle. The standard value is an acute angle of 300, but other options are possible depending on the use of the chain. Choose polarity depending on the sharpening of the cutter. Left-handed or right-handed.
• Sharpen. There are two possibilities. The first of them is sequential sharpening, cutting the cutters one by one, but each time in this case you will have to change the polarity. The other consists in sharpening every second cutter: first processing the left-sided, and then the right-sided cutters, or as it is more convenient for you. By reducing the number of operations, since there is a need to change the polarity each time, the speed of work increases.

In the process of work, it is important to follow some rules. First, the optimal level of sharpening is determined Based on the length of the Most blunt tooth, which serves as a reference point. Secondly, it is NOT advisable to sharpen too deep, because this leads to a decrease in the strength of the link. After completing the work, it is recommended to blow out the chain with compressed air and leave it in clean oil for a certain time.

Now you know what a procedure such as sharpening a chainsaw chain with your own hands is, and what is the price of sharpening a chainsaw chain. The work is not easy, it has its own characteristics and nuances, it requires minimal basic skills, but it is quite solvable at home. It remains only to choose one of the options for the development of events. the use of a file or a hand-held machine.