Sharpen The Chainsaw Chain With Your Own Hands

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.

General rules for sharpening chainsaw chains. 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.

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.

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.

What tools for sharpening are there

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

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

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

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.

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.

Basic rules and order of sharpening. 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

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

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.

Chain sharpening angle grinder

If you have an angle grinder, you can sharpen your chainsaw chain much faster. It is best to use a small, 125-disc angle grinder. Sharpening is done at low speeds. There are two ways to sharpen an angle grinder.

Sharpening the chain with a file

This type of sharpening can be used directly in the field. It requires a round file, a holder for it (clamp) and pressure to clamp the tire.

To sharpen with a file, you need to perform the following manipulations:

  • Clamp the tire in a vice. If you are in landing and did not take pressure with you, then you can clamp the tire by resting it on a log.
  • Place the clip with the file on the chain so that it creates an angle of 30 °.
  • With light movements forward (away from yourself), we sharpen the tooth. With a new file, it is enough to make 5. 7 movements. If the file has already been used several times, then more movements will be required.
  • After the tooth has been sharpened, remove the file with a clip and scroll the chain to the next tooth. After passing all the right teeth, unfold the dust (or change the position of the file) and sharpen the left teeth.

Some file holders have a filed template on which the turning angle is already marked. So you do not have to “figure out” this angle. But from experience we will say that you need to practice well until it turns out perfectly smoothly with a file sharpens the chain.

Chain design

The saw chain consists of the following elements:

  • Left cutting tooth.
  • Right cutting tooth.
  • Cutting depth stop.
  • Leading link.
  • Rivet.

For the chain to cut well, it is necessary to sharpen each tooth on the left and right sides. However, in order not to spoil the sharpening, it is important to know what shape we have teeth on the chain. There are two common forms of saw teeth:

  • Chipper. This is the more common tooth shape and is found in almost all chains. Here the profile is somewhat rounded, so it is much easier to sharpen it with a round file. However, in practice the chipper dulls a little faster than the chisel.
  • Chisel. The cutter profile in this case is similar to a seven. Such a cutter has a rather small contact area when it comes into contact with wood, so it encounters less resistance. For this reason, in one cut, it makes a greater depth of cut, which means that the speed of cutting the log will be higher (in comparison with the chipper). But sharpening it without damaging the edge is much more difficult.

Saw chain sharpening methods

There are three ways to sharpen your saw chain effectively:

  • File.
  • Angle Grinder.
  • Sharpening machine.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands: 3 proven methods

The quality of sawing wood with a chainsaw largely depends on the sharpness of the chain. How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands at home? We will show you three good ways.

The speed and quality of sawing wood with a chain saw depends on the sharpness of the chain. From time to time it must be sharpened. How can this be done? We will tell you about three reliable ways that you can sharpen the chain with your own hands. One of them allows you to sharpen the chain directly in the field, while the other two require a special tool and electricity.

Method 2

In this case, it is the angle grinder that needs to be fixed immovably. Can be clamped in a vise or screwed to a workbench with a bracket. Sharpening is done as on a conventional grinding wheel. We hold the chain with our hands and turn it so that the tooth sharpens at an angle of 30 °.
With this method, hands are less tired, since you need to hold the chain, and not the angle grinder. However, the chance to get injured increases significantly. We recommend using this method rarely or NOT at all, since safety is still more important than speed or quality of sharpening.

Method 1

We install the chainsaw on the table, and the tire is clamped in a vice so that it does not move during operation. We set low revolutions on the angle grinder (if there is only smooth adjustment, then slightly press the start button). We direct the disc at an angle of 30 ° to the plane of the tooth and tilt it a little (as shown in the photo). Press lightly on the tooth.

With this method, the main thing is not to overheat the tooth and DO NOT grind off too much metal. It will ditch the teeth, sharpening in this way is much easier than with a hand file, but the sharpening speed increases significantly.

Chain straightening with a sharpener

Chain straightening with a sharpening machine is one of the most convenient, fast and high-quality at home. True, you will have to buy machines, which cost about 2,000. 3,000 rubles, but then forget about the problem with the chains.

The sharpening machines have a chain holder (1) with a blocker, with which you can fix the chain. It also allows you to set the horizontal chain sharpening angle in the range from 0 ° to 40 °. We put a chain on it and set the angle we need. Then, using the lever (2), we adjust the angle of inclination of the grinding wheel, that is, at what angle it will go under the tooth. Before starting sawing, lower the blade onto the chain and set the stopper (4) in the desired position so that during operation it does not retreat more strongly and DO NOT cut the chain. Sharpen each right tooth, then turn the holder with chain 180 ° and sharpen each left tooth.

The advantage of this method is that even an inexperienced operator can sharpen. Also, the machine has a protective cover (3), which will prevent injury during operation. However, as we have already said, you will have to spend a little money on purchasing a machine. If you need a good model, but do not want to overpay for famous brands, take the Champion C2001, which is by far the best among budget.

Power tools for working with wood:

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.

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.

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.

Sharpening with a file

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

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.

We sharpen the chainsaw chain with our own hands. All Possible and available ways

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

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

Greetings to all readers!

Today I decided to tell you about the tool, without which, it seems to me, today it is simply impossible. A good tool should work well, and this largely depends on its owner.

Cleaning in the autumn garden, preparing firewood for winter, building a bathhouse, repairing a wooden fence will require not only time and desire, but also the readiness of the “cutting” tool. If it 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 will the chainsaw sharpen at home? I’ll tell you about that. Go!

In this article, you will learn:

Electric grinding machines

They are equipped with special adjustment functions to help you 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 pressures. They are switched on when the disc approaches the sharpened edge. Convenience and functionality are certainly high. You can find models at “lifting” prices.

Hand-operated machines

The design of such a machine is similar to onion dust. Only where the saw blade is located is the round file. With such a machine, it is possible to sharpen and straighten the teeth, adjusting the proportions of the upper edges to the smallest (control) size. The mechanism allows you to accurately set the parameters. After adjustment according to the “control” tooth, sharpening is carried out in two or three movements. And then the transition. to the next tooth.

When it is necessary to grind off the limiter, change the round file to a flat file.

Advantages of the method: Allows you to sharpen teeth, including those that have lost their original shape, with high quality, convenient and without large physical costs.

Disadvantages: The price of the tool and the distance from the possible site of the saw operation.

What to choose for sharpening is up to you. This is due to how often you use your chainsaw. Here is the neatness of handling it. Here are the qualities of the chain purchased. And, of course, from the opportunity to spend a certain amount. The methods cannot be compared, because as the German proverb says. “apples should be compared with apples”.

Sharpen The Chainsaw Chain With Your Own Hands

Possible ways and methods of sharpening the chain

How to understand that the chain is dull

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

“In the opinion of experts and in my opinion too: well sharpened teeth are more important than engine power.”

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

  • Intense or voluminous work;
  • Accidental contact with stone, earth, hard knots, etc.;
  • Mishandling (broad term).

Sharpening angle grinder

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

Process (seemingly easy, but really difficult)

  • The chain also stays on the bus;
  • Fasten on an angle grinder a cutting disc for metal with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm. It is advisable to take not new, that is, with a worn edge;
  • We put an obstacle in front of the chain and the tire (the sliver will come off)
  • We carry out sharpening at the desired angle;
  • Upon completion of work, the chain must be tightened properly.

With a professional approach and a “full hand”, the number of sharpenings in this case can be more than 7.

“For a beginner, it’s better not” experiment “with a saw, a chain, etc. With your body parts! “

Advantages of the method: Fast, cheap and does NOT take up energy;

Disadvantages: Requires special skills, a steady hand and the ability to comply with safety techniques.

In the beginning in horror stories

If you are dusty with a stupid chainsaw, you will get three negative factors:

  • Below is the efficiency of your process. For example, instead of two cubes, spraying one (at the same time)
  • Expose 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. “torn” cut of the saw cut.

And of course, you will get up more, you will (perhaps) be angry with yourself, like “why should I be a fool, and not sharpen it in advance, now suffer.”

Here is a test question for you (photo on the right). Guess what kind of shavings “came out” from under the sharp and dull chain? (The answer will be below).

In the teeth of the chainsaw

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

The cutting surface has two edges. One side, the other slightly beveled. The cutting depth limiter adjusts the size of the chips in the thickness. Let’s take a closer look. The elements of the cutting-working link are arranged as follows:

  • Base with axle holes;
  • Tooth scapula;
  • Cutting depth limiter;
  • Blade end face (placement. vertical)
  • Top edge of the blade (placement. horizontal);

Sharpened edge Dull After touching the soil

Do not over-grind or change the location of the links. The normal operation of the instrument depends on the identity of their location. Otherwise, increased stress on the chassis, tire and engine is likely. The cut can be crooked. There is also a small chance of breaking the circuit.

We work with a file

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

The diameter of the round file is directly related to the chain size:

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

Sharpening process

  • Pre-“turned on” the chain brake, firmly clamp the tire of the chainsaw in pressure (a firmly clamped saw is the key to successful sharpening)
  • Set the template so that the “arrow” is directed to the “nose” of the tire. Be sure to Mark (with chalk) the tooth from which you started sharpening, otherwise you can go along the second circle;
  • Sharpen in the direction of the arrows. Remember, there is a special factory cut on each tooth in the chain. It indicates the maximum sharpening angle.
  • In addition to the cutting tooth, there are stops on each link. Their sharpening is carried out as needed. This is necessary 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 have skills in sharpening, it is better to start with inexpensive chains.”.

Recommendations:

  • The file should NOT extend beyond the top of the cutting edge by more than 1/5 of the working area of ​​the file. The pressure is carried out with the same effort;
  • The movement of the grinding 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 must be at right angles;
  • For sharpening a horizontal plane, file position, at an angle of 20-30 °
  • If there are teeth of different heights, the reference is the smallest.

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

Link arrangement and sharpening angles

Starting to learn how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands, pay attention to the design of the links.

When sharpening, the angles of the cutting planes are important, which largely determine the efficiency and convenience of the tools.

  • The rake angle is formed by the edge of the end blade of the tooth with the surface along which the link moves. Range of values ​​of rake angles of various chains 60-85 °.
  • The clearance angle of the upper blade is determined by the inclination of this surface back from the sliding plane. Possible values ​​- 50-60 °.
  • The sharpening angle is the angle between the cutting edge and the guide. If the tool is used for ripping, the sharpening angle is 10 °. In other cases, sharpening is performed at 25-35 °, and lower values ​​of this range increase the smoothness of the stroke when cutting hardwood or frozen wood.

In addition to the cutting tooth, the link of the saw chain contains a stop tooth, the height of which from the cutting edge determines the immersion depth. Since when sharpening a cutting tooth, its geometric parameters change, the height of the limiter must be corrected (grinded) approximately every 5-6 chain sharpenings.

Sharpening tools. Chainsaw chain: sharpening to restore performance. Signs of decreased cutting ability and its causes

Any chainsaw chain eventually loses its cutting ability, but premature bluntness of the teeth can be caused by:

  • Excessive tool use,
  • Accidental collision of the chain with the ground,
  • Knotty wood being cut.

It is not difficult to notice that the chain for a chainsaw needs sharpening according to the following criteria:

  • Difficult stroke (a well-sharpened saw easily plunges into the material being cut),
  • Perceptible vibration,
  • Reduced chip size.

It is important to understand why timely sharpening of chainsaw chains is important. The less the teeth are dull, the less metal will have to be removed when their sharpness is restored. This reduces labor intensity and allows you to maintain the geometry of the cutting parts.

Sharpening kits

Sharpening of the chain is made with high quality when the height and angles of the cutting edges of all teeth are identical. It is very difficult to achieve this effect using ordinary tools and your own eye. If the purchase of an expensive machine is not included in the plans, you can choose a special set, which includes:

  • Improved round file, which is supplied with a holder. The latter is placed on the tooth of the chain, focusing on the guides of the mowing line. The working position of the file is under the cutting surface. The use of a holder makes it much easier to select the correct tool position.
  • Flat file for stops.
  • A model with which chainsaw chains are sharpened better and more accurately. It is used to verify and correct parameters.
  • Hook, which is used to clean sawdust from the chainsaw chain.

To understand how to properly use such a set, carefully study the complete set. It can include several chain holders with different pitches. When working with the template, select the hole for the file. Usually there are two of them. one for sharpening under hard wood, the second for sharpening under a spray of soft material. The holes are marked accordingly.

Machine tools

Deciding how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands is much more difficult if the teeth are severely deformed during operation. The use of a conventional tool in this case will be ineffective. The machines allow you to set the required parameters when setting up. This ensures that all teeth are sharpened equally. Such equipment can be manual or electrical. In the first case, the machine costs less and does not have high productivity, but is suitable for domestic use. Electric sharpening machines are more often used in workshops, service centers and production. The operating speed of such equipment is much higher, but it is expensive and will NOT pay off if you buy it for personal needs.

Files

At home, sharpening the chain can be done with a file. Due to the rounded shape of the teeth, a round file is chosen for the cutting edges. The parameters of the tool are chosen so that in the working position the file protrudes behind the tooth by a fifth of its diameter. The limiter is adjusted with a flat file.

Features of work

To fully answer how to sharpen a chainsaw chain, here are some recommendations.

  • If there is significant deformation, the most damaged tooth is first sharpened, and then guided by the parameters obtained after sharpening.
  • If the chainsaw chain is sharpened by hand, it is important to make all movements with the file in one direction.
  • With a slight dullness of the cutting edges, the same number of file movements are made for all teeth. This will help ensure that geometric parameters are identical.

Better concepts of the principle of work and pay attention to the nuances will help.

Sharpening kits

Sharpening of the chain is made with high quality when the height and angles of the cutting edges of all teeth are identical. It is very difficult to achieve this effect using ordinary tools and your own eye. If the purchase of an expensive machine is not included in the plans, you can choose a special set, which includes:

  • Improved round file, which is supplied with a holder. The latter is placed on the tooth of the chain, focusing on the guides of the mowing line. The working position of the file is under the cutting surface. The use of a holder makes it much easier to select the correct tool position.
  • Flat file for stops.
  • A model with which chainsaw chains are sharpened better and more accurately. It is used to verify and correct parameters.
  • Hook, which is used to clean sawdust from the chainsaw chain.

To understand how to properly use such a set, carefully study the complete set. It can include several chain holders with different pitches. When working with the template, select the hole for the file. Usually there are two of them. one for sharpening under hard wood, the second for sharpening under a spray of soft material. The holes are marked accordingly.

Signs of decreased cutting ability and its causes

Any chainsaw chain eventually loses its cutting ability, but premature bluntness of the teeth can be caused by:

  • Excessive tool use,
  • Accidental collision of the chain with the ground,
  • Knotty wood being cut.

It is not difficult to notice that the chain for a chainsaw needs sharpening according to the following criteria:

  • Difficult stroke (a well-sharpened saw easily plunges into the material being cut),
  • Perceptible vibration,
  • Reduced chip size.

It is important to understand why timely sharpening of chainsaw chains is important. The less the teeth are dull, the less metal will have to be removed when their sharpness is restored. This reduces labor intensity and allows you to maintain the geometry of the cutting parts.

Link arrangement and sharpening angles

Starting to learn how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands, pay attention to the design of the links.

When sharpening, the angles of the cutting planes are important, which largely determine the efficiency and convenience of the tools.

  • The rake angle is formed by the edge of the end blade of the tooth with the surface along which the link moves. Range of values ​​of rake angles of various chains 60-85 °.
  • The clearance angle of the upper blade is determined by the inclination of this surface back from the sliding plane. Possible values ​​- 50-60 °.
  • The sharpening angle is the angle between the cutting edge and the guide. If the tool is used for ripping, the sharpening angle is 10 °. In other cases, sharpening is performed at 25-35 °, and lower values ​​of this range increase the smoothness of the stroke when cutting hardwood or frozen wood.

In addition to the cutting tooth, the link of the saw chain contains a stop tooth, the height of which from the cutting edge determines the immersion depth. Since when sharpening a cutting tooth, its geometric parameters change, the height of the limiter must be corrected (grinded) approximately every 5-6 chain sharpenings.

Sharpening tools

Machine tools

Deciding how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with your own hands is much more difficult if the teeth are severely deformed during operation. The use of a conventional tool in this case will be ineffective. The machines allow you to set the required parameters when setting up. This ensures that all teeth are sharpened equally. Such equipment can be manual or electrical. In the first case, the machine costs less and does not have high productivity, but is suitable for domestic use. Electric sharpening machines are more often used in workshops, service centers and production. The operating speed of such equipment is much higher, but it is expensive and will NOT pay off if you buy it for personal needs.

Files

At home, sharpening the chain can be done with a file. Due to the rounded shape of the teeth, a round file is chosen for the cutting edges. The parameters of the tool are chosen so that in the working position the file protrudes behind the tooth by a fifth of its diameter. The limiter is adjusted with a flat file.

Chainsaw chain: sharpening to restore performance. Features of work

To fully answer how to sharpen a chainsaw chain, here are some recommendations.

  • If there is significant deformation, the most damaged tooth is first sharpened, and then guided by the parameters obtained after sharpening.
  • If the chainsaw chain is sharpened by hand, it is important to make all movements with the file in one direction.
  • With a slight dullness of the cutting edges, the same number of file movements are made for all teeth. This will help ensure that geometric parameters are identical.

Better concepts of the principle of work and pay attention to the nuances will help.