Interior Design and Home Accessories

Article by Dean Caporella

If you are a regular chainsaw user then maintenance is a vital component in keeping your machine in good working order. That’s an understatement if ever I’ve heard one however, it’s surprising how a regular maintenance schedule is often overlooked.

The chainsaw chain is one aspect of your machine you need to keep a close check on. It’s just about the “lifeblood” of any saw and whether you are a professional or a semi professional, keeping it in top working order will not only help prolong the life of your chainsaw but cut down the risk of accidents significantly.

Chainsaw Chain Maintenance

There is nothing worse than a dull chain. It’s frustrating but simple, regular checks can reduce this frustration. Try these maintenance tips:

1. You’ll recognize the “dullness factor” by the lack of bite and sawdust-like chips which are being produced. You’ll also be exerting more pressure on the chainsaw to cut into the wood.

2. If using your chainsaw regularly then you should be checking the chain daily.

3. You need to sharpen your chain when it becomes dull. Safety is of utmost importance when sharpening so consult your manual. Experienced users will know to use a well lit area and to make sure tension is correct so it doesn’t move around. Make sure to wear heavy duty gloves.

4. Use the correct file size as specified for your particular type of chain. It’s important to remember to take your chainsaw to a professional after you’ve sharpened it several times yourself just to make sure you’ve maintained consistent filing angles.

5. Check lubrication on a regular basis. This can be as often as refueling your chainsaw.

6. While the chain requires regular checks, making sure the other components of your chainsaw are in good working order is just as vital. The engine, fuel system, pull chord and air filter should all be maintained in good working order.

More Chain Care Tips

There are some standard do’s and don’ts with chainsaw chain care. Try these on for size and see if they are familiar.

- Hitting materials such as rocks when cutting. This is a sure-fire way to quickly diminish the effectiveness without regular maintenance.

- Making regular tension checks and ensuring the chain is lubricated.

- Forcing a dull chain to cut. You should never force the issue. It’s dangerous and can can cause damage to your machine.

A chainsaw is the most dangerous power tool on the planet however, in it’s own way, it’s a delicate piece of machinery which can be easily damaged without proper care and maintenance. You’ve spent your hard-earned in buying a chainsaw, now it’s up to you to get the longest life possible from it.

Incoming search terms:

• lighted stihl chainsaw signs

No Comments »

New chainsaws are designed to cut wood efficiently and effectively. The chain is designed to slice through, and actually pull the bar down into the wood, making the process relatively easy.

However, if the thin, but tough coat of chrome on the chain is damaged, it doesn’t take long for the chain to become blunt and require maintenance. The main culprit that damages the chain on the chainsaw is dirty wood. If you cut wood near the ground, it is likely grit will be unavoidable, resulting in the chain becoming relatively blunt over time.

You will realise you need to sharpen you chain when you need to push the saw through the wood, rather than then saw bar being pulled down through the wood, known as self feeding, which should happen when the chain is sharp.

A second sign that your chainsaw is blunt is the type of discharge that is produced. If the chain is blunt it will produce messy dust rather than wood chips.

Finally, look at the chain. Is it shiny? If so, the chrome has probably worn away, leaving the steel underneath. It is time to sharpen the chain.

How To Sharpen A Chain on A Chainsaw.

If you are out cutting wood and the chain has become so blunt that you have to apply excessive force to cut, it is time to sharpen that chain. It is best to get back to a workshop or shed to do this properly. If you are in a hurry, try to have a spare chain ready to replace the blunt chain. This is the quickest and easiest way to carry on cutting wood.

When back at the workshop, make sure that you have a solid bench to work on, there is good lighting and you have a pair of safety gloves.

There are three angles to sharpen a chainsaw chain. A round file, held at the right angle will sharpen all three at the same time. However, it must be the right diameter. The only way to get the right diameter round file is to check your owners manual. If you don’t have one, take the chainsaw to a repair shop and get advice.

For best results, remove the burs from the side and top plates and sharpen the top edge. To get a consistent angle get a file guide. Place the file guide over the chain and set the file. File with complete stokes applying pressure only on the downward stoke. That is because the file only cuts in one direction. To make the process easier, file one side of the chain first, then complete the other side.

Don’t use a file that is too big or angle the file too high as it puts a back cut on the chain, as it wont sharpen properly and you will still have to put pressure on the saw to cut. However the reverse is also true, if you use a file that is too small or you have the file too low. This tends to put a hook on the chain and when you use the chainsaw initially it will bite into the wood, which can lead to dangerous situations. You will find that the chain will also go blunt quickly.

The important thing is to make sure that the upper corner has been sharpened and the chrome surface has been restored.

If you have sharpened the chain before, check the depth using a depth gauge jointing tool.

Finally, remember to always follow the chainsaw’s manufactures recommendations to ensure that you keep your chainsaw chain sharp and in peak working condition.

No Comments »

A handyman chain saw sharpener typically sharpens the chain while it is still on the chain saw. This is different than a professional chain saw sharpener that is typically bench mounted or wall mounted.

One advantage of a handyman chain saw sharpener is that it’s usually more portable. You will be able to carry this handy device to the job site and pull it out any time for quick touch ups to your chain. Remember, if you’re doing any kind of productive work with your chain saw you need a razor sharp chain, and the only way to maintain that sharpness is with frequent sharpening during the job.

You will still get fast, efficient results with a handyman chain saw sharpener. This type of sharpener is surprisingly affordable today, and the benefits of a properly sharpened chain far outweigh the minimal cost involved. Besides, one of the most unsafe aspects of any chain saw is trying to cut when it’s dull. Since the chain saw doesn’t cut easily when it’s dull the operator tries to force it too much and the saw kicks back easier.

In many cases a battery is used for the power source in a home handyman chain saw sharpener. This allows you to bring the sharpener almost anywhere, including a remote jobsite in the woods.

You should still be able to grind any type of chain and size, including 1/4 inch, 0.325 inch, 3/8 inch, and 0.404 inch pitches. However, this level of sharpener will require more manual adjustments and won’t be quite as precise. The quality of work will still be excellent, and this type of sharpener should be capable of doing both round and chisel chain styles.

The grinding head will usually be spring loaded, but it is still easily adjusted for different cutting angles. Again, you should expect anywhere from 0 degrees to 35 degrees adjustment.

A portable chain saw sharpener should also have an adjustable chain stop for different depths, as well as a transparent safety guard. The grinding wheels on handyman chain saw sharpeners are typically in the 4 inch to 5 inch diameter range, with motor speeds of 4,000 to 5,000 rpm.

The important factor is that even these portable chain saw sharpeners provide a consistent filing of every tooth on the chain. The guide that is mounted onto the bar ensures consistent sharpening angles for every tooth. The same quality and consistency of sharpening cannot be achieved with a hand held round file and hand guide.

No Comments »

When considering a chain saw sharpener you can choose from professional quality, enthusiast level, and handyman sharpeners.

Professional chain saw sharpeners can be mounted on either a wall or a work bench, and will typically sharpen the chain after it is removed from the saw. When selecting a professional quality, bench mounted chain saw sharpener make sure it has at least a one quarter horsepower direct drive motor with large fan and aluminum fins to keep the motor running cool.

Professional chain saw sharpeners usually have easy head angle adjustments. You should look for features that allow precise adjustments to be made quickly and easily so that you can sharpen virtually any kind of chain design.

The sharpener should also have an adjustable vice to grip any chain type. The vice is especially useful if it’s a hydraulic vice. This will automatically lock the chain when the head of your sharpener is lowered, and can reduce the time it takes to sharpen your chain by up to 50%. It is important that the vice will handle an offset of up to 10 degrees so you can maintain the correct corner and leading edge angles on chisel cutters.

You also want a professional chain saw sharpener to have a large diameter cutting wheel. Acceptable grinding wheels are anywhere from 5 inches to 26 inches in diameter. You should ensure that a professional chain saw sharpener comes with several grinding wheels, including 1/8″ 3/16″ and 1/4″ thickness, as well as a wheel gauge wrench, and a dressing brick. The larger the wheel, the less chance you have to get cutter burn on the teeth of the chain.

A cutting length adjuster, and easy-to-read scales for the head angle, also ensure that both left and right cutters are sharpened to equal lengths and angles. Your sharpener should also have a good chain centering feature. High end chain saw sharpeners can be easily adjusted to handle chipper, semi-chisel, and full chisel chains from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch pitch, as well as the 3/4 inch pitch chains.

Enthusiast level chain saw sharpeners will still provide precise sharpening. They should also include the ability to sharpen chipper, semi-chisel, and full chisel chains, including 1/4 inch, 0.325 inch, 3/8 inch, and 0.404 inch pitches. The angle of the vice guide should be able to accommodate cutter angles anywhere from 0 degrees to 35 degrees.

You should look for an easy to adjust chain vice. On an enthusiast sharpener the vice will probably be operated by a cam lever instead of hydraulics. The ability to adjust your cutter links and the grind depth are very important, and as always there should be a transparent safety guard so that you can see where the wheel is grinding. Chain saw sharpeners in this price range typically come with grinding wheels 4 inches in diameter, and run at speeds of 4,000 to 5,000 rpm.

No Comments »

Getting chores done around your yard or summer cabin can be much easier with the help of a chain saw. But, that’s only true if you keep the chainsaw sharp. A dull chain saw not only slows down the work, but can be a very dangerous tool.

There are a number of different chain saw sharpeners on the market that will automatically sharpen the chain. Professional quality bench sharpeners, enthusiast level chain sharpeners, and handyman sharpeners. Each of these has their advantages and disadvantages, including price, portability, ease of use, and accuracy.

Professional and enthusiast grinders sharpen the chain when it is off the saw. Guides hold the chain in perfect position while adjustments to edge angle and tilt angle are precisely set up. These systems are very fast and accurate, but of course you need to take your saw, or at least the chain, into your local saw sharpening shop.

The simplest, and in many cases the most practical sharpening tool is a simple hand held round file. You can also add a file guide and depth gauge guide to assist you. Consistency is the key to a sharp chain. The same number of strokes on every tooth, and the exact same direction of every stroke will lead to an extremely sharp chain saw.

There are several types of hand file guides. The simplest type attaches to the round file and allows you to watch the markings on the guide so that you maintain a consistent angle every time you stroke the file. Another type of file guide clamps to the bar and controls the movement of the round file over the teeth of the chain.

The round file needs to match the size of your chain. Most common chain saws should be sharpened with either 7/32 inch or 5/16 inch files. Most round files will last forever if you take care of them properly. Wrap them up before dropping them into your toolbox, and don’t use them for picking stones out of the logs.

You can pick up a good depth gauge at most hardware stores. This gauge should be set on top of the chain and used to control how much you need to remove from the guides after each sharpening. After several sharpenings the teeth on your chain will be lower than the guides. You need to take the guide height down to match the height of the teeth on your chain saw.

No Comments »

To keep a chain saw sharp, you must sharpen it often. This is not as difficult as it sounds – all you need are a few simple tools and some practice. There are really only 2 steps to sharpening your chain saw. First, you need to file or grind the teeth on the chain to a razor sharp edge, and second you need to adjust the height of the depth guides that regulate the amount of wood taken by each cut.

You can imagine the teeth on the chain as small wood chisels, each one taking a small sliver of wood from the cut, every second tooth cutting from the opposite side. If each tooth takes a consistent amount of wood, at the same angle, and with same amount of effort or force from the saw, then we will get a nice clean cut with a minimum of struggle. When the chain saw doesn’t pull to either side and the saw cuts through the wood like butter you know you have a well sharpened chain saw.

When you’re learning how to sharpen your chainsaw it’s a good idea to tighten the chain so there is very little slack. This will keep the teeth straight and make it easier to maintain a consistent angle when stroking with the round file. You should still be able to move the chain around the bar in a snug fashion. Just remember to loosen the chain before using it again.

Pay attention to the cross angle of the teeth, as well as the upward tilt angle of the sharpened edge. Line up your round file so that it follows the existing angles on the teeth. Gently stroke the file towards the tooth’s point (away from the saw body). Watch the guide carefully so you can keep a consistent angle. Always count the number of strokes on each tooth – usually 5 or 6 strokes is enough. Then move on to the next tooth on the chain and stroke 5 or 6 times at the very same angle.

Repeat this pattern for all of the teeth that point in the same direction (every second tooth). Then flip the file guide around and repeat the process for every other alternating tooth pointing to the other side of the saw. Remember, it’s very important that every tooth is sharpened the same amount or the saw will pull to one side when you try to cut.

After several sharpenings you will have worn the teeth down slightly. The depth gauges must be filed down so they are no higher than the tops of the teeth on the chain saw. Many people don’t know about this step, but if you don’t maintain the correct height of the depth guides your chain saw will not cut properly.

All you do is set the depth guide on the chain straddling the teeth and a small notch on the guide will allow you to remove the correct amount from each gauge. Filing the depth gauges is easier than sharpening the teeth because you’re only trying to set the height of the depth gauges, not actually sharpen them.

No Comments »

Brand new chainsaws are made to slice timber efficiently and effectively. The chain is made to cut through, and also draw the actual bar into the timber, helping to make the procedure relatively simple. Nevertheless, when the very thin, however strong layer of chrome around the chain is impaired, it does not take very long for that chain to get blunt and need servicing. The primary reason that causes damage to your chain on your chainsaw is usually unclean timber. In the event you chop timber close to the land surface, chances are grit is going to be inevitable, leading to your chain getting fairly dull as time passes. You’ll realize you have to sharpen the chain when you really need to force your saw through the timber, instead of your saw bar being drawn downward through the timber, referred to as self feeding, that ought to occur if the chain is razor-sharp. Another indication that the chainsaw is actually blunt can be the kind of discharge that’s created. When the chain is blunt it’ll create messy airborne dirt and dust instead of wood chips. Lastly, consider the chain. Do you find it bright? If that’s the case, the chrome has most likely worn away, leaving behind the actual metal beneath. It’s time to sharpen the actual chain. How you can Sharpen The Chain on the Chainsaw. If you’re chopping timber and the chain is becoming so blunt that you must utilize extreme pressure to slice, it’s time to sharpen the chain. It is advisable to return to a work shop to get this done effectively. In the event that you’re in a rush, attempt to possess a spare chain able to change the blunt chain. This is actually the fastest as well as easiest method to carry on chopping timber. When back in the work shop, ensure that you use a stable table to do the job on, there’s great lights and you’ve got a set of basic safety hand protection. There are actually 3 sides to sharpen the chainsaw chain. Some sort of circular file, used on the correct angle can sharpen the 3 simultaneously. Nevertheless, it has to be the correct diameter. The only method to have the correct diameter circular file would be to look at your users guide. Should you not possess one, take the actual chainsaw into a repair center and obtain guidance. For the best results, take away the burs from the side as well as top plates as well as sharpen the top side. To obtain a constant angle obtain a file guide. Put the file guide over the chain and set the actual file. File using full stokes using force just for the downwards stoke. This is because your file just cuts one way. To help make the procedure simpler, file 1 side of the chain first, after that finish the other side. Do not make use of a file that’s too large or position the actual file too high because it places a back cut on the chain, as it will not sharpen correctly and you’ll still need to place strain on the saw to chop. Nevertheless the opposite is actually also true, if you are using a file that’s too small or you hold the file too low. This has a tendency to place a hook in the chain and if you use the chainsaw at first it’ll bite in to the timber, that can result in hazardous incidents. You will discover the chain will even go blunt rapidly. The main thing is actually to make certain that the top corner is sharp and also the chrome surface area is recovered.
For those who have sharpened the chain previously, look at the depth utilizing a depth gauge jointing device. Lastly, always stick to the chainsaw manufactures suggestions to ensure you retain the chainsaw chain razor-sharp and in maximum functioning condition.

No Comments »

Chainsaw, the popular weapon of choice for many screen villains, still remains a nightmare for humble home users. Powerful and helpful tools, chainsaws are used around the house for a number of purposes, including pruning trees and scrubs, cutting firewood and even woodwork. For proper maintenance, chainsaws require a number of accessories, including carving bars, suitable stands and a reliable chainsaw sharpener.

With time, depending on the project, your chainsaw may become dull, and the chain will not produce the same precise cut. You will notice that it’s time to reach for your chainsaw sharpener when the cut from the saw is not straight anymore or the edges are uneven. Dull chains also produce fine sawdust when cutting, while a sharp saw produces thicker chips of wood.

If you need to push your chainsaw harder to make a cut, it also means that the saw needs sharpening. The chain either is too dull or has been damaged. Newly sharpened chain will enter a cut easily even if you apply only slight pressure.

When you fail to sharpen the chain properly, you will loose power and momentum. As a result, you will consume more fuel. Your chainsaw will age faster and the engine will wear more, too.

Many people refrain from using chainsaws because of the potential dangers. Indeed, injuries caused by chainsaws are severe. The number of chainsaw accidents that required medical attention is getting higher every year, increasing two-fold in five years. 85 percent of injuries to chainsaw users resulted from a contact with a moving or improperly maintained chain.

To survive through many of your home improvement projects and to protect you against possible accident, your chainsaw must be kept in good condition. Keeping your chainsaw sharp will save you fuel, effort and may even prevent you from injury.

Today chainsaw sharpeners are powerful yet safe tools suitable for sharpening virtually all kinds of chains. To prevent injuries the chain is safely locked and grinding wheels are designed to adapt to all your sharpening needs. In many cases, a chainsaw sharpener includes a tool that allows checking the sharpness of the chain finding pitches and changes in gauge depth.

The chainsaw sharpener should be mounted in a well-lit area with plenty of room to work safely, away from any flammable substances. Always wear eye protection when operating a chainsaw sharpener and wear gloves when removing or installing the cutting chain.

Make sure the wheel guard is in place before starting the chainsaw sharpener. Replace the guard if it is damaged or cracked. Use only the correct file size and gauges recommended for specific types of chain.

Make sure your chain is tense if you sharpen it directly on the saw. You may not do a good job when you try to file a loose chain, and besides, you can even damage a chain. Before sharpening the chainsaw, always cleanse the chain properly to prevent soiling the sharpener.

Even if you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, return your chainsaw for re-sharpening to a qualified dealer after sharpening it for a few times yourself. Even with the correct tools, you run the risk of filing at an incorrect depth. A dealer has the equipment to precisely file the chain, and a professional sharpening will make the chain last longer.

Keep your saw clean and energy-efficient by sharpening the chain often and checking the catcher for damages. Clean the chain of your chainsaw with mineral spirits and a soft dense cloth when you finish working. Following these simple tips will keep your chainsaw in top working order.

No Comments »

Secondly, search for telltale tiny wooden chips that resemble sawdust. (fairly than the chunky woodchips affiliated with a sharp chain). If possibly applies, it is really time to sharpen the chainsaw chain.

 

How to sharpen a chainsaw

 

Chainsaw sharpening, when time-consuming and fiddly, can be carried out at house working with a easily out there kit. Several pros also advocate the use of a acceptable resin solvent to aid keep the living and performance of the chain. Commonly, the kit for sharpening a chainsaw incorporates the subsequent:

 

 

A chainsaw file gauge

 

 

A round chainsaw file

 

 

A flat file for the depth gauge on the chain’s teeth.

 

Sharpening the chain requires cleansing the chain with a stiff brush, then systematically filing the leading plate, side plate and depth gauge on every of the chain’s teeth. Vital safety precautions include the subsequent:

 

 

Switching the noticed off just before function

 

 

Sharpening the found with the chainsaw engine cold.

 

 

Sporting security gloves – safeguards fingers when sharpening the chainsaw

 

 

Functioning on a flat, sturdy, very well-lit surface area

 

Is sharpening a chainsaw actually a Do it yourself exercise?

 

Chainsaw sharpening is effectively inside of the capability of a domestic user, delivering you abide by the instructions that arrive with the sharpening kit and apply commonsense safety procedures. If in doubt about your capability as a chainsaw sharpener, you must constantly seek out skilled tips and support. Remember as well, that the chain is not the only chainsaw component requiring regular upkeep – other components will also will need routine attention.

 

If you use your chainsaw frequently for points like cutting down trees, then you are most likely have to have of a chainsaw sharpener. Just like with any other kind of blade on a noticed, the blades on a chainsaw have to have to be sharpened each and every so frequently to continue on to lower correctly. If you have under no circumstances changed or sharpened your blade, then you likely have no notion how significantly effectiveness has been lost.

 

Sharpening the blade on any noticed, or even knife, can make the method go along additional easily and additional speedily. Sawing is messy business, specifically because particles and splinters are flying just about everywhere. You must be wearing a pair of gloves and a prolonged-sleeved shirt, but the particles is however going to relentlessly stick to you and be an irritation. A chainsaw sharpener properly sharpens the blades so that they very last more time and the work you acquire on will consider much less time.

 

There are a several chainsaw sharpener types out there, every single one particular far more specialized and useful than the previous.

 

There are hand-held kinds that are incredibly simple in that they are not mechanical at all. You purely run them along the blades to get them sharpened. This model requires some practice as you need to be in a position to angle the sharpener appropriately to get a beneficial outcome, but it is also portable and can be effortlessly used appropriate to a task website.

 

The other model is typical and less difficult to use, is a mount sharpener. These are mounted to a table and quickly utilized. They purely sharpen the blades with little to no effort on your part. These are obviously far more high priced than the do-it-all by yourself sharpener fashion, but they are the most productive for common utilization at a company or a prolonged job web-site that needs chainsaw utilization.

 

A sharpener really should be close to the chainsaw in use at all instances so the person can sharpen when necessary.

No Comments »

GROBET SWISS MADE CHAIN SAW SHARPENING KIT FOR 7/32″ CHAIN SAW FILES

This sharpening kit was designed with the assistance of a forestry school. It is suited to the needs of non-professional and occassional users. This blister pack version contains a cd which will guide the user in acquiring proper chain sharpening technique. File diameters must be selected according to the type of chain to be sharpened. The Kit contains a file guide, depth guage, 2 chain saw files, a flat file, file handle and a bar groove cleaner!! Great gift idea. FOR A FREE VIDEO, GO HERE http

Price:

GROBET SWISS MADE CHAIN SAW SHARPENING KIT FOR 13/64″CHAIN SAW FILES IN A POUCH

This sharpening kit was designed with the assistance of a forestry school. It is suited to the needs of non-professional and occassional users. File diameters must be selected according to the type of chain to be sharpened. The Kit contains a file guide, depth guage, 2 chain saw files, a flat file, file handle and a bar groove cleaner!! Packed in a convenient pouch. Great gift idea. For our complete line, visit our Amazon site: http://b2bprofessionaltools.net.

Price:

Incoming search terms:

• swiss make chainsaw file

No Comments »