Pro Chainsaw Sharpener. With Helpful Tips. A pro perspective

If you have a chainsaw, you will need to do some regular maintenance now and then. One of the things you need to do is sharpen the blades. Sharpening your chainsaw blades will ensure your projects look better, but it will also help the chainsaw cut more evenly and make it safer to use. Many businesses will sharpen your chainsaw for you, but you can also do it yourself as long as you know the proper way.

Pro Chainsaw Sharpener

Many professionals will use a file to sharpen their chainsaws, or if a lot of chains need to be sharpened, use an electric sharpener. With enough experience, you can quickly sharpen a chainsaw with a file. A file does not need any power, can be used everywhere, and gives you excellent control over each tooth. An electric sharpener works much faster and requires less skill.

If you decide that you will be sharpening your chainsaw yourself, there are some things you need to know to do it right. In this article, I will give several helpful tips about sharpening your chainsaw and how to know if your chainsaw needs sharpening.

What Are The Different Types Of Chainsaw Sharpeners?

There are different ways to sharpen your chainsaw, your type of saw and your personal preference can help you decide which type is most convenient for you.

● Electric Sharpener

Electric sharpeners can sharpen a chainsaw quickly. You place the chain in the sharpener and turn it on. The sharpener will help sharpen each chain quickly and correctly. An electric sharpener is the best option if you do not have much time or expect to sharpen many chains.

● File

You can manually sharpen the chain sale with a file. To sharpen it, you will need to move the file back and forth across each chain cutter. This can take some time, and you will need to use the correct angle for a good result.

● File With Guide

A file with a guide is another option for sharpening your chainsaw. The guide makes it easy to sharpen it properly. Some files come with a guide, but some do not. If your file doesn’t come with a guide, you can look for one that works with the type of file you have.

How Do You Sharpen A Chainsaw?

If you decide that your chainsaw needs to be sharpened, there is a process to do it correctly. Follow these steps to learn how to sharpen your chainsaw correctly.

● Step 1: Clamp The Chainsaw To The Surface

You will need to set your chainsaw on a flat surface and connect it to the vice. The vice will hold it in place while you sharpen the chain, so it’s safer and easier to do so. Since the saw won’t be able to move, it will be easier to get a more consistent edge, and you won’t have to chase the chainsaw around the table.

● Step 2: Tighten The Chain

You want the chain of the chainsaw to be tight but still able to move or flex slightly. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the screw, which will cause the tension on the chain to be stronger. You may need to locate the tension screw as it will be different for each type of chainsaw.

● Step 3: Mark Your Starting Point

Once you start sharpening the chainsaw, you may lose track of where you are on the chain. Use a marker or crayon to add a mark of color to the starting point on the chain. As the chain circulates, you will be able to keep track of your progress and won’t go over some spots more than once.

● Step 4: File The Blades

Hold your file at an angle next to a blade and glide it back and forth gently to sharpen it. Repeat this process for each blade until you make it all the way around the chain and have sharpened each tooth of the chain.

● Step 5: Test The Saw

Once you have finished sharpening the blades of the saw, you will want to test the chainsaw to make sure it operates correctly and that the blades cut smoothly and correctly. You should try it out on a piece of wood to ensure you have sharpened it correctly.

Safety Tips For Sharpening A Chainsaw

Before using your chainsaw for any project, you must ensure it is properly sharpened. You also want to make sure you are sharpening it safely so you don’t get injured, don’t injure anyone else, and don’t damage the chainsaw. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

● Check For Safety Issues

Before attempting to sharpen a chainsaw, you should take a few minutes to check for any safety issues. Inspect all aspects of the chainsaw to see if anything looks out of place or wrong. If you attempt to sharpen the chainsaw and there is an issue, you could become injured or ruin your chainsaw. Check for obstructions and any shorts or problems with the chain.

● Wear Protection

You never know if your hand may slip or if the chain might fall off or break. If you wear safety gear such as gloves, or eye protection, you won’t have to worry about getting injured in an accident. Cutting your hand or getting metal dust in your eyes can happen easily.

● Stay Alert

The most important thing to remember when sharpening your chainsaw is to be aware of your surroundings. Ensure there are no other people around you before you start to sharpen and clear the area, so you have plenty of space to sharpen the chainsaw.

How Do You Know If A Chainsaw Needs Sharpened?

You may need to sharpen your chainsaw before using it, but it doesn’t need to be sharpened every time. Here are some signs when you know it’s time to sharpen it.

● Stops Self-Feeding

If your chainsaw no longer pulls itself through whatever you are cutting effortlessly, it may be because the chain is dull. When the chain is sharp, it will self-feed and gently pull itself through wood and other materials. It will get caught in the wood when the chain is dull and move more slowly.

● Doesn’t Cut Straight

If your chainsaw needs to be sharpened, the chain may pull to one side. This can prevent it from staying straight on the object it is trying to cut. It might make your cutting line crooked or could cause it to curve. Once the chain has been sharpened, the chainsaw will be able to cut in a straight line or cut more accurately.

● Smoking Chainsaw

If your chainsaw is smoking even though it is well oiled and has the correct tension, it may be due to the chainsaw not being sharp enough. If the chain is not sharp enough, it will make it harder to cut through the wood and could cause the engine to smoke as it struggles to power the chainsaw.

● Producing Dust

It’s normal for your chainsaw to produce small chips when cutting through wood, but it should not produce dust or too thin chips. If your chainsaw is making this type of dust, the chain is no longer sharp and needs to be sharpened.

● Leaves Strange Marks On Your Wood

If the chainsaw is not sharp, it won’t be able to provide a smooth cut, and it will grind into the wood. This will cause it to leave behind deep gouges and marks in your wood. The more you use a dull chainsaw, the more likely it will leave marks on your wood.

Should You Sharpen Your Chainsaw Yourself?

If you are comfortable sharpening your chainsaw yourself and feel like you can do it correctly and safely, it is more than fine to do it yourself. It is very convenient to be able to sharpen your chainsaw when needed. If you are uncomfortable doing so, ask somebody with some experience to help you.

Other options are to go to your local dealer or find a nearby sharpening service. You can also check with the place where you purchased the chainsaw to see if they will sharpen it. Some home improvement stores and tool rental companies will also offer these services. I recommend that if you are not familiar with sharpening your chainsaw or don’t have the time or tools to do it, let a professional do the job for you.