Dealing with a dull chainsaw chain can lead to imprecision, early wear and tear, and operational challenges. Rather than exerting more effort than necessary, sharpening your chainsaw can help unlock its full potential. Here's a comprehensive guide that teaches you the ins and outs of how to sharpen a chainsaw properly.

Chainsaw Sharpening: Starting With Your Oregon Chainsaw

Initiating the sharpening process for your Oregon chainsaw involves inserting its blade in the vise on your workbench. If you opt to use a file guide, this should be positioned on the cutter. The file guide should consistently touch three points: the top edge, the side edge, and the depth gauge.

The Importance of Chainsaw Sharpening

Each cutter on your chainsaw is equipped with a depth gauge. These cutters are slightly inclined and with regular use, they gradually wear down, reducing their height. At a certain point, the depth gauge and the cutter will align, leading to decreased chainsaw performance. This situation calls for chainsaw sharpening to avoid having to exert excessive pressure on the tool for achieving the desired cut.

Sharpening a Chainsaw: The Process

Sharpening a Chainsaw with a Round File

You can employ a round file to sharpen your chainsaw. The technique entails filing the cutters from the inside out, respecting their orientation. Continue filing until the depth gauge is below the cutter. For softer woods, be careful and ensure that the gap between the two isn't larger than one fifth of the file's diameter.

The depth gauge guide will assist you in monitoring the difference between the cutter and the gauge. Place the guide on the cutters, and if the gauges still stick out above it, you should continue filing. It's essential to remember that the filing angle of the top plate must always align with the centerline of the chain.

During the chainsaw sharpening process, strive to keep the number of strokes and the pressure consistent for each cutter. Correctly sharpened cutters will exhibit a shiny, silvery finish. To track your progression, use a marker to denote your starting point on the metal. This ensures all cutters are even and the same height. When you've finished, check the depth gauges and make any required adjustments. After these steps, you'll have a well-sharpened chainsaw that's ready for optimal use.

Sharpening a Chainsaw With a Grinding Wheel

Another effective method for chainsaw sharpening is using a grinding wheel. Grinding wheel heads can be found in sizes that match those of the cutters.