No matter how frequently you use a chainsaw, it is always important that you have a sharp blade when putting it into action. Dull chainsaw blades are not only less effective, but also more difficult to control, making them a potential safety issue.
You will need to engage in regular filing to keep the chainsaw sharp and operating smoothly. Of course, it is important to know the proper method of filing if you are to keep your chainsaw blade in good condition.
Here’s a quick overview of some issues to consider as you sharpen your blade. Contact an equipment rental company in Monroe, LA for more tips or to rent a chainsaw for your upcoming project.
Careful inspection
Before you start filing, make sure you carefully study the chainsaw and analyze each part of the tool. It’s good to familiarize yourself with the diagram for the tool and how it’s assembled. By understanding each part and the role it plays in the tool’s operation, you’ll be better able to service and maintain it.
Every chainsaw has two different sharp areas: one located at the edge of the top plate and another located on an outside plate at the intersection with the top plate. You’ll find a knock called a “gullet” in the middle of the cutter, with a sort of hook (called a “raker”) on the other end that acts as a depth gauge, tasked with determining how much of a bite the chainsaw cutters are able to remove from the wood at once.
The dust standard no longer applies
It used to be standard practice that you would sharpen the chainsaw blade when it produced more wood dust than wood chips. However, this involves waiting too long before you sharpen. Instead, you should focus on sharpening every two or three times you fill the chainsaw with fuel. This will cut down on the amount of time you have to spend on sharpening, while also preventing the cutters from dulling out.
Always wear protective gear
Just as you wear protective gear when using the chainsaw, you should also wear protective gear when maintaining it. There are many sharp parts on the chainsaw, so it’s important to wear heavy-duty work gloves, as well as safety goggles that will protect you from shavings that fly off the metal.
Keep it steady
Find a way to keep the chainsaw steady while you’re filing. The best way of doing this is to use a mounted vice. You’ll find several options that you can use either in a shop or while you’re out in the woods.
Study the proper filing methods
You should always file in a single direction to get the sharpest possible cutting edge. Focus on filing from the inside edge of the cutter to the outside. You’ll need to alternate left and right cutters—position yourself on a single side and file the cutters on the opposite side of the saw chain. You can move to the other side when you’re finished.
Finally, make sure you’re pushing the file and not pulling it. Otherwise you’ll actually make the blade duller.
For more information about tool maintenance, or to secure a chainsaw from an equipment rental company in Monroe, LA, contact the team at Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.