How to Sharpen Chainsaw?

Using a dull chainsaw is not only inefficient but also poses significant risks. Even a slightly dull chain can exhaust you and increase fuel consumption. If you suspect your chainsaw chain is dull, it's crucial to stop and sharpen it by filing the cutters. Sharpening your chainsaw chain is a simple yet essential task that yields remarkable benefits.

To begin, you need to determine the appropriate file diameter for your chainsaw chain. The cutting surface of the chain's cutter features a curved bevel, and the file should fit snugly into this curve. By moving the file along the bevel, you restore the sharp edge, ensuring efficient wood cutting. Common file diameters include 5/32 and 7/32 of an inch but consult your saw's owner's manual or identify the chain on your saw to select the right size. The gasoline Chainsaw range by Bonhoeffer is excellent in terms of quality.

Sharpening Chainsaw Chains: Enhance Efficiency and Safety

It's crucial to understand that filing alters the geometry of each cutter. Each time you file a cutter, it undergoes slight reshaping. Refer to a chainsaw cutter diagram to see how filing affects the relationship between the bevelled surface and the depth gauge (raker). The depth gauge restricts the amount of wood the cutter removes. Therefore, as you sharpen the beveled surface, the cutting edge's height relative to the depth gauge decreases. To ensure proper wood removal, it's important to file down the depth gauge after three sharpening sessions.

By mastering the art of chainsaw chain sharpening, you enhance both the efficiency and safety of your chainsaw. Enjoy precise cuts and a longer lifespan for your chainsaw by maintaining sharp and well-aligned cutters and depth gauges.