Using gasoline or electric chain saws to work with wooden products, after some time there is a gradual decrease in the effectiveness of the tool. Low cutting accuracy, the bar moving to the side, small dusty chips and even the saw stopping are signs of a dull chain, which requires the use of devices and machines for sharpening chainsaw chains.
The teeth wear out not only due to old nails, metal objects, and abrasives getting into the saw’s work area, but also simply due to physical wear and tear from working in difficult conditions. Cutting hard wood, chipboard, fiberboard, OSV leads to accelerated wear of the cutting tool.
Tools for sharpening chainsaw teeth and reasons for rapid dulling
A chainsaw needs to sharpen its teeth, and this should be done regularly depending on the frequency of use of the tool, which will not only ensure efficient operation, but will also extend its service life. To achieve maximum efficiency from a gas-powered wood cutting tool, you need to learn how to sharpen the chain. There are various devices for this.
Tooth design on chainsaws
All chainsaws need chain sharpening, regardless of their brand and cost. The reasons for the rapid dulling of teeth are:
- Long-term use of the tool. When sawing wood, the metal heats up, so during prolonged operation the resistance of the cutting parts decreases. As a result, the cutting part becomes licked, and the longer you continue to work, the faster dulling will occur.
- Getting under the cutting parts of metal materials, such as nails or screws that are screwed into the wood being cut
- Improper starting and operation of the tool also contributes to rapid dulling of the chain. When starting or while working with the tool, when the chainsaw is on the ground, you need to apply the hand brake. If earth gets into the teeth, this will lead to their rapid dulling and accelerated wear of the chain.
- Type of wood being cut. If hardwood trees are processed, dulling occurs very quickly
For proper sharpening on chainsaws, special round and flat files are used, which are supplied with the tool. These files are designed for sharpening cutting edges in the field. Moreover, it is important to perform this procedure on a cooled instrument.
Rating of sharpening machines 2022
Patriot MG 220
Inexpensive sharpening machine for occasional sharpening of chainsaw chains. Its power is low - only 85 W, but this is enough to sharpen a couple of chains from time to time. A grinding wheel with a diameter of 105 mm and a thickness of 4.8 mm is used here. You can also use circles with a thickness of 3.2 and 4.2 mm (original ones are sold from Patriot). The diameter of the mounting socket here is 22.2 mm. The disk rotation speed is 4800 rpm, so the device can be safely classified as a high-speed one.
The device is capable of sharpening at an angle from 0° to 40° (rotation of the chain mount). Users note that the machine has good casting and does not rattle during operation. True, the manufacturer did not provide a stopper for the motor shaft, so when replacing the disk it will have to be additionally secured with a key.
Whirlwind SZTs-200
Machine for chains of domestic production with a power of 200 W. The engine accelerates the working attachment to 6000 rpm, so sharpening chains is done quite quickly. The diameter of the grinding wheel is 100 mm, the thickness is 3.2 mm, and its seat is 10 mm. Depending on the type of chain, you can select a sharpening angle from 0° to 30°. There is a sharpening depth limiter on the body of the device - it is necessary so that during operation you do not accidentally cut the chain with excessive pressure.
The working disk is covered on top with a plastic protection and a transparent shield that protects the eyes from sparks. The device comes with a special metal rod that locks the disk if it needs to be unscrewed and replaced. By the way, if this rod is lost, then instead of it you can use a piece of ordinary 6-piece wire rod. The entire device weighs only 2 kg.
DIOLD M3-0.13
The machine is a Russian brand, but of Chinese origin. This device is not for felling trees, but at home it will be a real salvation. The motor power is 130 W. At the same time, it accelerates the disc to 2500 rpm - it is not suitable for serial sharpening, but restoring the chain teeth 1 - 2 times a day is quite enough. There is a good cast sole that will firmly (without play) hold the chain when the device is correctly and securely fastened to the table. By the way, fasteners for the sole to the table are also included in the kit.
The device comes with an original sharpening disc with a diameter of 100 mm, a seat of 10 mm and a thickness of 3.5 mm. The quality of the disc is good (no need to change it immediately after purchase). If you need a device for the garage to sharpen the chain of your gas or electric saw from time to time, the inexpensive DIOLD M3-0.13 will be a good purchase.
Rezer EG235-CN
This is a good, powerful, heavy machine for regularly sharpening saw chains. It can sharpen chains at 0.325, 0.375 and 0.404 inch pitches. Pitch adjustment is done using a side screw. The chain is fastened not by an automatic system, but by eccentric tensioners. The machine has good casting, all elements are made of metal. Note that there is a large disk with a diameter of 145 mm and a thickness of 4.5 mm. Its mounting socket is 22.2 mm. The 235 W motor accelerates the saw blade to 3000 rpm.
This model is equipped with a backlight, which is located near the disk. It starts when the device is turned on. True, the backlight is not an LED bulb, but an incandescent lamp. A nice feature is the presence of a second sharpening disc, which is included in the kit. Its thickness is 3.2 mm. The sharpening machine weighs 5.8 kg. There is a detailed video review of this device online.
Champion C2001
The model from Champion is equipped with a 230 W motor that rotates the saw attachment at a speed of 3000 rpm. This machine for sharpening chainsaw chains, like the previous device, works with discs with a diameter of 145 mm and a thickness of 4.5 mm. Mounting socket 22.2 mm. In principle, the disks of these two machines are interchangeable. Note that here the sharpening angle of the chain can be made in the range from 0° to 40°. At the same time, the rotating platform itself has a ratchet, and when switching you will hear a characteristic sound. Below the platform there is a tightening screw for securely fixing the chain.
The base itself with the motor and sharpening disk can change the angle of inclination in the horizontal and vertical planes in the range from 40° to 90°. Thanks to this, you can adjust the device as accurately as possible for perfect sharpening of the chainsaw chain. There is a backlight that gives a good overview of the work area. Additionally, the kit includes an abrasive stone. Overall this is a great model for the money.
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Homemade products for sharpening chains
Before starting work with gas-powered tools, you need to sharpen the cutting elements. Before you start sharpening chainsaws with your own hands, you need to determine the design of the cutting edges. The cutting edges of the chains have a lateral and beveled shape (chisel or chipper). The angle of the file during sharpening depends on this.
The design of links on chainsaws
The easiest way to sharpen teeth on an electric or chainsaw is to use the files that come with the tools. Such files can also be purchased at a specialized store that sells gas-powered tools. If you need to sharpen several chains every day, then it is advisable to use a grinder or a special machine.
This is interesting! When working with a grinder for sharpening, it is important to use a voltage regulator, with which you can reduce the number of revolutions.
Features of sharpening teeth using a file
Sharpening with a file begins with the correct choice of the diameter of the device. For 1.3 mm chains, a file with a diameter of 4 mm is used. For cutting teeth measuring 1.6 mm, a file with a diameter of 5.2 mm is used.
Sharpening with a round file
Sharpening with a file must be done directly on the tool, having first secured the tire in a vice and turned on the hand brake. In order for the process to occur quickly, you need to sharpen the teeth first on one side at a certain angle, and then on the other side. The start of work should be marked with chalk or a marker.
Types of files
Using a reciprocating motion with a flat file, the stoppers are removed from the teeth. Beginners are recommended to use a special pattern that is attached to the tire, and all that remains is to make reciprocating movements with a round file. Experienced craftsmen sharpen using only a file, performing reciprocating movements 1-2 times for each tooth.
Sharpening on special manual and automated machines
If a tooth has significant wear, restoring its sharpness will be problematic. For such purposes, special manual machines are used, the functioning of which is carried out in the following way:
- The screw for adjusting the clamp is loosened
- The direction of the links is aligned on the saw, which should face the sharpening stone
- The required angle is set
Manual precision sharpening machine
Deep sharpening will negatively affect the strength of the teeth, so you may soon need to replace the chain. After completing the work, you can begin to remove the metal edge using a compressor. It doesn't hurt to place the entire device in oil for a few hours.
For sharpening, automated machines are used, on which the chain is placed and fixed. The device is fixed in the tool, after which the engine starts. Chains on which it is impossible to sharpen the teeth with a file need such sharpening.
Automated machine
How to sharpen teeth with a grinder
If an automated sharpening machine seems expensive, then a grinder can replace it. This tool should be used as a sharpening machine if you have extensive experience working with angle grinders. If you work with an angle grinder incorrectly, it can not only harm your health, but also the chain itself, the teeth of which will be incorrectly sharpened.
The principle of sharpening with an angle grinder is as follows:
- The chain remains on the tool
- The sharpening angle is visually selected
- The tool is turned on at half power using a connected voltage regulator
Sharpening with a grinder
Each tooth must be sharpened with a grinder. If the angle is chosen incorrectly, it will be possible to determine this already at the first launch of the tool.
How to tell if a chain is dull
A visual inspection is often not enough. Due to constant friction against the wood, the edges of the chain are always shiny. Only experienced “pilots” can determine the sharpness by eye.
The moment of need for sharpening is determined by characteristic changes in working with the device:
- During operation, the saw begins to tear from your hands, not cutting, but catching wood fibers.
- The passing blade does not produce large chips - fines and dust fall out.
- The cut is made very slowly, the saw gets stuck in the soft material and stops in place, does not want to go forward on oak or ash.
- After work, it feels like the chain is very hot.
- Fuel consumption increases.
A combination of several signs indicates that it is time for sharpening.
Homemade device for sharpening chainsaw chains with your own hands
It is recommended to make homemade devices for sharpening chainsaw chains in cases where you have to sharpen the chain on the tool every day. This homemade device is an electric motor with an abrasive disc attached to the shaft. It is necessary to use an abrasive disc, since it is impossible to perform this procedure with a grinding wheel.
The principle of making a homemade machine is that the engine should be of low power and fixed to the base. A special template is made on which the cutting element of the tool is fixed. A rotating disk together with a motor is manually brought to each tooth, and they are sharpened. It is important that the engine is movable and the chain is fixed in a stationary state.
Such a device (from a low-power electric motor) is the best option for those who are engaged in professional sharpening. Additionally, you can also make a special template for securing the device. This will reduce the need to manually adjust the angle.
This is interesting! Practice shows that Chinese teeth sharpening machines are popular due to their efficiency. Their main disadvantage is the cost, but if you have such a device at home, you can earn extra money from it.
As a conclusion, it should be noted that the chain is an important device in every chainsaw. It needs regular sharpening, and the longer you do not sharpen the teeth, the sooner the time will come to replace the device. It is important to understand that working with a tool with blunt teeth puts a lot of stress on the engine.
Who is the machine suitable for?
The sharpening device is definitely worth purchasing for the following categories of chainsaw owners:
- Owners of good quality equipment and consumables . Using the machine will allow you to sharpen using technology, minimizing the risk of ruining a good chain with “crooked hands.”
- For professionals who work in difficult conditions felling trees . In the unit of time that even an experienced person can spend on getting the chain into working condition, he can cut down several trees and earn money. If we are talking about a team, then we generally need a person who will only do sharpening. It is much more cost effective to purchase a machine. Most devices are electric, so their installation is advisable at a base or winter hut. Each lumberjack has two or three chains, he changes them during the day, and upon his return he sharpens them for the next working period.
- Inexperienced owners who have recently purchased a saw are going to use it at home, but they do it a little and a lot . For example, for regular firewood collection or during the construction of wooden structures. In this case, purchasing a machine will help make high-quality sharpening and sooner or later will recoup the money, and most importantly, the time saved thanks to the device.
At the same time, you need to honestly identify those people for whom it makes no sense to purchase a sharpening unit. This may be the case if the chainsaw is used very rarely, and the work being performed is not a responsible one. It is better to purchase another chain and replace it if it becomes dull, and then sharpen it in a workshop.
