Sawing wood with a chain saw leads to wear on the cutting edge of the saw link, that is, to dullness. This happens quite quickly. Hard knots, remains of earth, and small stones not only dull the chain, but can also lead to deformation of individual elements.
As a result, there is a decrease in productivity, an increase in the load on the saw’s gasoline or electric engine, and increased fuel consumption. Indicators of a dull chain saw are:
- shredding;
- increasing the applied load;
- appearance of dust;
- the cut darkens from overheating;
- the smell of burnt wood.
Basic rules for sharpening
The main mistake most people make is turning with standard round files in their workshops. This operation leads to damage to the working tooth, thereby grinding down the attacking part. Here are a few rules to always remember when sharpening:
- The overall dimensions of the teeth must be the same;
- The angle of the working links and the height of the limiter must match the passport data;
- Sharpen the teeth with a specialized round file;
- The angle of attack should be equal to 90º vertically and 10-30º horizontally.
Popular models of equipment for sharpening saw chains
On the woodworking equipment market in the professional tool category, the most popular models are Oregon 519789 (USA) and Stihl USG (Germany) .
Model "Oregon 519789"
In the group of machines for household use, the most popular models are “REZER EG85” (China) , “SADKO SCS 85Pro” (Slovenia) and “CHAMPION C2000” (China) .
"Oregon 519789"
The professional sharpening machine has a modern design and allows you to perform large volumes of work with high productivity in a workshop or workshop. Using it, you can sharpen chains for any type of chainsaw, with a thickness of 1.1 - 3.1 mm, in increments of 1/4″ - 3/4″ and at three cutting angles. The machine is equipped with a self-centering mechanism, as well as illumination of the sharpening area.
Main technical characteristics of "Oregon 519789":
- supply voltage - 220V/50Hz;
- electrical power – 0.214 kW;
- disk dimensions - 145x22.3 mm;
- sharpening disc thickness - 3.2/4.7/6.0 mm;
- weight – 6.0 kg.
Model "Stihl Hos"
"Stihl USG"
Professional machine for universal use. Using it you can sharpen saw chains and discs for brush cutters and other cutting equipment. The presence of a rotary support expands the functionality and ease of use of the machine.
Main technical characteristics of "Stihl USG":
- supply voltage - 220V/50Hz;
- electrical power – 0.18 kW;
- disk dimensions – 140×22.3 mm;
- weight – 8.8 kg.
"Rezer EG85"
The machine is intended for domestic use and is distinguished by high quality sharpening. The model is equipped with a protective screen and casing that protect the user and the electric motor, respectively.
Model "REZER EG85"
Main technical characteristics:
- supply voltage - 220V/50Hz;
- electrical power –0.085 kW;
- disk dimensions – 108×22.2 mm;
- weight – 3.1 kg.
Review of the REZER EG85 model:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_3506999.html
Another review about the model:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4394040.html
"Sadko SCS 85Pro"
The machine can be used for both domestic and professional use, the reason for this is the distinctive features of this model, which include: significant power and high productivity, accuracy of operations and ease of use. Main technical characteristics:
- supply voltage - 220V/50Hz;
- electrical power –0.085 kW;
- disk dimensions – 104×22.0 mm;
- weight – 2.5 kg.
Model "SADKO SCS 85 Pro"
"Champion C2000"
The machine for home use is compact in size and easy to use, which is ensured by the presence of a rotating work table. A durable casing is provided to protect the user. Main technical characteristics:
- supply voltage - 220V/50Hz;
- electrical power – 0.085 kW;
- disk dimensions – 105×23.0 mm;
- weight – 2.0 kg.
Model "Champion C2000"
If the chain is dull and there is no way to repair it
Way out. Each of you has a grinding machine (grinder) in your household. This tool can be used for sharpening. Many categorically do not accept this method, regulating the fact that there is a possibility of damaging the chain. As they say, a strong hand and skills in working with an angle grinder will solve the problem, the main thing is not to be afraid.
But it is worth remembering that incorrect chain sharpening angles lead to increased load on the saw and reduce its performance.
I have attached a video review of this method below. Here's how to sharpen a saw chain using a grinder. In this way you can sharpen from 4 to 7 times. The chain will no longer be suitable for sharpening.
The disadvantages of sharpening this way are:
- Possibility of damaging the chain;
- Lack of tool skills can lead to injury;
- It is very difficult for a beginner to catch the sharpening angle.
When should you sharpen your saw?
The first sign that the blade needs to be checked is increased feed. A good chain fits into the wood even with just a little pressure. The second signal is a decrease in chip thickness.
Proper sharpening of a chainsaw chain with your own hands involves maintaining optimal tilt angles:
- rear corner of the top edge – responsible for cutting into the material;
- rear corner of the end blade – cuts chips from the side;
- rake angle - determines the performance of the chain.
The size of the rake angle is formed by changing the slope of the trailing edge. The efficiency of working with different materials depends on the ratio of these indicators:
Now a little theory
Elements of working chain links can be classified as follows:
- Spatula;
- Depth stop;
- Base.
The working edges are located on the tooth blades. If sharpening is carried out according to the passport data, then you can achieve good results in sawing wood. Remember, the higher the sharpening angle, the easier it will be to cut soft wood. When sawing denser or frozen lumber, the sharpening angle is reduced. This approach will, in some cases, reduce end runout and make the chain softer in operation; in other cases, you can increase the productivity of the saw - in general, there is a different approach for each wood!
Purchasing a factory machine for sharpening chains for a private individual often becomes an unprofitable investment from the economic side. That's why you have to invent and chemistry the machine yourself.
How to sharpen a chain correctly
To correct dull chainsaw chain teeth, it is recommended to follow several rules.
Before starting work, you need to loosen the chain clamping screw and wash the saw set with gasoline to remove any remaining lubricant. Secure the chain with an adjusting wedge so that the teeth face the sharpener.
Note! It is important to observe the sharpening angle: 30 degrees for most models.
When sharpening a chainsaw chain on a machine, it is necessary to maintain proportionality: all cutting elements are adjusted to the size of the most worn tooth. Parameters recommended by the manufacturer: tilt 85 degrees, cutting depth 0.65 mm.
The teeth are sharpened sequentially or one at a time. After completion of the work, the chain is lubricated and tensioned.
What types of sharpening machines are there?
This equipment is divided into:
- Mobile;
- Stationary versions.
The stationary device is located in the workshop on a workbench or work table. The mobile machine, in turn, differs, as you may have guessed, in its overall dimensions, weight and sharpening speed. The main difference from the stationary version is that the chain will be sharpened manually using a round file. Easily suitable if you go to your summer cottage to work. Schematic diagram of mobile equipment, or you can even call this a photo or drawing - look below.
Features of choice
If a chainsaw chain fails, repairing it will be expensive. But sharpening it is often done at home. But first you need to choose the right equipment.
To do this, craftsmen take into account several parameters.
Productivity – I don’t need a powerful device to work at home. Sometimes experts use a handmade product. For industry, a more powerful option is suitable.
Dimensions – stationary devices used for chainsaw chains can be large in size; they are designed for a large number of products. You don't need such equipment for your home. In this case, the question arises where it will be stored, whether the owner has a separate room for working with wood.
Number of products processed - if the machine is not purchased for work in production, then a device that processes 1 chain at a time is sufficient.
It is additionally necessary to know what kind of chainsaw was purchased, this applies to the manufacturer. Popular manufacturers are:
- Stihl;
- Stern;
- Caliber.
First you need to look for reviews about the equipment.
We make a stationary machine
None of the machines can do without a base (bed). The old base from a bench vice can serve as a base. We drill holes in the workpiece for fastening to the workbench. Select the diameter of the holes to suit your taste.
A rotating bar with clamps is attached to the base, on which the chain will be put on and fixed when sharpening. The last element in this design, as you guessed, will be the sharpening device on the bracket.
Be sure to remember about adjusting the tilt of both the bracket and the electric drive of the sharpening device.
In our case, we use a 220 volt electric motor with a power of 85W as a drive. A grinder disc with a diameter of 125mm can serve as a working stone for sharpening. We connect a power cable with a cross section of 3*2.5mm to the engine.
At the bottom of the rotary rail we attach a scale with degrees of rotation, a reference point from 0 to 35º both left and right. If you wish, you can mount buttons to turn the drive on and off. For convenience, we mount a support handle on the engine body. It will allow you to raise and lower the drive during operation.
For full-fledged work, equip it with an LED flashlight, this will illuminate the sharpening work area and spark a protective screen from possible abrasive getting into your eyes, if you decide to work without safety glasses. So, in principle, the machine for sharpening the chain is ready. Watch the video review below.
The disadvantages of such equipment include:
- Requires 220V power supply;
- Dimensions;
- More difficult to manufacture than the mobile version.
Consumables
In electric sharpeners, special wheels are used to sharpen chains, which are gradually ground down.
Instructions for replacing the wheel are in the user manual, but we’ll talk about the characteristics that need to be taken into account when buying a new one.
The characteristics of the grinding wheel are as follows:
- grain size (the number of grains per square centimeter, the fewer grains, the smoother the sharpening);
- outside diameter;
- bore diameter;
- thickness.
Important: when purchasing a new wheel for a sharpening machine, you must make sure that the diameter of the mounting hole and the maximum diameter of the wheel correspond to the same parameters of the machine, otherwise the wheel will not fit.
The diameter of the mounting hole of the circle must exactly match the mounting sleeve of the machine; the outer diameter can be chosen a little smaller, this is not critical.
The choice of grinding wheel thickness depends on the size of the chain that you plan to sharpen. Circles with a thickness of 3.2 and 4.5 mm are mainly used.
A consumable material for manual machines is a file.
On our website you can find an article that describes in detail how to choose a file for sharpening a chain; you need to select a file for a manual machine in the same way.
Mobile machine
Now it's time to talk about the mobile version. The design of the mobile mechanism is similar to a bow saw. We use a specialized round file as a saw edge. Now let's talk about the details.
The base will be a plate with a fastening for a bar with clamps, on which the chain will be located. A bracket with a rotating mechanism and screws for adjustments is attached to the tire. We mount a file with a handle to this device. That's basically it. It's ready. Remember to take safety precautions when working.
Disadvantages of this device:
- Sharpening time (longer compared to a stationary machine);
- Longer sharpening time;
- If the link is severely damaged, sharpening it by hand will not be possible quickly.
If you still can’t make the machine for some technical reason, you can always use the sharpening kits that come with the chainsaw or buy a special kit in the store. Of course, this method will waste a lot of your precious time and effort.
Design and main characteristics of the product
Any device must have a base on which a clamping vice is located; in these places the chain is located and secured. There is a special tool on the working surface, through which the material is sharpened. At the same time, it is adapted taking into account the height of each specific tooth.
Saw sharpening device
The device contains a round and flat file, a template for calibration, and a hook for removing sawdust. The first type of file is used for the inner surface of the tooth.
This machine has the following main parameters:
- Power – the optimal indicator is 220 W. You should not pay attention to lower power.
- Dimensions of the working circle - the diameter of the tool ranges from 105–400 mm. It all depends on the material being processed.
- Large circles are installed on industrial devices.
- Additional properties - if the device provides rotation of the grinding head. In this case, sharpening is done with better quality.
- Spindle rotation speed – you need to consider where exactly the machine will be used.
If you choose it for a home workshop, then a device that provides 3 thousand revolutions per minute is enough. This is not enough for industry. In this case, you will need devices with a speed of 4.8 thousand revolutions.
Such equipment is not needed in every household, but if it is required, then it is important to choose the right machine. It all depends on the needs of production or individual farming.
Useful tips from professionals:
- Before work, break in the chain. It is necessary to remember that you need to run the chain at low speeds (about a minute). During this time, the sprocket and chain will warm up and the parts will rub against each other. The lubricant will perform its function. After the chain has cooled, adjust the chain tension;
- Inspect the chain. Watch the tension carefully. During the sawing process, especially when the chainsaw is tilted to one side, the chain experiences enormous stress. Due to poor tension, this leads to rupture of the connecting links. Follow safety rules when working with the tool;
- Carry out sharpening in a timely manner;
- Lubricate the saw chain regularly. Poor quality lubricant causes the chain to fly off the toe of the bar;
- It is forbidden to use mining for lubrication (although our craftsmen pour it into both Shtil and Husqvarna);
- After sharpening, it is necessary to allow the chain to cool and blow off mechanical dust with compressed air. After this, you can dip the chain in a container of clean oil. This procedure will not harm, but will only benefit. This procedure will extend the life of the product.
Share information with loved ones and friends on social networks. All the best. Good luck and see you again, Andrey Noak was with you!
Which is better to choose, manual or automatic?
Owners of chain saws often ask the question of which machine to choose, manual or automatic. It is impossible to answer this unequivocally, because they are completely different, although they are intended to perform the same task.
Alternatively, you can have both machines. Install the electric one permanently in the garage and use it to sharpen chains with serious damage to the cutting edge, for example, those that occur when the chain hits a nail. The manual machine can be taken into the plot, which will make it possible to correct the chain in the field.
